Image Integrity Policy

The Journal of AI and Integrative Medicine (JAIIM) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of scientific integrity and transparency in the presentation of visual research data. Images submitted for publication must accurately represent the original observations and must not be manipulated in a manner that could mislead readers or alter the scientific interpretation of the findings.

This policy applies to all visual materials submitted to JAIIM, including clinical photographs, microscopy images, radiological images, pathology slides, western blots, electrophoretic gels, charts, graphs, illustrations, and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated or AI-assisted images.

The policy is aligned with the recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE), and internationally recognized best practices in scientific publishing.

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1. Purpose

The objectives of this policy are to:

  • Preserve the authenticity of scientific images.

  • Prevent image manipulation and research misconduct.

  • Promote transparency in image preparation.

  • Support reproducible scientific research.

  • Maintain confidence in the published scientific record.

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2. Scope

This policy applies to all images submitted with manuscripts, including:

  • Clinical photographs.

  • Radiological images.

  • Microscopy images.

  • Histopathology images.

  • Western blot images.

  • Gel electrophoresis images.

  • Immunofluorescence images.

  • Medical imaging.

  • Figures and graphs.

  • AI-generated or AI-assisted images.

  • Supplementary image files.

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3. General Principles

Images must accurately represent the original observations obtained during the research.

Authors must not intentionally manipulate images in ways that:

  • Misrepresent research findings.

  • Conceal important information.

  • Introduce misleading elements.

  • Exaggerate experimental results.

  • Alter scientific interpretation.

Scientific integrity must always take precedence over visual appearance.

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4. Acceptable Image Adjustments

Uniform image adjustments that do not alter scientific meaning are generally acceptable.

Examples include:

  • Brightness adjustment.

  • Contrast adjustment.

  • Color balance correction.

  • Cropping for improved presentation.

  • Image resizing.

  • Rotation for orientation.

  • Annotation using arrows or labels.

  • Addition of scale bars.

Such adjustments must:

  • Be applied uniformly to the entire image.

  • Preserve all original scientific information.

  • Not obscure, remove, or introduce image features.

  • Be disclosed where appropriate.

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5. Unacceptable Image Manipulation

The following practices are prohibited:

  • Selective enhancement of image regions.

  • Selective deletion of image content.

  • Addition of image features.

  • Removal of background elements that affect interpretation.

  • Duplication of image regions.

  • Splicing without clear disclosure.

  • Artificial modification of experimental results.

  • Fabrication of image data.

  • Manipulation intended to improve apparent research outcomes.

Such practices constitute potential research misconduct and may result in editorial action.

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6. Image Quality

Images should:

  • Be of sufficient resolution for publication.

  • Accurately represent the original data.

  • Include appropriate labels.

  • Contain scale bars where applicable.

  • Be submitted in accepted file formats.

  • Avoid excessive compression or distortion.

Low-quality images that compromise scientific interpretation may require replacement before publication.

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7. Clinical Images

Clinical photographs should protect patient privacy.

Authors must:

  • Obtain written informed consent where required.

  • Remove unnecessary identifying information.

  • Mask identifiable features where appropriate.

  • Comply with the journal's Patient Consent Policy.

Patient confidentiality remains a priority throughout the publication process.

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8. Microscopy and Histopathology Images

Microscopy and histopathology images should include:

  • Appropriate magnification.

  • Scale bars where applicable.

  • Staining methods.

  • Relevant technical details.

  • Accurate labeling.

Image processing must not alter the interpretation of pathological or microscopic findings.

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9. Western Blots and Gel Images

For western blots and electrophoretic gels:

  • Entire gels should be retained.

  • Cropping should be clearly indicated where applicable.

  • Splicing must be transparently disclosed.

  • Contrast adjustments must be applied uniformly.

  • Background removal that alters interpretation is prohibited.

The Editorial Office may request uncropped original image files during peer review or after publication.

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10. Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Generated Images

Authors using Artificial Intelligence tools to generate, enhance, or modify images must clearly disclose such use within the manuscript.

