Generative Artificial Intelligence

The journal has adopted strict policies regarding the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and related technologies (AI tools) in the preparation of manuscripts. These policies emphasize human responsibility, critical oversight, and full transparency.

AI and Authorship

AI tools may not be listed as authors or co‑authors on any manuscript. Authorship entails responsibility for the originality, integrity, and scholarly validity of the work—responsibilities that can only be assumed by human authors, who must be capable of approving the final version and consenting to its submission.

Permitted Uses (AI‑Assisted Editorial Support)

The responsible use of AI tools to improve existing author‑generated content is permitted, provided that meaningful human oversight is maintained:

• Language and Editorial Editing:

Use of AI tools to enhance linguistic clarity, grammar, spelling, punctuation, structure, or overall readability of the author’s original text (including straightforward translation of existing text) is permitted.

• Idea Development:

Use of AI tools in a manner analogous to traditional search engines—for example, to explore methodological approaches or identify potential research gaps at the proposal stage—is permitted.

• Data Visualization:

Use of AI tools to generate charts, tables, or infographics that visually present the author’s existing and already analyzed data is allowed.

 

Prohibited Uses (AI‑Generated Content)

AI tools must not be used to generate original scholarly content or to replace human critical thinking:

• Content Generation:

Use of AI tools to write or draft any substantive section of a manuscript—including the abstract, introduction, literature review, methodology, or conclusion—is strictly prohibited.

• Data Fabrication or Manipulation:

The generation, alteration, or reporting of research data, results, or statistical information using generative AI is strictly forbidden.

• Image Creation or Modification:

The use of AI tools to create or alter images, figures, or illustrations in submitted manuscripts is not permitted, unless such use constitutes an integral and reproducible part of the research design and is explicitly described in the methodology section. The creation of artistic images, cover designs, or graphical abstracts using AI is also prohibited.

Source Verification:

Authors remain fully responsible for verifying all content produced with the assistance of AI tools, as AI‑generated references and citations may be inaccurate, incomplete, or fabricated.

 

Disclosure Requirements

Authors are required to declare any use of generative AI tools during the manuscript preparation process at the time of submission. This declaration must appear in a separate section at the end of the manuscript, immediately before the reference list, and must include:

1. The name of the AI tool or service used
2. The version of the tool (if applicable)
3. The purpose of its use
4. A statement confirming that the authors have reviewed and edited the content and assume full responsibility for the integrity and accuracy of the published work

Note: Basic tools used solely for spelling or grammar checking that do not rely on generative AI generally do not require disclosure.

 

Use of AI in Peer Review (Reviewers and Editors)

To protect the confidentiality of submissions and the integrity of the peer‑review process, reviewers and editors are strictly prohibited from uploading submitted manuscripts—or any part thereof—into generative AI tools or large language models. AI must not replace human expertise or critical judgment in scholarly evaluation or editorial decision‑making.

If a reviewer uses AI solely to improve the language quality of their review report, this use must be disclosed to the editorial office.