Plagiarism Policy

The Brazilian Journal of Health Aromatherapy and Essential Oil (BJHAEO) adopts a strict zero-tolerance policy toward plagiarism in all its forms, in accordance with international standards of research integrity and ethical publishing. The journal is committed to ensuring the originality, transparency, and academic reliability of all published content.

Plagiarism Screening

All manuscripts submitted to BJHAEO undergo plagiarism and similarity screening prior to the peer-review process, using appropriate plagiarism detection software.

The purpose of this screening is to verify that the submitted work is original, that all sources are properly cited, and that the manuscript complies with accepted standards of scholarly writing.

Forms of Plagiarism

Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to:

• Direct copying of text, data, images, or ideas without proper attribution;
• Self-plagiarism or redundant publication without appropriate disclosure;
• Inappropriate paraphrasing that closely resembles previously published material;
• Use of copyrighted material without permission or proper citation.

Similarity Thresholds

As a general guideline:

• A similarity index of up to 15% may be considered acceptable, provided that:
• no single source accounts for more than 2% similarity;
• overlaps occur primarily in references, standard methodological descriptions, or properly quoted material.

These thresholds are used as editorial guidance only. Final decisions are based on qualitative assessment of the content, context, and intent of the overlap, not solely on numerical similarity scores.

Editorial Actions in Cases of Plagiarism

• Minor and justifiable similarity: Manuscripts may be returned to authors for revision and correction.
• Excessive or unjustified similarity: Manuscripts may be rejected without peer review.
• Confirmed plagiarism or misconduct: BJHAEO reserves the right to reject the manuscript and take further action in accordance with ethical guidelines.

Post-Publication Plagiarism

If plagiarism or unethical reuse of content is identified after publication, BJHAEO will investigate the case following the procedures recommended by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). When warranted, corrective actions may include:

• Publication of a correction or expression of concern;
• Retraction of the article;
• Notification of the authors’ affiliated institutions or funding bodies in cases of serious misconduct.

Author Responsibility

By submitting a manuscript to BJHAEO, authors confirm that:

• The work is original and has not been published elsewhere;
• All sources are properly cited and acknowledged;
• The manuscript complies with this plagiarism policy and broader ethical standards of scientific publishing.

Commitment to Research Integrity

BJHAEO is committed to safeguarding the integrity of the scientific record and promoting ethical research practices across all disciplines within its scope.

Contact Information

For questions regarding plagiarism, originality, or research misconduct, please contact:

Brazilian Journal of Health Aromatherapy and Essential Oil (BJHAEO)
Email: bjharomatherapyessentialoil@gmail.com