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  • AI in Publication Ethics

    by Caitlin Kinser | Nov 20, 2024

    The future of publication ethics is likely to be significantly influenced by continued advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and the evolving landscape of the peer review process.  These developments could bring both opportunities and challenges in ensuring the integrity, transparency, and quality of scientific publishing.  The following are several key areas where AI and peer review intersect, and how they may shape the future of publication ethics: 

    AI in the Peer Review Process 

    AI could be used to enhance the initial screening of manuscripts. For example, AI tools could quickly detect potential issues such as plagiarism, statistical errors, or methodological flaws before the paper enters the peer review process. This would ensure that only high-quality manuscripts proceed to human review, improving the overall efficiency of the editorial workflow. 

    AI can help editors select the most appropriate reviewers based on their expertise publications. By using algorithms to match submissions with reviewers who have the right qualifications and no conflicts of interest, AI could streamline the review process and ensure that manuscripts are reviewed by experts in the field. 

    AI can be employed to detect biases in peer review, such as gender, institutional, or geographical. By analyzing past review patterns, AI could identify instances where reviewers may have unfairly rated certain manuscripts based on unrelated factors, and this information could be used to improve the objectivity of the review process. 

    AI-Generated Content and Authorship 

    As AI tools become more advanced, they could potentially assist in writing or even generate entire research papers. While these papers may be technically correct, they might lack originality or fail to reflect the author's intellectual input. Journals will need to develop methods to detect AI-generated content and determine whether it meets the ethical standards for authorship. 

    Questions may arise regarding the ethical implications of AI involvement in research authorship. If an AI tool contributes significantly to the content, who should be credited as an author? Should AI tools be acknowledged separately as contributors, or is this a form of "ghost authorship" that misrepresents the nature of intellectual labor in research? 

    Authors and journals will need clear guidelines about disclosing the use of AI in the research process. Ethical publication practices will require transparency about how AI was used in writing, data analysis, or interpretation to avoid misleading readers and maintaining the integrity of the research process. 

    AI in Data Integrity and Research Verification 

    AI algorithms can be used to assist in verifying research data, detecting anomalies, inconsistencies, or fraudulent manipulation of data. AI-powered tools could scan datasets for errors, helping to ensure that research findings are valid and reproducible. This could prevent the publication of fraudulent or misleading research. 

    AI could help improve the transparency and reproducibility of research by automating the process of checking whether results can be replicated based on shared data and methods. This would significantly improve the reliability of scientific literature. 

    The use of AI tools to analyze and verify data may raise privacy concerns, especially in fields like medical research where patient data is involved. Ensuring that AI tools respect data privacy and confidentiality will be crucial in maintaining ethical standards. 

    AI and Publication Ethics Governance 

    AI tools could assist journal editors and editorial staff in monitoring compliance with publication ethics, such as adherence to the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines. AI could automatically identify instances where ethical standards are at risk or where conflicts of interest may not have been disclosed. 

    As AI continues to shape the publishing landscape, there will likely be a need for more global standards for publication ethics. AI can facilitate the creation of these standards by analyzing trends in publishing practices and providing data-driven insights to guide policy-making at the journal level. 

    AI models trained on data from predominantly Western research environments may inadvertently reflect biases that marginalize non-Western scholars and research perspectives. To ensure equity and fairness, AI tools must be designed to account for diverse global contexts, and ethical guidelines should be developed with inclusivity in mind. 

    Enhancing Author and Reviewer Education 

    AI tools could help educate authors and reviewers about publication ethics, helping them understand issues such as conflict of interest, research misconduct, peer review etiquette, and proper citation. This could improve the quality and integrity of the review process. 

    AI has the potential to reduce human bias in the review process, but it can also perpetuate or even amplify existing biases if the underlying data and algorithms are not carefully managed. It's important that AI tools used in publishing are continuously updated to reflect diverse, unbiased perspectives. 

