Plagiarism Policy

Plagiarism Policy

 

The Journal of Advanced Computer Science (JACS) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity and publishing ethics. Plagiarism in any form is considered unethical and unacceptable. JACS enforces a strict plagiarism policy to ensure originality, credibility, and transparency in all published research.

This policy aligns with best practices recommended by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

1. Definition of Plagiarism

Plagiarism refers to the use of another person’s work, ideas, data, or words without proper acknowledgement, making it appear as original work.

Plagiarism includes (but is not limited to):

  • Direct plagiarism: copying text word-for-word without quotation and citation

  • Paraphrasing plagiarism: rephrasing content without giving proper credit

  • Mosaic plagiarism: mixing copied phrases with original text without citation

  • Self-plagiarism: reusing one's own previously published work without disclosure

  • Image/figure plagiarism: using figures, tables, or illustrations without permission or citation

  • Data plagiarism: presenting data or results created by others as original

  • Duplicate publication: submitting or publishing the same paper in multiple venues

2. Similarity Screening

All submitted manuscripts undergo similarity screening using plagiarism detection software.

Acceptable Similarity Level

 The overall similarity index should be below 20%
 Similarity from a single source should not exceed 5%–10% (recommended)

 Similarity in the following sections is carefully monitored:

  • Abstract

  • Introduction

  • Results and Discussion

  • Conclusion

3. What is Allowed? (Acceptable Similarity)

JACS recognizes that some similarity is unavoidable, particularly in:

  • standard scientific terminology

  • methodology descriptions

  • references and bibliography

  • properly quoted or cited definitions

  • names of standards, algorithms, tools

However, excessive similarity—even with citations—may still be unacceptable if it reflects weak originality.

4. Author Responsibilities

Authors must ensure:

  • all borrowed text, ideas, and data are properly cited

  • quotations are used appropriately where necessary

  • manuscripts are original and not copied from theses, reports, or websites

  • reuse of authors’ own published work is disclosed and properly cited

Before submission, authors are encouraged to check their manuscript using plagiarism tools.

5. Actions Taken in Case of Plagiarism

If plagiarism is suspected or detected, JACS will take one or more of the following actions depending on severity:

5.1 Minor Similarity

Examples:

  • small copied fragments

  • missing citation in limited sections

Action:

  • manuscript returned to authors for correction and resubmission

5.2 Moderate Plagiarism

Examples:

  • multiple copied paragraphs

  • strong similarity in introduction/literature sections

Action:

  • manuscript rejected

  • authors notified with plagiarism report

5.3 Severe Plagiarism

Examples:

  • significant copying of research content, methods, results

  • plagiarism of tables, figures, or datasets

  • submission of a fully copied manuscript

Action:

  • immediate rejection

  • author(s) may be banned from submitting for a defined period

  • notification may be sent to the authors’ institution (if required)

6. Self-Plagiarism and Redundant Publication

Self-plagiarism is not permitted unless:

  • properly cited

  • clearly disclosed

  • limited to acceptable reuse (e.g., methodology with citation)

Manuscripts that significantly overlap with previously published work will be rejected.

7. Plagiarism in Published Articles

If plagiarism is discovered after publication, JACS may take actions such as:

  • publishing a correction

  • issuing an expression of concern

  • retracting the article

  • notifying institutions and indexing services

These actions follow COPE Retraction Guidelines.

8. Plagiarism Reports and Transparency

Authors may be asked to submit:

  • plagiarism/similarity report

  • explanation letter if similarity is detected

  • updated corrected manuscript

All decisions are taken by the editorial board and Editor-in-Chief.