Plagiarism Detection Policy

All manuscripts submitted to Nexus Científico Multidisciplinary Journal en Ingeniería y Tecnología (NCMJIT) are mandatorily subject to similarity control and originality verification as an integral part of the editorial process, prior to peer review and, where appropriate, at later stages of the process.

The journal uses specialized similarity detection tools, such as Turnitin, iThenticate or equivalent systems, as technical support for editorial analysis. The reports generated by these systems do not, by themselves, constitute an automatic criterion for acceptance or rejection. Such reports are carefully examined by the editorial team through a grounded academic evaluation, considering the context, nature, extent and location of the identified matches.

Interpretation of Similarity Indexes

Similarity percentages are analyzed in an indicative and contextual manner, according to the following general ranges:

Similarity index up to 15%

This is generally considered acceptable, provided that the matches correspond to properly referenced citations, bibliographic references, conventional methodological descriptions or commonly used technical terminology.

Similarity index between 16% and 25%

This requires detailed editorial review. In such cases, authors may be asked to revise the manuscript, strengthen paraphrasing, improve citation practices or reduce similarities before continuing with the editorial process.

Similarity index between 26% and 40%

This is considered potentially problematic. The manuscript may be returned for substantial revision or rejected, depending on the magnitude, relevance and location of the matching content.

Similarity index above 40%

This is considered unacceptable and may indicate plagiarism or redundant publication. In these cases, the manuscript will be rejected without proceeding to peer review. If such a situation is 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 detected:

  • Reproduction of texts, ideas, data, tables or figures without proper attribution.
  • Plagiarism in substantive sections of the manuscript, including results, discussion or conclusions.
  • Self-plagiarism or redundant publication without proper citation or explicit editorial justification.
  • Improper use of previously published material under incompatible licenses.
  • Inappropriate fragmentation of results for the purpose of multiplying publications, known as salami slicing.

Procedure in Cases of Suspected Plagiarism

When there is suspicion of plagiarism, self-plagiarism or redundant publication, the editorial team will proceed to:

  • Analyze the severity, extent and context of the case.
  • Request, where appropriate, a formal explanation from the corresponding author.
  • Adopt the relevant editorial measures, which may include:
    • Requesting modifications or corrections.
    • Rejecting the manuscript.
    • Issuing corrections, expressions of concern or retractions.
    • Notifying affiliated institutions in cases of particular severity.

All decisions will be made in accordance with the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and international standards of integrity in scientific publishing.

Originality Statement

By submitting a manuscript to Nexus Científico Multidisciplinary Journal en Ingeniería y Tecnología, authors declare and guarantee 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 comply with these provisions constitutes a violation of editorial ethics and may lead to the corresponding measures.