Plagiarism & Screening Policy

Last Updated: 04/09/2025

TheSustainImpact is committed to upholding the highest standards of publication integrity. All submissions are screened for plagiarism, inappropriate text recycling, and related forms of publication misconduct. This policy applies to the TheSustainImpact Conference Proceedings Series (ISSN 3051-7362) and to future journals published under TheSustainImpact, and is aligned with COPE Core Practices.

1. Scope and Definitions

  • Plagiarism: Presenting another’s ideas, methods, data, figures, or text as one’s own without appropriate attribution, including close paraphrasing that mirrors structure or argument.
  • Self-plagiarism / Redundant publication: Reuse of substantial parts of one’s own published work without citation, or submission of highly overlapping manuscripts to multiple venues.
  • Text recycling: Limited and well-cited reuse of standard methods or background can be acceptable if transparently referenced and not misleading about novelty.
  • Image manipulation: Adjustments that misrepresent data (e.g., selective enhancement, splicing, duplication) are prohibited.
  • Peer-review manipulation: Any attempt to improperly influence peer review is misconduct.

2. Screening Tools and Stages

  • Similarity Detection: All submissions are screened using recognized plagiarism-detection software (e.g., iThenticate or Turnitin). Editors may request clarifications or annotated responses to similarity reports.
  • Image Checks: Where appropriate, images/figures may be screened using forensic tools or manual checks for duplication and manipulation.
  • Multiple Stages: Screening can occur at initial submission, during revision, and immediately prior to acceptance/production.

Note: Numeric similarity scores are interpreted in context (e.g., references, standard phrasing, methodology). Decisions are based on qualitative assessment, not on a single percentage.

3. Author Responsibilities

  • Submit only original work not under consideration elsewhere.
  • Provide proper citations for all reused text, ideas, data, code, and images.
  • Disclose prior dissemination (preprints, theses, working papers) at submission.
  • Ensure all files (including revised versions) are free of plagiarism and inappropriate reuse.
  • Respond promptly to editorial queries regarding similarity findings, supplying explanations and revisions as needed.

4. Generative AI and Assistive Tools

  • Generative AI or language tools cannot be credited as authors.
  • Any use of AI (text, images, code, translation, summarization) must be disclosed in the manuscript, with authors accepting full responsibility for accuracy, originality, permissions, and privacy.
  • Do not input confidential or personal data into third-party AI systems without a valid legal basis and consent.

5. Handling Suspected Overlap or Misconduct

Editors evaluate suspected cases following COPE guidance. Depending on severity and intent, actions may include:

  • Minor unattributed overlap: Request for correction and resubmission, with improved citation and/or rewriting.
  • Significant unattributed overlap or duplication: Rejection of the manuscript; notification to authors’ institutions may be considered.
  • Post-publication findings: Publication of a correction, editor’s note, expression of concern, or retraction, as appropriate.
  • Repeat or egregious misconduct: Temporary submission bans for a defined period.

6. Revisions and Author Responses

  • Where overlap is remediable, authors may be invited to revise and provide a point-by-point response, a clean manuscript, and a tracked-changes file.
  • Failure to adequately address overlap may result in rejection.

7. Citation and Reuse Standards

  • Use accurate, sufficient citations; avoid citation padding, manipulation, or coercive/self-serving patterns.
  • When reusing elements (e.g., figures, large text blocks), obtain permissions as required and clearly indicate reuse/source.
  • For extended journal versions of conference papers, cite the earlier version and clearly explain substantive advances.

8. Appeals and Complaints

  • Authors may appeal decisions with specific, evidence-based reasons. Appeals are reviewed by a senior editor not involved in the original decision; outcomes are final for that submission.
  • Readers, reviewers, or third parties may submit confidential concerns about published content to editorial@thesustainimpact.com.

10. Contact

Questions about this policy, similarity screening, or potential misconduct can be directed to the Editorial Office: editorial@thesustainimpact.com.