Definition of Plagiarism
Plagiarism is defined as the use of another's ideas, words, data, images, or other original material without proper acknowledgement. IJDIR regards plagiarism in all its forms as a serious breach of publication ethics.
Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to:
- Copying text, figures, or tables from published or unpublished sources without citation
- Paraphrasing another's work without acknowledgement
- Presenting another's data or results as one's own
- Using others' ideas or concepts without attribution
- Submitting a manuscript written in whole or part by someone other than the listed authors
Screening Process
All manuscripts submitted to IJDIR are subjected to plagiarism screening using industry-standard similarity detection software before they are sent for peer review. The Editorial Office conducts this check, and results are reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief.
🛡 Pre-Review Screening
Plagiarism screening is mandatory and automatic for every submission. No manuscript proceeds to peer review without passing the similarity check.
Similarity Thresholds
| Similarity Index | Action Taken |
|---|---|
| < 15% | Acceptable — manuscript proceeds to peer review |
| 15% – 30% | Manuscript returned to authors for revision and re-submission |
| > 30% | Manuscript rejected without review; authors notified |
| Any % with verbatim copying | Immediate rejection regardless of overall similarity score |
Note: Similarity score thresholds are indicative. Even manuscripts below 15% may be rejected if verbatim copying of substantial passages is detected.
Types of Plagiarism Addressed
Direct Plagiarism
Word-for-word copying of text from a source without quotation marks or citation. This is the most serious form and will result in immediate rejection.
Mosaic Plagiarism
Borrowing phrases or sentences from a source and mixing them with one's own writing without proper attribution, even if some words are changed.
Paraphrasing Plagiarism
Restating another's ideas in different words without acknowledgement. Paraphrasing requires citation just as direct quotation does.
Image & Data Plagiarism
Reproducing figures, radiographs, clinical photographs, tables, or datasets from published work without permission and proper attribution.
Self-Plagiarism & Duplicate Submission
Self-plagiarism occurs when an author reuses substantial portions of their previously published work without citation or disclosure. IJDIR does not permit:
- Simultaneous submission of the same manuscript to more than one journal
- Publication of the same research in multiple journals without clear cross-referencing
- Submission of a manuscript that is a minor revision of a previously published article presented as new work
🚫 Zero Tolerance
Discovery of duplicate submission will result in immediate rejection. If discovered post-publication, the article will be retracted and the authors' institutions notified.
Consequences of Plagiarism
Depending on the severity, IJDIR may take one or more of the following actions:
- Rejection of the manuscript without further consideration
- Notification of the authors' institutions or funding bodies
- Retraction of the published article with a public retraction notice
- Permanent ban on future submissions from the implicated authors
- Reporting to relevant professional bodies or ethics committees
Last reviewed and updated: January 2025. This policy is subject to periodic review by the Editorial Board of IJDIR.