AI Use & Image Integrity Policy
ElectroSenses – Journal of Bioelectromagnetics, Environmental & Functional Medicine is committed to maintaining the integrity, transparency, and reproducibility of the scientific record. This policy outlines the journal’s requirements regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and the preparation of images and visual data.
1. Use of Artificial Intelligence in Manuscript Preparation
The use of artificial intelligence–based tools (including large language models, text generators, and image-generation tools) is permitted only as a supportive aid in manuscript preparation.
AI tools may not be listed as authors and cannot take responsibility for the accuracy, originality, or integrity of the work.
Authors remain fully responsible for:
- The scientific content and conclusions of the manuscript
- The accuracy of all data, analyses, and interpretations
- Proper citation of sources and avoidance of plagiarism
2. Disclosure of AI Use
Authors must clearly disclose any use of AI-based tools in the preparation of their manuscript (e.g. for language editing, text refinement, or data visualization).
Such disclosure should be included in the manuscript, for example in the acknowledgements or a dedicated statement.
Failure to disclose relevant AI use may be considered a breach of publication ethics.
3. Prohibited Uses of AI
The following uses of AI are not permitted:
- Generation or fabrication of data, results, or references
- Alteration or manipulation of scientific findings
- Creation of images representing experimental data that did not originate from real experiments
- Use of AI to obscure plagiarism or falsify authorship
4. Image Integrity and Acceptable Adjustments
Images submitted as part of a manuscript (e.g. microscopy images, gels, blots, radiological images, graphs) must accurately represent the original data.
Acceptable image adjustments are limited to:
- Uniform adjustments of brightness or contrast applied to the entire image
- Cropping that does not remove or obscure relevant information
Unacceptable practices include:
- Selective enhancement, deletion, or obscuring of image elements
- Splicing, duplication, or rearrangement of image components without clear disclosure
- Use of image-generation tools to create or alter experimental images
All image modifications must be disclosed in the figure legend where applicable.
5. Original Data and Verification
Editors and reviewers may request access to original, unprocessed image files or raw data during peer review or post-publication evaluation to verify image integrity.
Authors are expected to retain original data and images for a reasonable period following publication.
6. Detection and Assessment
The journal may use appropriate tools and editorial checks to assess:
- Plagiarism
- Image duplication or manipulation
- Undisclosed AI-generated content
Suspected violations are handled in accordance with the journal’s Publication Ethics and Malpractice Statement and COPE guidelines.
7. Post-Publication Concerns
If concerns regarding AI misuse or image integrity arise after publication, the journal may:
- Request clarification or original data from the authors
- Publish corrections or expressions of concern
- Retract the article where necessary to protect the integrity of the scientific record
8. Editorial Responsibility
Editors are responsible for ensuring consistent application of this policy. Decisions regarding AI use and image integrity are made based on transparency, scientific validity, and adherence to ethical standards, not on the mere presence or absence of AI-assisted tools.