To promote the standardized and rational application of generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology in academic research within the field of integrative healthcare and nursing, enhance research efficiency and quality, uphold academic integrity, and foster the healthy development of the discipline, Sterile Supply establishes the following submission requirements, based on the Guideline on the Boundaries of AIGC Usage in Academic Publishing 3.0 and other relevant international and domestic guidelines. All submitting authors who use AI tools in the process of writing their manuscripts must adhere to the following regulations.

 

1. Core Principles

1.1 Clear Attribution of Responsibility

AI tools must not be listed as authors of the manuscript, as they do not possess the essential attributes of authorship and cannot assume corresponding academic responsibilities. All academic contributions and intellectual work must be completed by human authors.

1.2 Limited and Reasonable Use

AI tools may be used for auxiliary tasks such as literature retrieval, language polishing, data organization, and idea generation. However, they must not be used to generate the manuscript's core arguments, primary structure, original data, interpretation of results, or academic conclusions.

1.3 Transparency and Full Disclosure

Authors must provide a comprehensive and accurate disclosure of the use of AI tools. They bear full responsibility for the authenticity, accuracy, and completeness of all content in the manuscript, including AI-assisted portions.

1.4 Privacy and Data Security

When using AI tools, authors must not upload unpublished research data, patient privacy information, or other sensitive content, to avoid risks of data breaches and infringement.

 

2. Permissible Use Cases for AI Tools

Authors may use AI tools to assist in the following aspects of their research:

· Literature Review and Topic Development: Assisting with literature searches, keyword suggestion, and research direction inspiration.

· Data Organization and Analysis: Assisting with statistical analysis and data visualization, provided it is based on authentic data generated by the authors themselves.

· Language Enhancement: Used for grammar checking, language polishing, and translation between languages, while preserving the author's original writing style.

· Format Standardization: Auxiliary tasks such as checking reference formatting, sorting references, and adding labels to figures and tables.

· Figure/Table Beautification and Optimization: Adjusting the style, colors, labels, etc., of figures and tables, provided the underlying data remains unaltered and truthful.

 

3. Prohibited Use Cases for AI Tools

The following actions are strictly prohibited:

· Using AI tools to generate the entire manuscript or key sections (e.g., Methods, Results, Discussion).

· Using AI to generate, manipulate, or alter original research data, figures, images, etc.

· Using AI to generate fictitious references or directly citing AI-generated content without verification.

· Uploading unpublished manuscripts, reviewer comments, patient privacy data, or other sensitive information to public AI platforms.

· Concealing or misrepresenting the use of AI tools.

 

4. Content Requirements for the AI Use Statement

If AI tools are used, authors must include a statement in the "Methods" section or before the reference list. The statement must include:

4.1 Basic Disclosure Information

· Tool Information: Name, developer, and version number of the AI tool/service used.

· Time of Use: Specific date(s) and time period(s) of use.

· Purpose of Use: A clear description of the specific role the AI tool played in the research.

4.2 Description of the Process

· Prompt Record: Provide the original prompts/queries and the corresponding AI-generated outputs.

· Content Identification: Clearly indicate sections of the text that were generated or substantially modified by AI within the manuscript.

· Verification Process: Describe how the accuracy and authenticity of the AI-generated content were verified.

4.3 Statement of Responsibility

Authors must explicitly state: "The authors have thoroughly reviewed and edited all AI-generated content and assume full responsibility for the entire content of the publication."

 

5. Statement Format Template

Authors may use the following format for their declaration:

During the preparation of the [specific section, e.g., literature review / methods section] of this work, the author(s) used [Name of AIGC tool/service and version number] to assist with [purpose, e.g., literature search / data analysis / figure creation / text polishing]. The tool was used on [specific date and time], with key prompts or queries including: "[Specific prompts/queries]". Relevant records of the tool usage, generated content, and modification process have been saved in the supplementary materials [file name/number] for review. The author(s) have thoroughly reviewed and edited all AI-generated content and assume full responsibility for the entire content of the publication.

 

6. Notes on Submission and Peer Review

· When responding to reviewer comments, authors may use AI tools to assist in organizing their responses only if permitted by the journal's policy. Uploading the full reviewer report or manuscript to public AI platforms is prohibited.

· Reviewers must adhere to the journal's policy regarding AI tool usage and must not use AI to process manuscript content.

· Failure to disclose the use of AI tools in accordance with these guidelines will be considered academic misconduct and may result in rejection or retraction of the manuscript.

 

7. Supplementary Provisions

These requirements are formulated with reference to the Guideline on the Boundaries of AIGC Usage in Academic Publishing 3.0 and other relevant domestic and international norms, and will be revised periodically in line with technological advancements.