PLAGIARISM

Plagiarism Screening Policy

Journal of Computer Science and Technology (JOCSTEC) upholds the highest standards of academic integrity and publication ethics. Plagiarism, data fabrication, and duplicate submission violate the core principles of scholarly publishing and will not be tolerated. All manuscripts submitted to JOCSTEC undergo rigorous plagiarism screening before entering the peer-review process.

1. Plagiarism Screening Software

Every submitted manuscript is screened for similarity and originality using Turnitin / iThenticate similarity detection software. The editorial team verifies all similarity reports manually to ensure context and accuracy.

2. Permissible Similarity Threshold

JOCSTEC enforces a strict maximum overall similarity threshold:

  • Maximum Allowable Similarity Index: Below 20% (< 20%)

  • Single-Source Similarity: No single source may exceed 3% similarity, even if the total index remains below 20%.

Note on Screening Parameters:

  • Bibliography, references, and citation lists are excluded from the similarity calculation.

  • Common institutional affiliations, standard methodology descriptions, and properly quoted text (enclosed in quotation marks with direct citations) are evaluated in context by the handling editor.

3. Action Tiers Based on Screening Results

Based on the similarity report generated during the initial desk evaluation, the editorial board applies the following actions:

  • Similarity Index < 20%: The manuscript passes technical screening and proceeds directly to the double-blind peer review process.

  • Similarity Index between 20% – 30%: The manuscript is returned to the corresponding author with the similarity report for mandatory revision, rephrasing, and proper citation before it can be considered for review.

  • Similarity Index > 30%: The manuscript is subject to immediate Desk Rejection without entering peer review.

  • Severe Academic Misconduct: Any instance of direct verbatim copying without citation, falsification of data, unauthorized translation of existing work, or wholesale text recycling is rejected outright, and the authors' home institution may be notified if necessary.

4. Self-Plagiarism & Text Recycling

Authors must not reuse substantial portions of their own previously published papers without proper attribution. When building upon prior published works, authors are required to cite the original source clearly and explain novel theoretical, empirical, or methodological contributions.

5. Post-Publication Detection & Retraction

If plagiarism or copyright infringement is substantiated after an article has been published, JOCSTEC will issue a formal retraction or expression of concern in accordance with the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). The article will remain visible on the journal platform marked with a prominent "RETRACTED" watermark, accompanied by a public retraction statement detailing the rationale.