Journal of Sustainable Civil Engineering and Technology (JSCET)

1. Plagiarism Screening

JSCET uses plagiarism detection software together with editorial assessment to identify:

• plagiarism or unattributed use of another person’s work
• self-plagiarism or inappropriate reuse of previously published material
• duplicate or redundant publication
• inappropriate paraphrasing or failure to acknowledge sources
• unauthorized reuse of figures, tables, images or data

All manuscripts are subject to originality screening at the discretion of the editorial office.

2. Similarity Assessment

Similarity reports are assessed by editors in context and are not evaluated solely on the basis of a numerical score. Editors consider the nature, extent and location of the overlap as well as whether the source has been properly cited.

As an indicative screening threshold JSCET generally expects:

• Overall similarity: 20% or below
• Similarity from a single source: 5% or below

These thresholds are used as editorial screening indicators rather than as definitive evidence of plagiarism. References, properly cited quotations and standard technical or methodological terminology may contribute to similarity scores and may be excluded from consideration where appropriate.

A manuscript exceeding the indicative threshold may not constitute plagiarism when the identified overlap is legitimate and properly attributed. Conversely, a manuscript below the threshold may still be considered to contain plagiarism when substantial unattributed material affects the originality or scholarly contribution of the work.

3. Unacceptable Practices

JSCET considers the following practices unacceptable:

• presenting another person’s words, ideas, data or work as one’s own without proper attribution
• paraphrasing or substantially reproducing published material without appropriate citation
• reusing substantial portions of an author’s previously published work without proper citation and disclosure
• submitting substantially the same manuscript to more than one journal simultaneously
• republishing previously published material without appropriate disclosure and justification
• reusing figures, tables, images or data without appropriate attribution or permission where required

Authors are responsible for ensuring that all sources are properly acknowledged and that their manuscripts contain a sufficiently original scholarly contribution.

4. Self-Plagiarism and Redundant Publication

Authors must disclose relevant previous publications and manuscripts that substantially overlap with the submitted work. Previously published material must be appropriately cited and the new manuscript must provide a clear and meaningful scholarly contribution.

JSCET does not accept redundant or duplicate publication intended to present substantially the same research as multiple independent publications.

5. Data and Image Integrity

Authors must ensure that all data, figures, tables and images presented in their manuscripts are accurate and appropriately sourced. Fabrication, falsification or misleading manipulation of research data or images is prohibited.

Where necessary editors may request original data, image files or other supporting materials to assess the integrity of the research.

6. Editorial Assessment and Investigation

When potential plagiarism or related publication misconduct is identified the Editor-in-Chief or handling editor may:

1. review the similarity report and relevant manuscript content
2. request an explanation or supporting evidence from the authors
3. conduct additional checks or seek appropriate editorial advice
4. assess the matter in accordance with relevant COPE guidance
5. determine the appropriate editorial action based on the available evidence

Investigations are handled fairly and confidentially. Authors are given a reasonable opportunity to respond to allegations before a final decision is made where appropriate.

7. Editorial Actions and Sanctions

When plagiarism or related publication misconduct is confirmed JSCET may take one or more of the following actions depending on the severity and circumstances of the case:

• reject the manuscript
• withdraw a manuscript from consideration
• retract a published article
• publish a correction, retraction or other editorial notice
• restrict future submissions from the responsible author or authors for a specified period
• notify the author’s institution or other relevant authority where appropriate

JSCET determines the appropriate action based on the nature and seriousness of the misconduct and relevant COPE guidance.

8. Post-Publication Concerns

If plagiarism or other publication misconduct is identified after publication JSCET will assess the concern and take appropriate corrective action. This may include publishing a correction, issuing an editorial notice or retracting the article.

Post-publication notices will be linked to the affected article to maintain a transparent and accurate scholarly record.

9. Appeals and Complaints

Authors may appeal decisions related to plagiarism or publication misconduct by submitting a written appeal to the editorial office. The appeal must clearly state the grounds for reconsideration and provide relevant supporting evidence.

The Editor-in-Chief will review the appeal and may seek advice from independent editorial board members or other appropriate experts. The decision following an appeal is final.