Generative AI Policy

The International Journal of Yoga, Physical Education and Sports (IJYPES), published by AASTEMER (https://aastemer.org/), recognizes the growing role of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools in academic research and publishing. To ensure transparency, accountability, and the integrity of the scholarly record, this policy outlines guidelines for the responsible use of generative AI tools by authors, reviewers, and editors in the manuscript preparation, peer review, and editorial processes of IJYPES.

Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to generative AI tools, defined as software or systems capable of producing text, code, images, or other content based on user prompts (e.g., large language models, AI-based writing assistants, or code generation tools). It governs their use in all submissions to IJYPES, including research articles, reviews, short communications, and conference papers, as well as in the peer review and editorial processes.

Authors

Generative AI tools can support research and writing but must be used ethically to maintain the originality and authenticity of scholarly work.

  • Permitted Uses:
    • Authors may use generative AI tools to enhance readability, grammar, or clarity of manuscripts, provided the scientific content and conclusions remain their own.
    • AI tools may assist in drafting initial outlines, summarizing literature, formatting references, or generating code or visualizations, but authors must verify the accuracy and originality of all outputs.
  • Transparency Requirements:
    • Authors must disclose any use of generative AI tools in the manuscript, either in the acknowledgments or methods section, specifying the tool(s), version (if applicable), and extent of use (e.g., “An AI-based writing assistant was used to refine the language of the introduction”).
    • Failure to disclose AI use may be considered a breach of IJYPES’s Publishing Ethics Policy and could lead to rejection or retraction.
  • Prohibited Uses:
    • Generative AI tools cannot be listed as co-authors, as they lack accountability for the work.
    • AI-generated content must not be presented as the authors’ original intellectual contribution without verification and proper attribution.
    • Using AI tools to fabricate data, falsify results, or plagiarize content is strictly prohibited and subject to IJYPES’s Plagiarism Policy.
  • Verification: Authors are responsible for ensuring the accuracy, originality, and scientific validity of any AI-generated content included in their manuscript.

Reviewers

Reviewers play a critical role in maintaining the quality and integrity of IJYPES’s publications. The use of generative AI tools in peer review must be limited to ensure impartiality and confidentiality.

  • Permitted Uses:
    • Reviewers may use generative AI tools to polish the language or structure of their review reports, provided the intellectual content (e.g., critique, recommendations) is their own.
  • Prohibited Uses:
    • Reviewers must not use AI tools to generate substantive portions of their reviews, as this undermines the independent expertise required for peer review.
    • Sharing manuscript content, including text, data, or figures, with AI tools is strictly prohibited to protect confidentiality and author rights, as outlined in the Publishing Ethics Policy.
  • Transparency Requirements:
    • Reviewers must disclose any use of generative AI tools in their review process to the editorial office via the submission portal or at editor@ijypes.aastemer.org when submitting their review.

Editors

Editors oversee the peer review process and make publication decisions. The use of generative AI tools in editorial tasks must align with IJYPES’s commitment to fairness and rigor.

  • Permitted Uses:
    • Editors may use AI tools for administrative tasks, such as drafting correspondence, summarizing reviewer comments for internal use, or checking for plagiarism using approved software.
  • Prohibited Uses:
    • Editors must not rely on generative AI tools to make editorial decisions, such as accepting or rejecting manuscripts, as these require human judgment and expertise.
    • Sharing unpublished manuscript content with AI tools is prohibited, except for tools specifically approved by IJYPES for editorial purposes (e.g., plagiarism detection software).
  • Transparency Requirements:
    • Editors must document any use of AI tools in editorial processes and ensure such use does not compromise the fairness or impartiality of decisions.

Ethical Considerations

  • Plagiarism and Originality: All parties must ensure that AI-generated content does not lead to plagiarism or unoriginal work, as per IJYPES’s Plagiarism Policy.
  • Bias and Fairness: Users of AI tools should be aware of potential biases in outputs and take steps to mitigate them, ensuring fairness in research and review processes.
  • Data Privacy: AI tool usage must comply with data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR) and respect the confidentiality of unpublished manuscripts and reviewer identities.
  • Accountability: Authors, reviewers, and editors remain fully accountable for their contributions and decisions, regardless of AI tool usage.

Enforcement

  • Investigation: Suspected misuse of generative AI tools (e.g., undisclosed use, fabrication, or breaches of confidentiality) will be investigated by the editorial board, following IJYPES’s Publishing Ethics Policy and Article Correction, Retraction, and Removal Policy.
  • Consequences: Violations may result in rejection, retraction, or restrictions on future submissions or participation in the review process.
  • Appeals: Authors may appeal decisions related to AI misuse, as outlined in IJYPES’s Editorial Decision Appeals Policy.

Support and Inquiries

IJYPES is committed to supporting ethical use of generative AI tools. For questions or guidance, please contact the editorial office at editor@ijypes.aastemer.org or visit https://ijypes.aastemer.org/. We aim to respond within five business days.

Policy Updates

This policy may be updated to reflect advancements in AI technology or changes in publishing standards. The most current version is available on the IJYPES website.

By participating in IJYPES’s publication process, authors, reviewers, and editors agree to adhere to this Generative AI Policy, ensuring the journal’s commitment to ethical and high-quality research in yoga, physical education, and sports sciences.