AI Usage Policy

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage Policy

The NTU Journal of Engineering and Technology (NTU-JET), stands firm in its dedication to upholding the utmost standards of academic integrity, originality, and ethical conduct within the realm of scholarly pursuits. In light of the growing prevalence and integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools within various facets of academic workflows, this policy is meticulously crafted to delineate the boundaries of acceptable and unacceptable applications of AI tools specifically for authors, reviewers, and editors who play significant roles in the multifaceted process of publication.

For Authors

Permitted Uses of AI

Authors are permitted to utilize AI tools to assist with certain non-substantive elements of the manuscript preparation process, which can enhance the overall quality and clarity of their written work.

Language and Readability: AI tools may be judiciously employed for the purposes of grammar correction, refinement of language, and adjustments to stylistic elements to ensure that the text is engaging and coherent. However, it is imperative that authors retain full responsibility for meticulously reviewing and verifying the accuracy of any modifications or changes suggested by these AI tools to uphold the integrity of the manuscript.

Illustrative Examples: Authors are allowed to incorporate examples that are generated by AI for the purposes of clarification or illustration, provided that these examples are distinctly labeled and appropriately cited within the manuscript to give credit to the source of the generation.

Data Analysis: AI tools may be utilized to support the analysis of data that is obtained through traditional research methodologies, but it is essential that the methodology section of the manuscript includes a comprehensive description detailing the specific tools employed, the parameters set, and the underlying rationale for their utilization to ensure transparency and reproducibility.

Prohibited Uses of AI

Authorship and Content Creation: It is strictly prohibited for authors to employ AI tools for the generation of substantive content within their manuscripts, encompassing critical sections such as abstracts, literature reviews, methodologies, results, or conclusions. The intellectual contributions must unequivocally be the product of the authors’ own scholarly efforts and insights.

Data Generation: The use of AI tools for the fabrication or simulation of data, statistical analyses, or any findings is categorically forbidden. All data that is reported within the manuscript must be derived from authentic and verifiable research to maintain the credibility of the work.

 

Image Creation: The creation of images, figures, or visualizations through AI is explicitly disallowed due to significant concerns surrounding authenticity and compliance with ethical standards in scholarly publishing.

Disclosure Requirement

Authors are mandated to disclose any utilization of AI tools within their manuscripts. A formal disclosure statement should be incorporated into the Acknowledgments section of the manuscript, clearly specifying the tools that were used and their respective purposes, such as, for example, indicating, "This manuscript was proofread using [AI Tool Name] for the enhancement of grammar and clarity."

For Reviewers

Permitted Uses of AI

Reviewers are permitted to utilize advanced AI tools as a means to enhance the quality and effectiveness of their review reports, which may include, but are not limited to, activities such as:

The meticulous refinement of language, grammatical structures, or formatting elements in order to improve overall clarity and ensure optimal readability for the intended audience. Additionally, they may engage these tools to diligently verify references or confirm basic factual information pertinent to the content contained within the manuscript being evaluated.

Prohibited Uses of AI

Conversely, it is imperative that reviewers refrain from employing AI technologies to assess or evaluate the intellectual substance and depth of the manuscript, as well as from utilizing these tools to generate any significant portions of their review commentary. The entirety of the evaluative process must be conducted solely on the basis of the reviewers’ own insights and analytical skills. Furthermore, reviewers are obliged to maintain strict confidentiality by avoiding the disclosure of any manuscript content to AI tools, thereby ensuring the integrity and privacy of the review process is preserved at all times.

Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of reviewers to vigilantly identify and report any instances of potential misuse of AI tools by authors, which may manifest in forms such as AI-generated content or the presentation of fabricated data, and to promptly alert the editorial team regarding such occurrences. Reviewers are also expected to steadfastly uphold the principles of confidentiality throughout the entirety of the review process, ensuring that all aspects remain secure and undisclosed to unauthorized parties.

For Editors

Permitted Uses of AI

It is permissible for editors to employ artificial intelligence tools in the execution of various administrative responsibilities, which can include but are not limited to, the optimization of editorial workflows as well as the meticulous tracking of the progress of manuscripts throughout the editorial process. Furthermore, these AI technologies can significantly contribute to the enhancement of clarity in communication, particularly when it comes to conveying editorial decisions or extending invitations to potential reviewers, thereby ensuring that all parties involved have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities in the editorial landscape.

Prohibited Uses of AI

Conversely, it is imperative that editors refrain from utilizing artificial intelligence tools to make substantial editorial decisions that could fundamentally alter the direction or quality of a manuscript, nor should they employ such tools to assess the intellectual merit of any submitted work. Additionally, it is strictly forbidden for AI technologies to be leveraged in the generation of content for editorial letters or any form of correspondence without the requisite oversight and validation from a human editor, thereby ensuring that all communications maintain a level of intellectual rigor and ethical integrity.

 

Responsibilities

 

Editors bear the critical responsibility of ensuring that all activities align with the established AI usage policy by diligently verifying that authors properly disclose any instances of utilizing AI tools in their work and addressing any potential inconsistencies or ethical dilemmas that may arise from such disclosures. Moreover, it is essential that editors take proactive measures to guarantee that the peer review process remains not only rigorous but also devoid of any biases that may be inadvertently introduced by AI-generated content. In addition, editors are tasked with providing comprehensive guidance to reviewers regarding the ethical standards associated with AI usage and are responsible for meticulously monitoring adherence to the journal's established policies, thereby upholding the integrity of the editorial process in the face of advancing technology.

Ethical Considerations for All Parties

The emergence of artificial intelligence tools has led to the generation of information that, while it may appear plausible and credible on the surface, is frequently found to be inaccurate or entirely fabricated, a phenomenon commonly referred to as "AI hallucination." In light of this reality, it becomes imperative for all stakeholders engaged in the publication process—including authors, reviewers, and editors—to take an active role in ensuring that the content they produce, assess, or oversee is both accurate and valid, especially when it has been influenced or generated by AI technologies. Moreover, it is crucial that the application of AI adheres rigorously to established ethical standards that encompass a variety of considerations, such as the preservation of data privacy, the necessity of obtaining informed consent from individuals involved, and the proactive identification and mitigation of any biases that may arise in the AI-generated content.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

The repercussions of failing to adhere to this comprehensive AI policy can be significant and multi-faceted, potentially leading to serious ramifications for those involved. For authors, non-compliance may result in the outright rejection of their manuscript submissions or, in more severe cases, the retraction of articles that have already been published, thereby adversely affecting their academic reputation and credibility. Reviewers who are found to be in violation of the policy—whether through breaches of confidentiality or the inappropriate use of AI tools—risk being removed from the pool of individuals eligible to participate in the review process, which can severely limit their professional opportunities. Additionally, editors who misuse AI tools or neglect to enforce the policy effectively may find themselves subject to investigation and subsequent corrective actions, which could include disciplinary measures that impact their editorial careers.

Commitment to Ethical AI Use

The NTU-JET journal is steadfastly dedicated to fostering the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence within the realm of academic publishing, recognizing the profound implications this has for the integrity of scholarly work. By committing to uphold this policy, all participants in the publication process—authors, reviewers, and editors alike—play a vital role in safeguarding the integrity, rigor, and overall trustworthiness of the research that is disseminated within the academic community. For those seeking further insights and comprehensive guidelines regarding the application of AI and AI-assisted technologies in the context of scientific writing, additional information is readily accessible through the designated resources provided here.