Policy on the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Manuscript Preparation
1. Purpose and Scope
This policy establishes standards for the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the preparation, analysis, writing, review, and submission of manuscripts. It applies to authors, reviewers, and editors submitting to the journal. The objective is to ensure transparency, research integrity, accountability, and academic honesty.
2. Fundamental Principles
The journal recognizes that AI tools may assist scholarly work; however, they cannot replace human intellectual responsibility. Authors remain fully accountable for the originality, accuracy, methodological rigor, ethical compliance, and interpretation of their work. AI systems cannot be listed as authors, co-authors, or contributors, as they cannot assume responsibility for the content.
3. Permitted Uses of AI
AI tools may be used for limited and transparent purposes, including:
Language editing, grammar correction, and stylistic improvement.
Formatting references or manuscripts according to journal guidelines.
Assisting with coding, statistical checks, or data visualization, provided the analysis is verified by the authors.
Supporting literature organization or summarization, subject to verification of sources.
All AI-assisted tasks must be carefully reviewed and validated by the authors prior to submission.
4. Prohibited Uses of AI
The following practices are not permitted:
Using AI to generate entire manuscripts without substantial human intellectual contribution.
Fabricating data, references, citations, or research findings using AI tools.
Misrepresenting AI-generated content as original human work without disclosure.
Using AI to manipulate peer review processes or generate false reviewer identities.
Submitting AI-generated images, datasets, or analyses without verification of authenticity and ethical compliance.
5. Disclosure Requirement
Authors must clearly disclose any use of AI tools in the manuscript. Disclosure should include:
The name and version of the AI tool used.
The purpose of its use (e.g., language editing, data analysis support).
A statement confirming that the authors reviewed and validated all AI-generated outputs.
This disclosure should appear in a dedicated section (e.g., “Declaration of AI Use” or within Acknowledgments).
6. Authorship and Responsibility
In accordance with international authorship standards (e.g., ICMJE criteria), AI tools cannot meet authorship requirements because they cannot:
Contribute intellectually in a responsible manner.
Approve the final version of the manuscript.
Accept accountability for the work.
All listed authors must meet standard authorship criteria and accept full responsibility for the content.
7. Research Integrity and Data Ethics
Authors must ensure that:
All data remain authentic and verifiable.
AI tools are not used to fabricate or manipulate research results.
Confidential, proprietary, or sensitive data are not uploaded to external AI systems unless ethical approval and data protection standards permit it.
Research involving human participants complies with applicable ethical guidelines and institutional review requirements.
8. Peer Review and Editorial Use of AI
Reviewers and editors may use AI tools only as auxiliary aids (e.g., language clarification), but they must not rely on AI to make editorial decisions. Confidential manuscripts must not be uploaded to public AI systems unless privacy safeguards are guaranteed. Editorial decisions remain the sole responsibility of human editors.
9. Plagiarism and Intellectual Property
AI-generated text may unintentionally reproduce existing materials. Authors are responsible for ensuring originality and proper citation. Any suspected plagiarism or inappropriate use of AI-generated content will be handled according to the journal’s ethical procedures.
10. Ethical Compliance and Accountability
Failure to disclose AI use, misrepresentation of AI-generated content, or misuse of AI tools may result in:
Manuscript rejection.
Retraction of published articles.
Notification to affiliated institutions.
Restrictions on future submissions.
11. Policy Review and Updates
Given the rapid evolution of AI technologies, this policy will be periodically reviewed and updated to align with emerging international standards, ethical guidelines, and best practices in scholarly publishing.
