1. Definition of Plagiarism

Plagiarism refers to the use of another person’s words, ideas, data, theories, figures, tables, arguments, or research findings without proper acknowledgment. It also includes presenting another author’s intellectual contribution as one’s own work.

• Copying text directly from another source without quotation marks and proper citation.
• Paraphrasing another author’s work without appropriate acknowledgment.
• Using ideas, theories, data, figures, tables, or research instruments without citation.
• Submitting the same or substantially similar manuscript to more than one journal.
• Reusing the author’s own previously published work without proper citation or disclosure.
• Using translated material from another source without proper attribution.
• Submitting manuscripts containing fabricated references, false citations, or unsupported academic claims.

2. Forms of Plagiarism and Similarity Misconduct

3. Manuscript Screening and Detection

All manuscripts submitted to SELI may be screened using similarity detection software such as Turnitin, iThenticate, or equivalent tools. Similarity screening is conducted to support originality, citation integrity, and responsible publication practice.

Manuscripts with excessive similarity, unattributed content, improper paraphrasing, citation manipulation, or suspicious references may be returned for revision, rejected before review, or investigated further by the editorial team.

4. Author Responsibilities

Authors are fully responsible for the originality, accuracy, and integrity of their manuscripts. Before submission, authors must ensure that all sources are properly cited, references are accurate, and no part of the manuscript violates academic ethics.

• Submit only original manuscripts that have not been published or submitted elsewhere.
• Use proper citation and quotation for all borrowed ideas, text, data, tables, and figures.
• Ensure that all references are real, accurate, relevant, and traceable.
• Avoid excessive text recycling from previous publications.
• Provide a similarity report when requested by the editorial team.
• Correct any ethical or citation problems identified during editorial screening or peer review.
• Ensure all co-authors approve the manuscript before submission.
• Disclose any use of generative AI tools where applicable.

5. AI Use, Originality, and Citation Integrity

SELI recognizes that AI-assisted tools may support academic writing when used responsibly. However, authors must ensure that AI tools do not compromise originality, research integrity, citation accuracy, or ethical responsibility.

6. Editorial Actions and Consequences

If plagiarism, duplicate publication, fabricated references, or other forms of misconduct are detected before or after publication, SELI will take appropriate action based on the severity of the case and the stage of publication.

7. Reviewer and Editor Responsibilities

Reviewers and editors are expected to support plagiarism prevention by identifying possible ethical issues during the editorial and peer review process.

• Reviewers should report suspected plagiarism, duplicate publication, or unethical citation practices to the editor.
• Editors should investigate suspected misconduct fairly and confidentially.
• Editors may request clarification, raw data, similarity reports, or additional documentation from authors.
• Editorial decisions must be based on evidence, academic merit, and ethical standards.

8. Ethical Commitment

SELI is committed to fostering a culture of academic integrity, transparency, and responsible publication. Authors, reviewers, editors, and the publisher share responsibility for maintaining the credibility of scholarly communication and protecting the integrity of the academic record.