    Conclusion 

    As AI continues to transform the publication landscape, it offers great promise for improving efficiency, transparency, and integrity in scientific publishing. However, this transformation also brings with it new ethical challenges that must be carefully managed. Editors, editorial boards, publishers, and researchers will need to collaborate to ensure that AI tools are used responsibly, with appropriate safeguards in place to protect the authenticity of scientific research, uphold the quality of peer review, and ensure the fair treatment of all authors and reviewers. 

    The future of publication ethics will be a delicate balance between leveraging AI to improve workflows and ensuring human oversight to preserve the integrity of the scientific process. Ethical governance will need to evolve in tandem with these technological advancements, ensuring that AI enhances and does not undermine the ethical principles that are the foundation of scientific publishing. 

     

    ChatGPT was used in the writing of this blog post. The following prompt was used to develop the content of the post: “Role of AI in publication ethics”.  

    Jeffrey Potteiger, PhD, FACSM, serves as interim dean of the College of Health Professions at Grand Valley State University. He has served a number of roles supporting ACSM publications, including book author, on the editorial boards for several journals, as well as past chair of the ACSM Publications Committee. Dr. Potteiger currently serves as the Scientific Integrity Editor on the editorial board of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise®

  • Role of the Scientific Integrity Editor

    by Caitlin Kinser | Nov 19, 2024
    Role of the Scientific Integrity Editor, image of hands on a laptop keyboard and icons that indicate publishing

    The role of a journal editor and editorial board is critical to maintaining the integrity, reliability, and ethical standards of the scientific literature that is published. To that extent, an editorial board member who has a sole focus on scientific integrity provides valuable perspective and support to the publication process. Provided below are reasons why an associate editor for scientific integrity is a necessary component of any editorial board. 

    Editors and editorial boards are responsible for upholding the quality of the journal's content. Collectively, they ensure that published research is of high scientific merit, that methodologies are based on sound research principles, and that conclusions are valid and supported by the data provided. This helps prevent the publication of flawed or misleading research that could undermine trust in the field.  They oversee the peer review process, ensuring that the research is thoroughly evaluated by experts in the field, identifies errors, biases, or misinterpretations that the authors may have overlooked. 

    Editors and the editorial board are also responsible for detecting and preventing plagiarism, self-plagiarism, or other forms of research misconduct. This includes ensuring proper citation practices and the originality of submitted work.  Editors must ensure that authors, reviewers, and themselves disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could affect the objectivity of the research or the review process. By managing these disclosures, editors reduce the risk of bias in published research.  Editors help enforce transparency regarding data availability, and they may require authors to share data or methods, particularly in cases of contentious or high-impact studies. This contributes to reproducibility and accountability in science. 

    One of the most important roles of scientific integrity editor is to guard against fraudulent research, such as fabricated data or manipulated results. If such studies are published without scrutiny, they can mislead other researchers and policymakers, potentially harming society. By rigorously evaluating submissions and addressing allegations of misconduct, scientific editors help ensure the integrity of the scientific record.  If errors or ethical concerns are found after publication, scientific integrity editors are responsible for working with the editor in chief to take corrective actions, such as issuing retractions, corrections, or clarifications. This demonstrates a commitment to transparency and scientific accountability. 

    Scientific integrity is closely tied to the reproducibility of results. The review process ensures that research is published in a way that allows others to replicate the study. This involves encouraging authors to provide clear methodologies, data, and supplementary materials. The integrity of the scientific method rests on the ability of other researchers to verify and replicate results.  A journal's reputation is built on its commitment to ethical standards and scientific rigor. By overseeing a thorough and unbiased editorial process, scientific integrity editors help ensure that the journal maintains its status as a trusted source of knowledge. The integrity of the journal contributes directly to the integrity of the broader scientific community. 

    In summary, editors and editorial boards, along with the science integrity editor play an essential role in preserving the trustworthiness of scientific research by ensuring that it meets rigorous standards of accuracy, ethical behavior, transparency, and reproducibility. Their vigilance in upholding scientific integrity not only benefits the journal and the research community but also safeguards the public interest by ensuring that science remains a reliable source of knowledge. 

    ChatGPT was used in the writing of this blog post. The following prompt was used to develop the content of the post: “Importance of a science integrity editor”. 

