At the Xpertno International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research (XIJIR), we uphold the highest standards of academic integrity. Originality and proper attribution are essential to maintaining trust in the scholarly record.

 

Plagiarism and Similarity Screening Policy

1. Definition of Plagiarism

Plagiarism refers to the use of another person’s ideas, words, data, images, or other original material without appropriate acknowledgment. This includes, but is not limited to:

·        Verbatim copying without quotation and citation

·        Paraphrasing without citation

·        Uncredited use of ideas, theories, methods, or data

·        Unauthorised reuse of copyrighted text, tables, figures, or images

·        Self-plagiarism/duplicate publication (substantial overlap with the author’s own prior work without proper citation and justification)

2. Similarity Screening Stages

All manuscripts submitted to XIJIR undergo a mandatory similarity screening at the pre-review (desk evaluation) stage. Additional similarity checks may be conducted at later stages of the editorial process, including after revisions or prior to publication, where deemed necessary by the editorial team.

3. Similarity Thresholds and Editorial Judgment

Similarity reports are assessed contextually, taking into account the location, nature, and extent of overlap.

As a general guideline:

·        A similarity index below 15% is typically considered acceptable, provided that overlap is confined to references, commonly used terminology, quotations, or standard methodological descriptions.

·        A similarity index between 15% and 25% may require author clarification, revision, or further editorial review.

·        A similarity index above 25% may raise serious concerns and can result in desk rejection or further investigation.

These percentages serve as indicative thresholds only. Editorial decisions are not based solely on numerical similarity scores, and the journal reserves the right to reject a manuscript at any similarity level if overlap compromises originality, or to accept a manuscript with higher similarity where overlap is justified and properly cited.

4. Consequences of Plagiarism

If plagiarism is suspected or confirmed:

·        Before peer review: the manuscript may be rejected at desk stage

·        After publication: the journal may issue a correction, expression of concern, or retraction, depending on severity

In cases of serious misconduct, XIJIR may impose submission restrictions on the author(s) for a defined period.

5. Author Responsibilities

Authors are responsible for ensuring that:

·        The manuscript is original and appropriately cited

·        All reused materials (tables, figures, images, instruments) have required permissions

·        Any prior related publications are disclosed and properly cited

·        The submission does not violate copyright or ethical standards

6. Appeals

Authors may appeal plagiarism-related decisions by submitting a written explanation and supporting evidence. The editorial decision after review of the appeal will be final.

 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use and Disclosure

XIJIR recognizes that authors may use AI-assisted tools (e.g., for language polishing, formatting, or limited drafting support). However, AI use must not compromise academic integrity, authorship transparency, or originality.

·        AI tools cannot be listed as authors and cannot take responsibility for the work.

·        Authors must ensure that all content—including AI-assisted content—is accurate, original, and properly cited.

·        AI-generated or AI-assisted text must not include fabricated references, fabricated data, or unverified claims.

·        Where AI tools have been used beyond minor language editing (e.g., generating substantial text, analysis narratives, or translations), authors must include a brief AI Use Statement in the manuscript (e.g., in Acknowledgements or a dedicated note), describing the tool and purpose of use.

·        The corresponding author remains fully responsible for the manuscript’s integrity, including any AI-assisted components.