Generative AI Content
Use of Generative AI and AI-Assisted Tools
Guidelines on the Use of Generative AI and AI-Assisted Tools in Scientific Writing
This policy pertains to the use of AI in the composition of scientific articles for publication in our journal. AI-assisted data analysis or research methodologies are not affected by this policy.
Only to enhance language and readability can one employ generative AI or AI-assisted technologies during manuscript preparation. In doing that, human oversight is essential, as AI-generated content may appear credible but could contain inaccuracies, omissions, or biases. Authors must carefully review and edit AI-assisted output, as they bear full responsibility for the final content.
Authors must disclose any use of AI or AI-assisted tools in their manuscript, and the published work will include a statement. This disclosure fosters trust among authors, readers, reviewers, and editors while ensuring adherence to the terms of use of the respective tools.
We must not list AI and AI-assisted technologies as authors or co-authors, nor should we cite them as such. Authorship entails responsibilities that only humans can fulfill, including verifying the accuracy and integrity of the work, approving the final version, and ensuring originality and compliance with ethical publishing standards. Authors should review the journal’s ethics before submission.
Restrictions on AI-Generated or AI-Altered Figures, Images, and Artwork
We prohibit the use of generative AI and AI-assisted tools for creating or modifying images, figures, or artwork in submitted manuscripts. This procedure includes but is not limited to adding, removing, enhancing, or obscuring elements within an image. Minor adjustments (e.g., brightness, contrast, or color balance) are permitted only if they do not distort or erase original data. Suspected image manipulation may be investigated using forensic tools.
An exception applies if AI-assisted imaging is integral to the research methodology (e.g., surrogate samples, biomedical imaging). In such cases, authors must provide a detailed, reproducible description in the methods section, specifying the AI tool’s name, version, manufacturer, and usage policies. Authors may also be required to submit unedited source images for editorial review.
It is not permissible to use generative AI for creating graphical abstracts. However, limited use in cover art may be allowed with prior approval from the journal editor and publisher, provided proper rights clearance and attribution are confirmed.
Use of Generative AI and AI-Assisted Tools by Editors and Reviewers
Editors and reviewers must not use generative AI or AI-assisted tools to evaluate, summarize, analyze, rewrite, translate, or generate comments on submitted manuscripts without explicit authorization from the journal.
Editors and reviewers must not upload, submit, copy, paste, or otherwise disclose any part of a submitted manuscript, including its text, tables, figures, supplementary materials, reviewer reports, or confidential editorial correspondence, to generative AI or AI-assisted tools. This restriction applies because manuscripts under review are confidential and may contain unpublished research, intellectual property, personal data, or other sensitive information.
Reviewers are expected to conduct peer review based on their own expertise and professional judgment. They must not use generative AI to generate or substantially formulate peer-review reports, recommendations, or assessments of manuscripts.
Editors must not use generative AI to make or substantially determine editorial decisions, including decisions concerning acceptance, revision, rejection, reviewer selection, or the assessment of ethical or research-integrity issues.
Limited use of AI-assisted tools may be permitted for administrative or technical purposes that do not involve disclosure of confidential manuscript content, provided that such use is consistent with the journal's confidentiality, data protection, and publication-ethics requirements.
Any authorized use of AI by editors or reviewers must not compromise the confidentiality, integrity, independence, or fairness of the peer-review and editorial decision-making process.
By accepting a review assignment or editorial responsibility, reviewers and editors agree to comply with these requirements.