    Jeffrey Potteiger, PhD, FACSM, serves as interim dean of the College of Health Professions at Grand Valley State University. He has served a number of roles supporting ACSM publications, including book author, on the editorial boards for several journals, as well as past chair of the ACSM Publications Committee. Dr. Potteiger currently serves as the Scientific Integrity Editor on the editorial board of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise®

  • Post-Election Health Care Landscape

    by Caitlin Kinser | Nov 19, 2024
    Post-Election Health Care Landscape, hand about to put a voting ballot in the box

    On Nov. 5, 2024, former President Donald Trump was re-elected as president. While not all congressional races have been settled, Republicans have gained control of the U.S. Senate and have maintained their majority in the House of Representatives. With the Senate and House now under Republican control, a unified congressional majority will enhance President-Elect Trump’s ability to pursue his policy goals. 

    Throughout his campaign, Trump focused on expanding consumer choice, reducing regulatory burdens and stimulating economic growth. Regarding health care, he vowed to replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) with a better alternative, provide states more flexibility over Medicaid and reform key federal agencies, including the CDC, FDA and NIH. 

    Next year, significant changes are expected in Congress’ most influential health committees, especially as several members with expertise on issues like healthy lifestyles, mental health, Medicare and drug pricing retire or lose their re-election bids. 

    The House Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees health insurance, biomedical research and drug and device safety, will see some of the most dramatic changes. Five of the 12 Democrats on the Health Subcommittee will not return: Ranking member Anna G. Eshoo of California, along with Reps. John Sarbanes of Maryland, Tony Cárdenas of California and Ann McLane Kuster of New Hampshire, all chose not to seek re-election. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware won a seat in the Senate. Rep. Eshoo has been active in efforts to negotiate Medicare prescription drug prices and has advocated for increased biomedical research and broader access to health insurance. Rep. Cárdenas has championed the 988 suicide-prevention hotline and co-founded the Bipartisan House 988 and Crisis Services Task Force. 

    On the Republican side, at least four prominent members will retire: Former Health Subcommittee Chair Michael C. Burgess of Texas, along with Larry Bucshon and Greg Pence of Indiana, will step down, as will full committee chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington. 

    Rep. Rodgers has overseen the committee’s work on CDC oversight and, earlier this year, introduced a plan to reform the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in collaboration with Rep. Robert B. Aderholt of Alabama. She has been an advocate for disability rights and co-chairs the Congressional Task Force on Down Syndrome. 

    Rep. Bucshon, who worked on Medicare reimbursement issues, helped draft the 2023 organ transplant law and played a role in the 2016 opioid law. His efforts to reform diagnostic lab tests and replace the ACA with a Republican alternative, however, were unsuccessful. 

    Meanwhile, the 118th Congress still faces several key tasks before the end of the year, including extending appropriations and reauthorizing numerous health programs that are set to expire after Dec. 20, 2024, when the current Continuing Resolution (CR) ends. Among the provisions at risk of expiring are those related to telehealth, Community Health Centers (CHCs), Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education (THGME) and the National Health Service Corps (NHSC).  

    Many Republican leaders are anticipating greater legislative control in the 119th Congress, which could influence how the current Congress addresses these issues. This may involve passing a comprehensive health care package during the “lame duck” session or extending funding through a more limited CR to carry programs into 2025. 

    ACSM’s Health & Science Policy Committee will actively monitor the process of the new Congress to ensure that policies affecting public health, physical activity and sports science align with the organization’s mission to improve health and fitness across diverse populations. ACSM engages with legislators, advocates for evidence-based policies and tracks relevant bills and legislative initiatives to influence decisions that promote active lifestyles, enhance access to quality sports medicine and support scientific research in the field. By staying involved in the legislative process, ACSM works to shape a healthier, more active society while ensuring that the needs of athletes, fitness professionals and health practitioners are met in future legislation. 

