Plagiarism Screening Policy

1. Commitment to Originality

The Macedonian Journal of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (MJCCE) is committed to publishing original research of the highest scientific and ethical standards.

Plagiarism in any form constitutes unethical publishing behavior and is unacceptable.

2. Definition of Plagiarism

Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to:

  • Copying text, data, figures, or ideas from other sources without proper citation
  • Submitting work written wholly or partially by others without attribution
  • Self-plagiarism (duplicate publication or significant reuse of one's own previously published work without disclosure)
  • Paraphrasing substantial parts of another work without acknowledgment
  • Improper citation or misleading referencing

Both verbatim copying and close paraphrasing without attribution are considered plagiarism.

3. Screening Procedure

3.1 Pre-Review Screening

Submitted manuscripts are subject to similarity checking prior to peer review using plagiarism detection software.

The similarity report is evaluated by the Editorial Office and/or Editor-in-Chief.

3.2 Evaluation of Similarity Reports

A similarity index alone does not determine plagiarism. Each case is assessed individually, considering:

  • Nature of overlapping text
  • Location (methods vs. results/discussion)
  • Proper citation and quotation
  • Extent and proportion of similarity

Standard terminology and commonly used methodological descriptions are evaluated contextually.

4. Acceptable Similarity Thresholds

As a general guideline:

  • Minor similarity (e.g., <15–20%) due to references, methods, or standard phrases may be acceptable.
  • Moderate similarity may require revision and clarification.
  • Substantial similarity, particularly in results, discussion, or conclusions, is unacceptable.

The Journal reserves the right to make case-by-case determinations.

5. Types of Plagiarism and Journal Response

5.1 Minor Overlap

If limited overlap is detected:

  • Authors will be asked to revise the manuscript.
  • Proper citation and rewriting will be required before peer review proceeds.

5.2 Major Plagiarism

If significant plagiarism is identified:

  • The manuscript will be rejected.
  • Authors may be temporarily prohibited from submitting to the Journal.
  • The authors’ institution may be notified in serious cases.

5.3 Self-Plagiarism / Redundant Publication

Authors must disclose any prior dissemination of data (e.g., conference abstracts).

If redundant publication is identified:

  • The manuscript may be rejected.
  • Published articles may be corrected or retracted if necessary.

6. Post-Publication Plagiarism

If plagiarism is discovered after publication:

  • An investigation will be conducted.
  • A correction, expression of concern, or retraction may be issued in accordance with the Journal’s Retraction and Correction Policy.
  • The original article will remain part of the scholarly record but clearly marked.

7. Author Responsibilities

By submitting a manuscript, authors confirm that:

  • The work is original.
  • All sources have been properly cited.
  • Necessary permissions for copyrighted material have been obtained.
  • The manuscript is not under consideration elsewhere.

All authors share collective responsibility for the integrity of the submission.

8. Editorial Responsibility

The Editor-in-Chief and Editorial Board are responsible for:

  • Ensuring that plagiarism screening is performed consistently.
  • Treating allegations confidentially.
  • Making decisions in accordance with international ethical standards.

Investigations will follow the recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

9. Transparency and Fair Process

The Journal ensures:

  • Confidential handling of all allegations.
  • Opportunity for authors to respond.
  • Fair and evidence-based decision-making.

Sanctions, when necessary, are proportionate to the severity of the misconduct.

10. Policy Review

This policy may be updated periodically to reflect evolving best practices in scholarly publishing and ethical oversight.