As a part of Sciences Force Publisher, Sustainable Machine Intelligence Journal (SMIJ) uphold the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct in research and publication is paramount. The journal's policies on plagiarism, data fabrication, and image manipulation are designed to ensure transparency, trustworthiness, and the reliability of scientific contributions within published content.

The SMIJ unequivocally prohibits plagiarism in any form. Plagiarism encompasses the unauthorized copying of text, ideas, images, or data from any source, including one's own publications, without proper attribution. Authors are expected to give due credit to the original sources, and any reused text must be appropriately quoted with citation.
Even when a study's design or manuscript structure is inspired by previous works, explicit citations are mandatory. To maintain the integrity of our publications, all submissions to SMIJ undergo thorough plagiarism checks using industry-standard software, particularly iThenticate.
Allowed Percentage of Plagiarism: The allowed percentage of plagiarism in submitted manuscripts is set at 20% or less. Manuscripts exceeding this threshold may face rejection during the peer review process.
If plagiarism is identified during the peer review process, the manuscript may face rejection. In cases where plagiarism is detected post-publication, an investigation will be initiated, and appropriate actions will be taken in accordance with our policies.

✓ Plagiarism: A Clear Prohibition

SMIJ unequivocally prohibits plagiarism in any form. Plagiarism encompasses the unauthorized copying of text, ideas, images, or data from any source, including one's own publications, without proper attribution. Authors are expected to give due credit to the original sources, and any reused text must be appropriately quoted with citation.

Even when a study's design or manuscript structure is inspired by previous works, explicit citations are mandatory. To maintain the integrity of our publications, all submissions to SMIJ undergo thorough plagiarism checks using industry-standard software, particularly iThenticate. If plagiarism is identified during the peer review process, the manuscript may face rejection. In cases where plagiarism is detected post-publication, an investigation will be initiated, and appropriate actions will be taken in accordance with our policies.

✓ Image Manipulation Guidelines

Image files in manuscripts must not be subject to any manipulation that could compromise the accuracy or authenticity of the information they convey. Irregular manipulations, including the introduction, enhancement, moving, or removal of features, grouping of images that should be presented separately, or modifications to contrast, brightness, or color balance that could obscure or enhance information, are strictly prohibited. If irregular image manipulation is identified and confirmed during the peer review process, the manuscript may face rejection. Similarly, if irregular image manipulation is identified post-publication, SMIJ may take corrective actions, including issuing corrections or retracting the paper. These measures are implemented to maintain the credibility of the scientific record and ensure the accuracy of published findings.

✓ Data Integrity and Preregistration

Originality and integrity in presenting data are essential components of rigorous scientific research. Authors are expected to avoid inappropriate selection, manipulation, enhancement, or fabrication of data. This includes the exclusion of data points to manipulate statistical significance, fabrication of data, selective presentation of results, and the deliberate choice of analysis tools to support a particular conclusion (p-hacking). SMIJ strongly recommends preregistration of methods and analysis to enhance transparency and accountability. Any breach of data integrity, if identified, may lead to serious consequences. These include, but are not limited to, rejection during the peer review process or post-publication correction or retraction, depending on the severity and nature of the breach. SMIJ is committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards in research and publication.