AI Usage Policy

Author Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools

Authors may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as language editors, grammar checkers, or reference management systems to assist in preparing their manuscripts. However, AI tools must not replace the authors’ own critical thinking, interpretation, or intellectual contribution.
Authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, integrity, and originality of all submitted content. Any text, analysis, or material generated with the assistance of AI must be carefully reviewed, corrected, and verified by the authors.

Routine language editing with AI does not require disclosure. However, any substantive use of AI including generating text, analyzing data, creating images, or drafting figures must be transparently disclosed in the manuscript (e.g., in the Methods or Acknowledgments section).

Authorship and Transparency

AI tools cannot be credited as authors or co-authors under any circumstance.
Only individuals who meet established authorship criteria and take full responsibility for the work may be listed as authors.

If AI tools contribute substantially to the manuscript (beyond language polishing), the authors must clearly disclose:

  • The name of the AI tool used
  • The purpose and manner of its use

Authors must ensure that AI-assisted content does not contain plagiarism, fabricated data, inaccurate information, or undisclosed copied material. Human oversight and accountability are mandatory.

AI-Generated Figures and Images

AI-generated or AI-modified images, figures, or visual materials are not permitted, except when AI is an essential and documented component of the research methodology.

If AI-generated visual content is legitimately used:

  • It must be explicitly identified as AI-generated
  • The tool and method must be described in the Methods section
  • The content must accurately reflect the underlying data

AI must never be used to manipulate or distort scientific results.

Use of AI in Peer Review and Editorial Processes

To maintain confidentiality and protect the integrity of the double-blind peer review system:

  • Reviewers and editors must not upload manuscript text, figures, or data into AI tools, as this may breach confidentiality.
  • Reviewers must prepare evaluations based solely on their own expertise and judgment. Using AI to generate or analyze a review report is not permitted.
  • Editors may use AI tools only for minor language support and must not rely on AI for decision-making, evaluation of manuscripts, or assessment of scientific content.

Accountability and Ethical Compliance

All submitted manuscripts must reflect the genuine scholarly contribution of human authors. AI may be used as a tool, but responsibility for the content rests entirely with the authors.

Failure to disclose significant AI involvement or misuse of AI tools in authorship, image creation, peer review, or editorial assessment will be treated as a violation of publication ethics.