1. Plagiarism Policy

GEE does not tolerate plagiarism, self-plagiarism, duplicate publication, or other forms of academic misconduct. Authors must ensure that their manuscripts are original and that all ideas, statements, data, and materials obtained from other sources are properly cited and referenced. Manuscripts containing plagiarized or improperly reproduced material may be rejected or subjected to further editorial investigation.

2. Forms of Plagiarism

The following practices are considered forms of plagiarism or publication misconduct:

• Direct plagiarism: Copying words, sentences, or paragraphs from another source without proper quotation or acknowledgment.
• Self-plagiarism: Reusing substantial portions of one's previously published work without appropriate citation or disclosure.
• Mosaic plagiarism: Combining phrases or ideas from multiple sources without adequate acknowledgment.
• Paraphrasing plagiarism: Rewriting another author's ideas or arguments without providing proper citation.
• Data or image plagiarism: Using tables, figures, photographs, instruments, or research data from other sources without appropriate acknowledgment or permission when required.
• Duplicate or redundant publication: Submitting or publishing substantially similar work in more than one journal without proper disclosure.

3. Similarity Checking

All manuscripts submitted to GEE may be screened using plagiarism detection software to identify similarities with previously published articles, books, websites, and other academic sources.

The editorial team evaluates similarity reports carefully by considering the context, source of similarity, proper citation, quotations, references, and the originality of the manuscript. A similarity percentage alone does not determine whether plagiarism has occurred.

4. Similarity Threshold

Manuscripts are expected to demonstrate a high level of originality. The editorial team assesses similarity reports on a case-by-case basis and considers the nature and extent of matched content. Authors may be asked to revise sections containing excessive or improperly acknowledged similarities. Meeting a particular similarity score does not automatically guarantee acceptance, and a low score does not necessarily establish that a manuscript is free from plagiarism.

5. Responsibilities of Authors

Authors are responsible for ensuring the originality and integrity of their submissions. They must:

• Submit manuscripts that are original and have not been published or simultaneously submitted elsewhere.
• Provide appropriate citations and references for all ideas, quotations, data, and materials taken from other sources.
• Use quotation marks and appropriate citations when reproducing exact wording from other publications.
• Obtain permission to reproduce copyrighted materials when necessary.
• Disclose any substantial overlap with their previously published or submitted work.
• Review their manuscripts carefully before submission to ensure compliance with academic integrity standards.

6. Editorial Actions in Cases of Plagiarism

If plagiarism or suspected academic misconduct is identified, the editorial team will assess the case and take appropriate action based on the seriousness and nature of the violation.

• The manuscript may be returned to the authors for clarification or correction.
• The manuscript may be rejected if substantial plagiarism or serious ethical violations are confirmed.
• The authors may be asked to provide explanations or supporting documentation.
• If misconduct is discovered after publication, the journal may publish a correction, an expression of concern, or a retraction, depending on the circumstances.
• The editorial team may take further action in accordance with applicable publication ethics standards.

7. Confidentiality and Fair Assessment

Similarity reports and related editorial assessments are treated as confidential. The editorial team evaluates each case objectively and fairly, ensuring that authors have an opportunity to respond to concerns before a final decision is made, where appropriate.