Plagiarism and Similarity Detection Policies
All manuscripts submitted to Star of Sciences Multidisciplinary Journal are subject to mandatory similarity screening and originality verification as an integral part of the editorial process, prior to peer review and, where necessary, at subsequent stages of evaluation.
The journal uses specialized similarity detection software (such as Turnitin, iThenticate, or equivalent systems) as technical support for editorial assessment. Similarity reports do not constitute, by themselves, an automatic criterion for acceptance or rejection. These reports are carefully examined by the editorial team through informed academic judgment, taking into account the context, nature, extent, and location of the identified matches.
Interpretation of Similarity Indexes
Similarity percentages are interpreted in an indicative and contextual manner according to the following general ranges:
Similarity index up to 15%
Generally considered acceptable, provided that the overlap corresponds to properly cited quotations, bibliographic references, standard methodological descriptions, or commonly used technical terminology.
Similarity index between 16% and 25%
Subject to detailed editorial review. In such cases, authors may be required to revise the manuscript, strengthen paraphrasing, improve citation practices, or reduce overlapping content before the editorial process proceeds.
Similarity index between 26% and 40%
Considered potentially problematic. The manuscript may be returned for substantial revision or rejected, depending on the magnitude, relevance, and location of the overlapping material.
Similarity index above 40%
Considered unacceptable and potentially indicative of plagiarism or redundant publication. In such cases, the manuscript will be rejected without proceeding to peer review. If detected after publication, the article may be subject to formal correction, expression of concern, or retraction, as appropriate.
Unacceptable Practices
Regardless of the overall similarity percentage, a manuscript may be rejected if any of the following practices are identified:
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Unattributed reproduction of text, ideas, data, tables, or figures.
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Plagiarism in substantive sections of the manuscript, including results, discussion, or conclusions.
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Self-plagiarism or redundant publication without appropriate citation or explicit editorial justification.
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Improper reuse of material previously published under incompatible licensing terms.
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Inappropriate fragmentation of research findings for the purpose of generating multiple publications (“salami slicing”).
Procedure in Cases of Suspected Plagiarism
In cases of suspected plagiarism, self-plagiarism, or redundant publication, the editorial team will:
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Assess the seriousness, extent, and context of the case.
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Request, where appropriate, a formal explanation from the corresponding author.
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Implement the appropriate editorial measures, which may include:
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Requesting revisions or corrections,
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Rejecting the manuscript,
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Issuing corrections, expressions of concern, or retractions,
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Notifying affiliated institutions in cases of significant severity.
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All decisions are made in accordance with the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and internationally recognized standards of integrity in scholarly publishing.
Declaration of Originality
By submitting a manuscript to Star of Sciences Multidisciplinary Journal, authors declare and warrant that the work is original, that all sources have been properly cited, and that the content fully complies with this plagiarism and similarity detection policy. Failure to adhere to these principles constitutes a breach of editorial ethics and may result in the corresponding corrective actions.