  • November Updates: ACSM's Health & Science Policy Committee, Lobbying for Student-Athlete Safety and FIMS

    by Caitlin Kinser | Nov 19, 2024

    Health & Science Policy Committee Making Progress 

    The Health & Science Policy (HSP) Committee is focusing on four tactics in support of the ACSM Strategic Plan and intends to complete them by the end of the year: 

    • A formal letter of comment was developed and submitted to the administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services endorsing the Proposed Rule and the “prepaid shared savings” option for accountable care organizations (ACOs) that participate in the Medicare Shared Savings Program.
    • Nine research-based ACSM Policy Briefs on topics of interest to ACSM members, certified professionals and the public will be developed or updated and then distributed to educate and secure the support of legislators. Eight of the nine are already complete.
    • The committee will distribute its advocacy “statement of focus” to all chapters with additional guidance and resources for establishing local advocacy efforts. Chair Craig Stevens attended the October Mid-Atlantic Regional Chapter Huddle and discussed the role of the HSP Committee to generate interest in developing similar regional committees.
    • To secure new research funding through ACSM’s advocacy efforts, the committee will identify successful researchers supported by federal funding, as well as collaboration partners and approaches. 

     

    ACSM, NFL Coalition Lobby for Student-Athlete Safety 

    Federal legislation is making its way through Congress that would support schools by better preparing them to respond to sudden cardiac arrests when they occur during athletic events. The Cardiomyopathy Health Education, Awareness, Research, and Training in Schools Act or HEARTS Act (H.R. 6829) authorizes a federal grant program that increases access to AEDs and related equipment on elementary and secondary school campuses. The program also supports CPR education and training among students, school personnel, coaches and volunteers. 

    The bill was passed unanimously in March by the House Energy and Commerce Committee and then passed the House of Representatives on Sept. 23. However, the House-passed bill does not include an authorization for new spending to administer the program. 

    The NFL Smart Heart Sports Coalition, which includes ACSM, has been lobbying for passage of the bill and is now focused on asking members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, including Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT; the chairman), Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA; the ranking Republican) to take up and pass the bill as soon as possible. 

    Committee Contact Info 

    Democrats 

    • Committee Chair Sen. Bernie Sanders (VT): 202-224-5141
    • Health Subcommittee Chair Sen. Ed Markey (MA): 202-224-2742
    • Sen. Patty Murray (WA): 202-224-2621
    • Sen. Bob Casey (PA): 202-224-6324
    • Sen. Tammy Baldwin (WI): 202-224-5653
    • Sen. Chris Murphy (CT): 202-224-4041
    • Sen. Tim Kaine (VA): 202-224-4024
    • Sen. Maggie Hassan (NH): 202-224-3324
    • Bill Co-Sponsor Sen. Tina Smith (MN): 202-224-5641
    • Sen. Ben Ray Luján (NM): 202-224-6621
    • Sen. John Hickenlooper (CO): 202-224-5941

    Republicans 

    • Committee Republican Ranking Member Sen. Bill Cassidy (LA): 202-224-5824
    • Health Subcommittee Republican Ranking Member Sen. Roger Marshall (KS): 202-224-4774
    • Sen. Rand Paul (KY): 202-224-4343
    • Sen. Susan Collins (ME): 202-224-2523
    • Bill Co-Sponsor Sen. Lisa Murkowski (AK): 202-224-6665
    • Bill Co-Sponsor Sen. Mike Braun (IN): 202-224-4814
    • Sen. Mitt Romney (UT): 202-224-5251
    • Sen. Tommy Tuberville (AL): 202-224-4124
    • Sen. Markwayne Mullin (OK): 202-224-4721
    • Sen. Ted Budd (NC): 202-224-3154

     

    ACSM and the International Federation of Sports Medicine 

    The 38th FIMS World Congress of Sports Medicine was held in Dubai this October; organized by the International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS), of which ACSM is the representative member for the United States, the congress covered a number of international health issues and initiatives: 

    • Boosting the profile of the Global Health Alliance (of which ACSM and the ACSM Foundation are signatories), which aims to improve global health through fitness and exercise;
    • The creation of $10B in funding by France, the World Health Organization and the International Olympic Committee to boost the Global Health Alliance’s goals;
    • Updates on the forthcoming 2025 edition of the FIMS Sports Medicine Manual, in whose production ACSM’s FIMS representatives actively participated;
    • FIMS position and/or consensus statements covering the topics of transgender athletes and UFC competition;
    • Wearable technology; and
    • FIMS finances, including a 2% increase in membership dues; attendees also discussed charging for a FIMS certification in sports medicine. 

