🔍 Definition of Plagiarism

Plagiarism is defined as the use of others’ work, ideas, data, text, images, or results without appropriate acknowledgment or permission, and presenting them as one’s own.

Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to:

• Direct plagiarism – copying text verbatim without quotation marks or citation
• Self-plagiarism – reuse of substantial parts of one’s own previously published work without disclosure or citation
• Mosaic plagiarism – mixing copied phrases with original text without proper attribution
• Paraphrasing plagiarism – rephrasing another author’s work without appropriate citation
• Image plagiarism – reuse or manipulation of images without permission or attribution
• Data plagiarism – presenting data, tables, or results from other sources as original

🧠 Use of Plagiarism Detection Software

All submitted manuscripts are screened for plagiarism using Turnitin plagiarism detection software during the editorial and peer review process.

Turnitin is used to:

• Detect textual overlap with published and unpublished sources
• Identify potential cases of plagiarism or redundant publication
• Support editorial decision-making

Similarity reports are evaluated qualitatively, not solely based on percentage.

📊 Acceptable Similarity Thresholds

While no single similarity percentage guarantees acceptability, Lumina Quest Publishing generally applies the following guidelines:

• Overall similarity index: should normally be below 30%
• Similarity from a single source: should not exceed 3–5%
• Properly cited references, methods descriptions, and standard terminology may be excluded from assessment

Editorial judgment is applied in all cases.

🚫 Unacceptable Practices

The following are considered unethical and unacceptable:

• Submission of plagiarized manuscripts
• Duplicate or redundant publication
• Salami slicing (fragmenting one study into multiple papers)
• Fabricated or AI-generated references
• Undisclosed reuse of text, data, or figures
• Excessive similarity even with citation, where originality is compromised

🔄 Handling of Plagiarism

Before Publication
If plagiarism is detected prior to publication:

• Minor overlap: authors may be asked to revise and properly cite sources
• Significant plagiarism: manuscript will be rejected outright
• Severe or deliberate plagiarism: may result in a submission ban

After Publication
If plagiarism is identified after publication:

• A correction, expression of concern, or retraction may be issued
• Authors’ institutions or funding bodies may be notified
• The article may be permanently marked as retracted

All actions are taken in accordance with COPE guidelines.

🧑‍🔬 Author Responsibilities

Authors are responsible for:

• Ensuring originality of submitted work
• Properly citing all sources
• Obtaining permissions for reused material
• Disclosing any prior publication or overlap
• Verifying that AI-assisted tools have not introduced plagiarized content

A declaration of originality is required at submission.

🧪 Reviewer and Editor Responsibilities

• Reviewers should report suspected plagiarism to the editorial office
• Editors investigate suspected cases confidentially
• Editorial decisions are made objectively and ethically

⚖️ Consequences of Plagiarism

Confirmed plagiarism may result in:

• Manuscript rejection
• Article retraction
• Public notice of misconduct
• Notification of institutions or authorities
• Restriction or permanent ban on future submissions

📌 Policy Applicability

This Plagiarism Policy applies to all journals published by Lumina Quest Publishing, unless otherwise stated on an individual journal’s website.