Plagiarism policy: Every paper should accompany a similarity index report in Turnitinanti plagiarism software. The plagiarism percentage should not exceed 10-15% per cent (excluding 8 words). Further it should not be more than one per cent from one source.
AI Policies
ARF JOURNALS POLICY ON THE USE OF GENERATIVE AI AND AI-ASSISTED TECHNOLOGIES
Following international publishing ethics standards and Scopus guidelines, ARF Journals adopts the following policy concerning the use of Generative AI tools in research, writing, reviewing, and editorial processes:
1. Use of AI by Authors: Authors may use Generative AI solely to improve grammar, spelling, and language clarity. If AI tools are used, the authors are entirely responsible for the content's accuracy and originality. However, the use of generative AI to create substantive content, such as literature reviews, data analysis, methodology, or conclusions, is prohibited. Most importantly, AI tools should not be used to fabricate data, references, or manipulate images or figures. AI tools do not qualify for authorship and must not be listed as authors or co-authors under any circumstances. Only human contributors who meet authorship criteria as per ICMJE/COPE/Scopus guidelines should be credited
It is mandatory for the authors to disclose any AI tools used in the manuscript. A standard statement should be included under the heading:
Declaration of Generative AI and AI-assisted Technologies in the Writing Process. ‘During the preparation of this work, the authors used [name of AI tool] (version [x]) to improve language and readability. After using this tool, the authors reviewed and amended the content as needed and take full responsibility for the publication’s content.’
If no AI tools were used, authors may state: ‘No generative AI or AI-assisted technologies were used in the writing or preparation of this manuscript.’
2. Use of AI for Image and Data Generation: AI-generated or AI-altered images (e.g., graphs, photos, scans) are not permitted unless the AI tool is explicitly part of the research method, and full details (tool name, version, parameters) should be disclosed in the Methodology section. Authors may be requested to provide original data or images for verification.
3. Use of AI by Reviewers and Editors: Reviewers and editors at ARF do not upload manuscripts, reviewer comments, or editorial decisions to third-party AI tools, which is regarded as a breach of author confidentiality. Peer review and editorial decisions are always made by human reviewers and editors, and not by automated tools.
4. Accountability and Ethical Responsibility: Authors, reviewers, and editors are all responsible for the integrity, originality, and verifiability of the content. Any submission found to contain AI-generated plagiarism, fabricated references, or false claims of AI non-use may be rejected or retracted.