    Drs. Bill Roberts and Mark Hutchinson, both FACSM, represented ACSM in person at the meeting. Roberts serves on the FIMS Executive Committee and Hutchinson on the FIMS Science/Education Commission. 

    ACSM’s next steps and opportunities include: 

    • Confirming and integrating the FIMS/ACSM relationship within ACSM’s strategic plan;
    • Taking a leadership role in the burgeoning Global Health Alliance;
    • Identifying win-win collaborations, including:
      • Encouraging ACSM members to contribute to FIMS products and initiatives,
      • Creating a fast-track review process for FIMS-supported submissions to ACSM journals (though, naturally, not guaranteeing acceptance),
      • Encouraging the ACSM Program Committee to consider FIMS leaders as speakers, and
      • Cobranding international team physician courses;
    • Discussing the long-term planning of ACSM’s representation at FIMS, including potentially adding a third representative; and
    • Budgeting and planning to send ACSM representatives to the next FIMS meetings:
      • Sept. 30 through Oct. 5, 2025, in Guatemala
      • Sept. 24-26, 2026, in Chile. 
  • The Perils of Plagiarism

    by Caitlin Kinser | Nov 18, 2024

    Plagiarism, the act of presenting someone else's work or ideas as your own, is unfortunately a pervasive concern in academic publishing. It undermines professional integrity, stifles creativity, tarnishes reputations, and threatens innovation.

    One of the many dangers of plagiarism is the erosion of trust. In academia, students who plagiarize risk failing assignments or even full courses, facing disciplinary action, and marring their credibility as future professionals. The erosion of trust can have long-term effects on both educational and career trajectories. Of course, plagiarism can also result in the misattribution of credit for ideas and discoveries, again impacting career trajectories. 

    In professional settings, plagiarism can lead to legal repercussions, career termination, and even result in damage to an institution’s reputation that is difficult to mend.

    Plagiarism stifles originality and innovation, acting as a barrier to the development of new viewpoints and voices. It hampers personal growth and limits discovery and the advancement of knowledge. A secondary danger of plagiarism is the risk of perpetuating misinformation. Simply reproducing the thoughts of others without thinking critically about the content may inadvertently proliferate inaccuracies or outdated information, again undermining the very advancement of knowledge that is the goal of academic publishing.

    Another threat brought about by plagiarism is a sense of complacency. Cutting corners rather than investing the care required to communicate original thoughts, ideas, and discoveries risks creating a culture where mediocrity is tolerated.

    As part of the submission and peer review process for our scientific journals, ACSM is leveraging advanced tools to help ensure the originality of works under consideration for publication in one of the six scholarly journals. Working with ACSM publishing partner Wolters Kluwer, the ACSM Editorial Services Office staff and journal editors implemented the Crossref Similarity Check tool (powered by iThenticate) across the ACSM journal portfolio. This plagiarism checking tool allows journal staff and editors to provide an additional preventative measure against plagiarism.

    We have also brought on board our first Science Integrity Editor, Dr. Jeffrey Potteiger. Serving in this position, Dr. Potteiger worked with Dr. Andy Jones, the Editor-In-Chief of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise® (MSSE), to establish the procedures for responding to allegations of misconduct in research, scholarship and scientific activities for manuscripts and papers published in MSSE. These are important steps taken to help to safeguard the College, its membership, and the publishing enterprise at ACSM. However, more importantly, ACSM is steadfast in its commitment to fostering innovation, authenticity, and integrity in its publishing enterprise. 

    Karyn L. Hamilton, RD, PhD, FACSM, is a member of the faculty at Colorado State University. She serves as a professor in the Health and Exercise Science department, the Director of the Translational Research on Aging and Chronic Disease Lab and Associate Director of the Center for Healthy Aging. She earned her bachelor's and master's degrees at Montana State University and her PhD at the University of Florida where she worked in Scott Powers' lab. She is chair of the ACSM Publications Committee. 

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