Plagiarism Detection and Similarity Policy

At the Bolivian Journal of Scientific Research, all submitted manuscripts undergo mandatory similarity screening and plagiarism detection procedures as an integral part of the editorial process. This verification is conducted prior to the initiation of peer review and, when necessary, at subsequent stages of the editorial workflow or before publication.

To support this process, the journal employs specialized similarity detection tools (such as Turnitin, iThenticate, or equivalent systems), which serve as technical instruments for editorial assessment. However, the reports generated by these tools do not constitute, by themselves, an automatic basis for acceptance or rejection. Their interpretation is the responsibility of the editorial team, which conducts a rigorous academic evaluation 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 thresholds:

Similarity index up to 15%
Generally considered acceptable, provided that the matches correspond to properly cited quotations, bibliographic references, standardized methodological descriptions, or commonly used technical terminology within the discipline.

Similarity index between 16% and 25%
Subject to editorial review. In such cases, authors may be required to revise the manuscript by improving paraphrasing, strengthening citation practices, or reducing textual overlap before proceeding further in the editorial process.

Similarity index between 26% and 40%
Considered 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 potentially indicative of plagiarism or redundant publication. Manuscripts within this range will be rejected without entering the peer review process. If detected after publication, the article may be subject to correction, 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:

Unattributed copying of text, ideas, data, tables, or figures.
Plagiarism in substantive sections of the manuscript, such as results, discussion, or conclusions.
Self-plagiarism or redundant publication without proper citation or valid editorial justification.
Inappropriate reuse of previously published material under incompatible licensing conditions.
Improper fragmentation of research findings (salami slicing).

Procedure in Cases of Suspected Plagiarism

In cases of detected or suspected plagiarism, self-plagiarism, or redundant publication, the editorial team of the Bolivian Journal of Scientific Research will:

Assess the severity, scope, and context of the case.
Request a formal explanation from the corresponding author when necessary.
اتخاذ appropriate editorial actions, which may include:
– Requesting corrections
– Rejecting the manuscript
– Issuing corrections, expressions of concern, or retractions
– Notifying affiliated institutions in cases of serious misconduct

All actions will be carried out in accordance with the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and internationally recognized best practices in publication ethics.

Statement of Originality

By submitting a manuscript, authors declare and guarantee that the work is original, that all sources have been properly cited, and that the content fully complies with this plagiarism detection and similarity policy. Failure to adhere to these principles constitutes a serious breach of editorial ethics and may result in appropriate corrective actions.

Plagiarism Detection and Similarity Policy