Similarity reports are evaluated by editors, not treated as automatic findings of misconduct.

All submitted manuscripts undergo an originality and similarity assessment as part of initial editorial screening. JICE uses Turnitin Similarity to compare manuscript text with available scholarly publications and other indexed sources. Screening may be repeated following revision or before final publication.

The editorial team examines the sources, extent, and context of overlapping material. Properly cited quotations, reference lists, common technical terminology, equations, descriptions of established engineering tests, and standard methods may account for legitimate similarities. Relevant overlap is assessed in context rather than by its percentage alone.

A similarity report identifies potential text matches. It does not, by itself, establish plagiarism. Editors review suspected unattributed copying, inappropriate paraphrasing, reuse of published text or illustrations, duplicate publication, and the misappropriation of data or research findings.

A numerical screening threshold must always be interpreted alongside the sources and nature of the overlap.

JICE applies a maximum similarity index of 25% as its journal-specific editorial screening standard. This threshold is an internal evaluation criterion and is not presented as a universal standard established by similarity-checking software.

• A manuscript with a similarity score above 25% will normally be returned for explanation, correction, and resubmission when the overlap appears remediable. Substantial plagiarism may warrant rejection without an invitation to revise.
• A manuscript with a score at or below 25% is not automatically free from plagiarism. Significant unattributed copying, improper reuse of data or figures, and other ethical concerns may still require investigation.
• Editors consider which report settings and exclusions have been applied, and assess substantive matches before making a decision. Authors must not manipulate submissions or citations merely to reduce the numerical similarity score.

Cases are classified by the seriousness of the substantiated conduct, not by percentage bands alone.

The one-year and five-year restrictions reflect JICE’s disciplinary policy and are not sanctions prescribed by COPE or by Turnitin Similarity. Sanctions are considered only after a documented, fair assessment.

The journal distinguishes suspected overlap from confirmed misconduct.

• When potential plagiarism is identified, the editor examines the relevant manuscript passages, comparison sources, and other available evidence before deciding whether formal clarification is required.
• The corresponding author is informed of the concern and given a reasonable opportunity to provide an explanation, evidence, or a revised manuscript, as appropriate. The editorial office may contact other co-authors or relevant institutions when necessary.
• All listed authors share responsibility for the integrity of the submitted work. Any individual submission restriction must follow consideration of the available evidence and the involvement or responsibilities of the authors concerned; a similarity score alone cannot justify a penalty.
• Cases are handled confidentially and consistently. Editors with relevant conflicts of interest must not decide the matter. Final decisions and reasons are recorded and communicated through the journal’s official editorial channels.
• Authors may submit a reasoned appeal in accordance with JICE’s Allegations of Research Misconduct Policy.

Post-publication action must protect the reliability and transparency of the scholarly record.

Suspected plagiarism involving a published JICE article is evaluated under the journal’s publication ethics and research misconduct procedures. Editors assess the evidence, consult the authors as appropriate, and determine whether the concern materially affects attribution, originality, copyright, or the reliability of the published work.

Depending on the findings, JICE may publish a correction, expression of concern, or retraction. Such notices will be made accessible and linked to the original article in accordance with the journal’s policies. Serious matters may be referred to the appropriate institution or authority when necessary.

For details, consult Allegations of Research Misconduct and Correction and Retraction.

JICE promotes originality through transparent rules and proportionate editorial responses.

JICE expects authors to acknowledge sources accurately, report original research honestly, and comply with the journal’s publication ethics. The editorial team will implement similarity screening consistently, provide a fair opportunity for clarification, document substantiated decisions, and seek to prevent unethical publication practices.

This policy will be reviewed periodically to maintain consistency with the journal’s actual editorial workflow and recognized guidance on scholarly publication ethics.