Plagiarism Policy
The Uzbek Journal "Problems of Mechanics" is committed to publishing original research and maintaining high standards of academic integrity.
The journal does not accept plagiarism, inappropriate text reuse, duplicate publication, or the unauthorized use of another person’s intellectual contribution.
All submitted manuscripts may be checked using Turnitin or another appropriate similarity-detection system. Similarity reports are reviewed by the Editorial Office before a manuscript proceeds to peer review or publication.
A similarity report is only a screening instrument. The similarity percentage alone does not establish whether plagiarism has occurred. Editors assess each identified match according to its source, extent, location, context, and attribution.
Definition and Forms of Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the presentation of another person’s published or unpublished words, ideas, methods, data, results, images, tables, figures, computer code, models, or other intellectual contributions without appropriate acknowledgment.
Plagiarism may include:
- directly copying text without quotation and citation;
- paraphrasing another source too closely without proper attribution;
- translating material from another language and presenting it as original;
- using another person’s idea, method, calculation, result, or interpretation without acknowledgment;
- copying or adapting figures, tables, diagrams, photographs, or other visual materials without citation and, where required, permission;
- using another person’s data, software, computer code, algorithm, or model without acknowledgment;
- using unpublished or confidential material obtained through peer review, correspondence, collaboration, or another restricted source;
- providing fabricated, irrelevant, or misleading references.
Changing individual words, rearranging sentences, modifying formatting, redrawing a figure, or translating copied content does not make the material original.
Self-Plagiarism and Text Recycling
Authors must not reuse substantial parts of their previously published work without appropriate citation and disclosure.
Inappropriate text recycling may include:
- reproducing substantial sections of previously published text;
- presenting previously published data or results as new;
- republishing substantially the same article in another language;
- reusing figures or tables without citation or permission;
- dividing one study into several substantially overlapping publications;
- concealing significant overlap with a previous article, conference paper, thesis, report, preprint, or manuscript.
Limited reuse of standard methodological descriptions may be acceptable where it is necessary, does not mislead readers, and complies with citation, copyright, and licensing requirements.
Relevant preprints, theses, conference papers, reports, and related manuscripts must be disclosed when the manuscript is submitted.
Similarity Screening and Assessment
The journal may conduct similarity screening:
- during initial submission;
- before peer review;
- after substantial revision;
- before final acceptance;
- after publication when a concern is raised.
The journal does not apply a single automatic similarity percentage to determine whether a manuscript contains plagiarism.
When reviewing a similarity report, editors consider:
- whether the matched source is correctly cited;
- whether quotation marks are used where necessary;
- the amount and concentration of matching text;
- whether the overlap occurs in the methods, results, discussion, or conclusions;
- whether the overlap relates to standard technical terminology;
- whether the material comes from the authors’ own earlier publication;
- whether figures, tables, data, code, or results have been reused;
- whether the overlap may mislead readers about the originality of the work.
Bibliographies, properly formatted quotations, standard declarations, common technical terms, institutional names, equations, and unavoidable descriptions of established procedures may be assessed separately where appropriate.
A high similarity score does not automatically prove plagiarism, and a low score does not automatically confirm originality. Serious plagiarism may involve a short but important passage, idea, result, figure, table, or algorithm.
Responsibilities of Authors
Authors are responsible for ensuring that:
- the submitted manuscript is original;
- all sources are accurately cited;
- direct quotations are clearly identified;
- paraphrased material is properly attributed;
- permissions have been obtained where required;
- related publications and earlier versions are disclosed;
- reused text, data, figures, tables, code, and models are appropriately acknowledged;
- all references are genuine, relevant, and verified;
- no confidential or unpublished material is used without authorization;
- all co-authors have reviewed and approved the manuscript.
Authors must not attempt to manipulate similarity reports by using hidden text, altered symbols, deliberate misspellings, images containing copied text, automated paraphrasing, formatting changes, or other deceptive methods.
Such conduct may be treated as deliberate manipulation of the editorial process.
Artificial intelligence tools must not be used to conceal copied material, create misleading paraphrases, or fabricate references. Authors remain fully responsible for the originality and accuracy of all submitted content.
Editorial Actions
If minor citation, quotation, or attribution problems are identified, the manuscript may be returned to the authors for correction.
Authors must correct the specific problem rather than merely attempt to reduce the overall similarity score. A revised manuscript may undergo an additional similarity check.
If substantial or deliberate plagiarism is identified before publication, the journal may:
- suspend editorial consideration;
- request an explanation and supporting documents;
- reject the manuscript;
- notify all authors;
- refer the matter to the authors’ institution where appropriate;
- review related submissions;
- take further action under the journal’s Allegations of Misconduct Policy.
If possible plagiarism is discovered after acceptance, publication may be suspended and the acceptance decision may be withdrawn.
If plagiarism is identified after publication, the journal may publish:
- a correction;
- an Expression of Concern;
- a retraction notice.
The appropriate action will depend on the extent and nature of the copied material, its importance to the article, the reliability of the findings, and the available evidence.
Retraction is normally considered when plagiarism substantially affects the originality, integrity, or reliability of the published article.
All cases will be handled fairly and confidentially. Authors will normally be informed of the concern and given a reasonable opportunity to respond before a final decision is made.
Complaints and Appeals
Authors who believe that a similarity report or plagiarism allegation was incorrectly assessed may submit a reasoned appeal under the journal’s Complaints and Appeals Policy.
The appeal should identify the alleged factual or procedural error and provide relevant evidence.
Disagreement with the editorial decision or reduction of the similarity percentage alone is not sufficient grounds for an appeal.
Policy Administration
This policy is effective from 1 August 2026 and will be reviewed periodically to ensure its continued alignment with applicable ethical standards and the editorial practices of the Uzbek Journal "Problems of Mechanics".
Questions, plagiarism concerns, supporting evidence, complaints, or appeals should be submitted to the Editorial Office at:
Cases will be considered in accordance with the journal’s applicable policies and relevant COPE guidance.