AI-generated images should not be presented as original experimental observations unless explicitly described and scientifically justified.

Authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, authenticity, and integrity of all submitted images, regardless of the tools used during image preparation.

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11. Original Image Data

Authors should retain the original, unprocessed image files and underlying data for a reasonable period after publication in accordance with institutional or funding agency requirements.

The Editorial Office may request original image files during:

  • Editorial assessment.

  • Peer review.

  • Investigation of publication ethics concerns.

  • Post-publication review.

Failure to provide original image data when requested may affect editorial decisions.

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12. AI-Assisted Image Enhancement

Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based software may be used for limited image enhancement where scientifically appropriate.

Authors must ensure that AI-assisted processing:

  • Does not alter scientific findings.

  • Does not create or remove image features.

  • Does not misrepresent experimental observations.

  • Is fully disclosed within the manuscript when material modifications have been made.

AI tools must not be used to fabricate, manipulate, or generate experimental data intended to represent actual research findings.

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13. Image Screening

JAIIM reserves the right to examine submitted images before and after publication.

The Editorial Office may use:

  • Visual inspection.

  • Image forensics software.

  • Similarity detection tools.

  • Independent expert evaluation.

Where concerns are identified, authors may be requested to provide:

  • Original image files.

  • Laboratory records.

  • Experimental documentation.

  • Additional supporting information.

Editorial review of images forms part of the journal's commitment to research integrity.

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14. Responsibilities of Authors

Authors are responsible for:

  • Ensuring that submitted images accurately represent original observations.

  • Maintaining original image data.

  • Disclosing all image processing methods.

  • Obtaining necessary patient consent where applicable.

  • Providing original files upon editorial request.

  • Complying with this Image Integrity Policy and the journal's Publication Ethics Policy.

Corresponding authors are responsible for confirming the integrity of all submitted figures on behalf of all co-authors.

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15. Responsibilities of Reviewers

Peer reviewers are encouraged to identify potential concerns relating to image integrity.

Reviewers should notify the Editorial Office if they suspect:

  • Image duplication.

  • Excessive manipulation.

  • Fabricated figures.

  • Misleading image presentation.

  • Undisclosed image alterations.

Reviewers should treat all concerns confidentially and avoid independent investigations outside the peer review process.

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16. Responsibilities of Editors

Editors are responsible for:

  • Evaluating image integrity concerns objectively.

  • Requesting clarification or original image data where necessary.

  • Consulting independent experts when appropriate.

  • Maintaining confidentiality during investigations.

  • Implementing appropriate editorial actions when image manipulation is confirmed.

Editorial decisions will be guided by the available evidence and internationally recognized publication ethics standards.

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17. Editorial Actions

Where image integrity concerns are confirmed, JAIIM may take one or more of the following actions:

  • Request revision of figures.

  • Request replacement of images.

  • Seek clarification from the authors.

  • Reject the manuscript.

  • Publish a correction.

  • Issue an Expression of Concern.

  • Retract the article.

  • Notify the authors' institution where appropriate.

Actions will be proportionate to the nature and severity of the issue.

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18. Policy Review

JAIIM periodically reviews this Image Integrity Policy to ensure alignment with evolving international recommendations and advances in image analysis technologies.

Updates may reflect guidance issued by:

  • Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE)

  • International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE)

  • World Association of Medical Editors (WAME)

  • Office of Research Integrity (ORI)

The latest version of this policy will be published on the journal website.

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19. Contact Information

Questions regarding image preparation, image integrity, or this policy may be directed to:

Editorial Office
Journal of AI and Integrative Medicine (JAIIM)
Novadex Publications

Email: editor@novadexpub.com

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20. Commitment to Image Integrity

The Journal of AI and Integrative Medicine (JAIIM) is dedicated to ensuring that all published images accurately reflect the underlying scientific observations and are presented honestly, transparently, and responsibly.

By promoting rigorous standards for image preparation and review, JAIIM seeks to strengthen research integrity, enhance reproducibility, and maintain the confidence of authors, reviewers, readers, and the global scientific community in the published scholarly record.