Plagiarism Detection Policy

Plagiarism and Similarity Detection Policy

All manuscripts submitted to Aurum Académico Multidisciplinary Journal in Education are subject to mandatory similarity and originality screening as an integral part of the editorial process, prior to peer review and, when appropriate, during subsequent stages of the publication process.

The journal uses specialized similarity detection tools (such as Turnitin, iThenticate, or equivalent systems) as technical support for editorial assessment. Reports generated by these systems do not, by themselves, constitute an automatic criterion for acceptance or rejection. Instead, they are carefully evaluated by the editorial team, considering the context, nature, extent, and location of the identified similarities.

Interpretation of Similarity Indexes

Similarity percentages are interpreted in a contextual and indicative manner according to the following general ranges:

Similarity Index up to 15%

Generally considered acceptable, provided that the similarities correspond to properly referenced quotations, bibliographic references, conventional methodological descriptions, or commonly used technical terminology.

Similarity Index between 16% and 25%

Requires detailed editorial review. Authors may be requested to revise the manuscript, strengthen paraphrasing, improve citations, or reduce similarities before the editorial process continues.

Similarity Index between 26% and 40%

Considered potentially problematic. The manuscript may be returned for substantial revision or rejected, depending on the extent, relevance, and location of the overlapping content.

Similarity Index above 40%

Considered unacceptable and may indicate plagiarism or redundant publication. In such cases, the manuscript will be rejected without proceeding to peer review. If detected after publication, the article may be subject to formal correction, an 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 identified:

  • Reproduction of text, ideas, data, tables, or figures without proper attribution.
  • Plagiarism in substantial sections of the manuscript, including results, discussion, or conclusions.
  • Self-plagiarism or redundant publication without appropriate citation or explicit editorial justification.
  • Improper use of previously published material under incompatible licenses.
  • Inappropriate fragmentation of research findings for the purpose of increasing publication output (salami slicing).

Procedure in Cases of Suspected Plagiarism

When plagiarism, self-plagiarism, or redundant publication is suspected, the editorial team will:

  • Assess the severity, extent, and context of the case.
  • Request, when appropriate, a formal explanation from the corresponding author.
  • Adopt the necessary editorial measures, which may include:
    • Requesting revisions or corrections.
    • Rejecting the manuscript.
    • Issuing corrections, expressions of concern, or retractions.
    • Notifying affiliated institutions in particularly serious cases.

All decisions will be made in accordance with the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and internationally recognized standards of research integrity.

Originality Statement

By submitting a manuscript to Aurum Académico Multidisciplinary Journal in Education, authors declare and guarantee that the work is original, that all sources have been properly cited, and that the manuscript fully complies with this Plagiarism and Similarity Detection Policy. Failure to comply with these provisions constitutes a breach of editorial ethics and may result in the corresponding editorial actions.