1. AI Policy for Authors
The journal permits the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative AI tools to assist authors in preparing scholarly manuscripts. These tools may be used for language editing, translation, outlining, literature exploration, coding, and other legitimate research activities.
Authors must carefully review and verify all AI-generated content, including facts, data, references, quotations, analyses, tables, figures, and conclusions. Any substantive use of Generative AI that contributes to the scholarly content or development of the manuscript must be disclosed transparently.
AI tools cannot be listed as authors or co-authors. Authors remain fully responsible for the originality, accuracy, integrity, and ethical compliance of their manuscripts.
The use of AI to fabricate or falsify research data, generate fictitious references, manipulate evidence deceptively, or conceal plagiarism is strictly prohibited. Authors must also protect confidential information, personal data, unpublished research materials, and copyrighted content when using third-party AI services.
2. Generative AI Policy for Editors
Editors may use Generative AI tools for appropriate administrative or language-related assistance, provided that such use does not compromise editorial independence, confidentiality, fairness, or publication integrity.
Editors must not upload unpublished manuscripts, confidential reviewer reports, author identities, or other sensitive editorial materials to public or third-party AI systems unless the tools have been appropriately approved and adequate confidentiality and data-protection safeguards are in place.
All editorial decisions, including acceptance, rejection, and requests for revision, must be made by qualified human editors. AI-generated assessments must not serve as the sole basis for editorial decisions.
Editors are responsible for critically evaluating any AI-assisted output and ensuring that editorial practices comply with the journal's publication ethics policies. Confidentiality, impartiality, and the fair treatment of all authors must be maintained throughout the editorial process.
3. AI Policy for Reviewers
Reviewers must maintain strict confidentiality regarding all manuscripts, research data, figures, tables, and other materials received during the peer-review process.
Reviewers must not upload unpublished manuscripts or confidential review materials to public or third-party Generative AI systems that have not been approved for such use or that lack adequate confidentiality safeguards.
Generative AI must not replace the reviewer's independent scientific judgment or be used to delegate the substantive evaluation of a manuscript. Where permitted by the journal, AI tools may be used for limited assistance, provided that confidentiality is protected and all outputs are independently verified.
Reviewers remain responsible for the accuracy, fairness, originality, and scientific relevance of their review reports. All recommendations and assessments must reflect the reviewer's own professional expertise and judgment.
4. AI Use Disclosure Statement
Authors must disclose any substantive use of Generative AI in the preparation, development, analysis, or presentation of their manuscripts. The disclosure should identify the AI tool or model used, explain its purpose, and describe the relevant activities in which it was applied.
Routine spelling, grammar, and language corrections may not require a formal disclosure when they do not materially contribute to the scholarly content, subject to the journal's specific requirements.
Authors must ensure that the disclosure is accurate and that all AI-assisted content has been reviewed and verified before submission. The disclosure requirement is intended to promote transparency, accountability, and trust in scholarly publishing.