Academic Integrity and Publication Ethics Policy
Document Control
Policy Version: 3.0
Effective Date: February 6, 2025
Last Updated: February 6, 2025
Review Cycle: Annual
Document Owner: RSYN RESEARCH LLP Ethics Committee
Classification: Public Policy Document
Approved By: Board of Directors, RSYN RESEARCH LLP
Executive Summary
RSYN RESEARCH LLP maintains unwavering commitment to academic integrity across its entire publication portfolio. This comprehensive policy document establishes the framework for preventing, detecting, and addressing academic misconduct while promoting ethical research practices. Our approach combines cutting-edge technological solutions with rigorous human oversight to ensure the highest standards of scholarly publishing.
Foundational Principles
Core Values
RSYN RESEARCH LLP's publication ethics framework rests upon four fundamental pillars:
- Integrity: Maintaining truthfulness and honesty in all research communications
- Transparency: Ensuring clear documentation of research methodologies and findings
- Accountability: Establishing clear responsibility for research conduct and outputs
- Fairness: Providing equitable treatment in the review and publication process
Policy Scope
This policy governs all scholarly content published under RSYN RESEARCH LLP's auspices, encompassing:
- Peer-reviewed journal articles across all disciplines
- Academic books, monographs, and edited volumes
- Conference proceedings and abstracts
- Special issues and supplements
- Digital content and multimedia presentations
- Research datasets and supplementary materials
- Preprints and postprints
- Technical reports and white papers
Comprehensive Definition of Academic Misconduct
Categories of Plagiarism
Textual Plagiarism
Textual plagiarism manifests in several forms, each requiring specific detection and remediation approaches:
- Verbatim Copying: Direct reproduction of text without proper attribution
- Mosaic Plagiarism: Combining text from multiple sources without appropriate citation
- Paraphrase Plagiarism: Rewording without substantial intellectual contribution
- Translation Plagiarism: Converting text from one language without acknowledging the original
- Technical Plagiarism: Copying specialized terminology or methodological descriptions
Severity Thresholds:
Category | Word Count | Similarity Percentage | Action Required |
---|---|---|---|
Minor | <100 | <10% | Author Warning |
Moderate | 100-500 | 10-25% | Revision Required |
Severe | >500 | >25% | Immediate Rejection |
Data and Visual Plagiarism
This category encompasses unauthorized use or manipulation of:
- Research data and datasets
- Graphs and charts
- Scientific images and photographs
- Technical drawings and diagrams
- Statistical analyses and results
Detection Parameters:
- Image similarity analysis using AI-powered tools
- Statistical pattern recognition
- Dataset fingerprinting
- Metadata analysis
- Visual element comparison
Conceptual Plagiarism
Misappropriation of:
- Research ideas and hypotheses
- Theoretical frameworks
- Methodological innovations
- Experimental designs
- Analytical approaches
Detection and Prevention Framework
Technological Infrastructure
RSYN RESEARCH LLP employs a multi-layered detection system:
- Primary Detection: iThenticate and Turnitin for text similarity
- Secondary Detection: Custom AI algorithms for pattern recognition
- Tertiary Detection: Specialized tools for discipline-specific content
Human Oversight
A robust review process involving:
- Managing Editors: Initial screening and triage
- Subject Matter Experts: In-depth content analysis
- Technical Reviewers: Methodology and data verification
- Ethics Committee: Complex case evaluation
Investigation and Enforcement
Investigation Protocol
Standard Operating Procedure:
- Receipt and logging of allegation
- Preliminary evidence gathering
- Author notification and response period
- Expert panel review
- Decision formulation
- Implementation of sanctions
Sanctions Framework
Progressive Enforcement Model:
Violation Level | Primary Sanction | Secondary Measures | Duration |
---|---|---|---|
Level 1 | Written Warning | Ethics Training | One-time |
Level 2 | Temporary Ban | Institutional Notification | 1-2 Years |
Level 3 | Permanent Ban | Legal Action | Indefinite |
Prevention and Education
Author Resources
Comprehensive support including:
- Online training modules
- Writing guidelines
- Citation management tools
- Language editing services
- Ethical writing workshops
Editorial Support
Continuous professional development through:
- Regular training sessions
- Updated guidelines
- Case study analysis
- Peer networking
- Technical workshops
Appeals and Dispute Resolution
Appeals Process
Structured approach including:
- 30-day appeal window
- Independent review panel
- Evidence reassessment
- Stakeholder consultation
- Final determination
Dispute Resolution
Multiple resolution pathways:
- Internal mediation
- External arbitration
- Legal consultation
- International ethics committee referral
Special Considerations
Emerging Technologies
Guidelines for:
- AI-generated content
- Machine learning applications
- Automated writing tools
- Digital research methods
- Blockchain verification
Cultural Considerations
Accommodations for:
- International research practices
- Language barriers
- Cultural norms
- Educational backgrounds
- Research traditions
Policy Implementation
Roles and Responsibilities
Clear delineation of duties for:
- Board of Directors
- Ethics Committee
- Editorial Teams
- Technical Staff
- Support Personnel
Review and Updates
Regular evaluation through:
- Annual policy review
- Stakeholder feedback
- Industry benchmarking
- Technology assessment
- Legal compliance check
Supporting Documentation
Required Forms
- Authorship declaration
- Conflict of interest disclosure
- Data availability statement
- Ethics compliance certificate
- Copyright transfer agreement
Procedural Guidelines
- Investigation protocols
- Appeal procedures
- Sanction implementation
- Documentation requirements
- Communication templates
Contact Information
For policy-related inquiries and reporting:
- Ethics Committee: ethics@rsynresearch.com
- Technical Support: support@rsynresearch.com
- Legal Department: legal@rsynresearch.com
- Appeals Committee: appeals@rsynresearch.com
- General Inquiries: info@rsynresearch.com
Appendices
Appendix A: Glossary of Terms
Appendix B: Investigation Flowcharts
Appendix C: Sample Documentation
Appendix D: Legal Framework
Appendix E: Technical Specifications
Legal Notice
This document represents the intellectual property of RSYN RESEARCH LLP and is protected under international copyright law. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution is strictly prohibited.
End of Document