AI Policy

AI Policy

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy

Use of AI and AI-Assisted Technologies in Manuscript Preparation

The journal recognizes that artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-assisted technologies, including Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, are increasingly being used to assist in various aspects of research and writing. This policy outlines the appropriate and ethical use of such technologies in manuscripts submitted to this journal.

General Principles

Authors are responsible for the accuracy, integrity, and originality of their work. While AI tools may assist in the research and writing process, they cannot replace human authorship, accountability, or critical thinking. All content generated or influenced by AI tools must be carefully reviewed, verified, and validated by the authors.

Permitted Uses of AI Technologies

1. Language Editing and Grammar Improvement

AI tools may be used for:

  • Grammar and spelling correction
  • Language polishing and readability improvement
  • Translation assistance (with human verification)
  • Paraphrasing for clarity (not to disguise plagiarism)
  • Sentence restructuring for better flow

2. Literature Review Assistance

AI tools may assist with:

  • Identifying relevant literature and research papers
  • Summarizing research findings (with verification)
  • Organizing references
  • Generating search queries

3. Data Analysis Support

AI may be used for:

  • Statistical analysis (with proper methodology description)
  • Data visualization
  • Pattern recognition in large datasets
  • Code generation for data processing (with verification)

4. Research Design and Methodology

AI may assist with:

  • Suggesting research methodologies
  • Identifying potential confounding variables
  • Experimental design optimization
  • Sample size calculation

Prohibited Uses of AI Technologies

1. Authorship

  • AI cannot be listed as an author - Authorship requires accountability, and AI systems cannot take responsibility for published work
  • AI-generated text without substantial human revision and verification is not acceptable
  • Submitting entirely AI-generated manuscripts is prohibited

2. Original Research and Data

  • AI-fabricated data or results are strictly prohibited
  • AI cannot replace original experimentation or data collection
  • Synthetic data must be clearly labeled and justified
  • AI-generated hypotheses must be validated through proper research

3. Peer Review Process

  • Reviewers must not use AI to generate review reports without substantial personal input
  • Confidential manuscripts must not be uploaded to public AI systems
  • AI-assisted reviews must disclose the use of AI tools

4. Image and Figure Generation

  • AI-generated images must not misrepresent research findings
  • Scientific figures must be based on actual experimental data
  • AI-enhanced or modified images must be disclosed in figure legends
  • Deepfakes or misleading AI-generated visuals are prohibited

Disclosure Requirements

Mandatory Disclosure

Authors must disclose the use of AI tools in the following situations:

  1. Substantial Content Generation
    • If AI was used to generate significant portions of text (beyond minor editing)
    • Disclosure should specify which sections were AI-assisted
  2. Data Analysis and Interpretation
    • If AI was used for data analysis, statistical modeling, or interpretation
    • Methodology section must describe AI tools and algorithms used
  3. Image Processing
    • Any AI-based image enhancement, reconstruction, or modification
    • Must be disclosed in figure legends with details of processing
  4. Literature Review and Synthesis
    • If AI was used to synthesize or summarize literature
    • Authors must verify all citations and claims

How to Disclose

Disclosure should be included in one or more of the following locations:

  • Methods section - For AI used in research methodology or analysis
  • Acknowledgments section - For AI used in writing assistance
  • Author contributions statement - Specify AI-assisted tasks
  • Figure legends - For AI-processed images

Example Disclosure Statements:

"The authors used ChatGPT (GPT-4, OpenAI) to improve the readability and language of the manuscript. All AI-generated suggestions were carefully reviewed and verified by the authors."

"Machine learning algorithms (scikit-learn v1.2.0, Python 3.9) were employed for data classification. Details of the algorithms and hyperparameters are provided in the supplementary materials."

"Figure 3 was processed using AI-based image denoising (DeepImageJ plugin, ImageJ). Original unprocessed images are available in supplementary files."

Author Responsibilities

When using AI-assisted technologies, authors must:

  1. Verify Accuracy
    • Check all facts, data, and citations generated by AI
    • Validate all scientific claims and interpretations
    • Ensure all references are real and correctly cited
  2. Maintain Originality
    • Ensure work is original and not duplicated from other sources
    • Use plagiarism detection software on AI-generated text
    • Properly cite any sources that inspired AI-generated content
  3. Take Full Accountability
    • Authors are solely responsible for all content, even if AI-assisted
    • Authors must be able to defend and explain all aspects of the work
    • Errors in AI-generated content are the authors' responsibility
  4. Protect Confidentiality
    • Do not upload unpublished data to public AI systems
    • Avoid sharing patient data or confidential information with AI tools
    • Use secure, institutional AI resources when possible

AI-Generated References and Citations

Important Warning: AI systems frequently generate fake or inaccurate citations ("AI hallucinations").

Authors must:

  • Verify every reference generated by AI against original sources
  • Ensure DOIs, page numbers, and publication details are accurate
  • Read cited articles to confirm they support the claims made
  • Remove any fabricated references before submission

Consequences: Inclusion of fabricated references may result in manuscript rejection or retraction.

Reviewer Guidance on AI Use

Reviewers should:

  • Evaluate whether AI use is appropriately disclosed
  • Check for signs of uncorrected AI-generated text (repetitive phrasing, generic statements, incorrect citations)
  • Verify that AI-assisted analysis is properly described in methods
  • Alert editors if AI use appears undisclosed or inappropriate
  • Not use AI to generate review reports without substantial personal input

Editorial Oversight

Editors will:

  • Review AI disclosure statements for adequacy
  • Request additional information about AI use when necessary
  • Use AI detection tools to identify undisclosed AI-generated content
  • Reject manuscripts with undisclosed substantial AI use
  • Retract published articles if significant undisclosed AI use is discovered

Consequences of Policy Violations

Violations of this AI policy may result in:

  • Manuscript rejection - For undisclosed AI use or fabricated content
  • Request for revision - To add proper disclosure or correct AI-generated errors
  • Retraction - If violations are discovered after publication
  • Notification to institutions - For serious violations
  • Ban from future submissions - For deliberate misconduct

Acceptable AI Tools and Technologies

Examples of AI tools that may be used with proper disclosure:

Language and Writing Assistance

  • Grammarly, Wordtune, QuillBot (grammar and style)
  • ChatGPT, Claude, Bard (writing assistance, with verification)
  • DeepL, Google Translate (translation, with human review)
  • Writefull, Paperpal (academic writing tools)

Data Analysis and Visualization

  • Python libraries (scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch)
  • R packages (caret, randomForest, etc.)
  • SPSS, SAS, MATLAB with ML toolboxes
  • Tableau, Power BI with AI features

Image Analysis

  • ImageJ with AI plugins
  • CellProfiler
  • Fiji (ImageJ distribution)
  • Deep learning-based image analysis tools

Literature Search

  • Semantic Scholar
  • Connected Papers
  • Research Rabbit
  • Elicit

Best Practices for AI Use

  1. Use AI as a tool, not a replacement - Maintain human oversight and critical thinking
  2. Document AI use - Keep records of which tools were used and how
  3. Verify everything - Never trust AI output without verification
  4. Be transparent - When in doubt, disclose AI use
  5. Protect data - Use secure AI tools, especially for sensitive data
  6. Update knowledge - Stay informed about AI capabilities and limitations
  7. Follow discipline-specific guidelines - Some fields may have additional AI policies

Future Updates

This policy will be regularly reviewed and updated as AI technologies evolve and best practices emerge. Authors should check for the most current version before submission.

Resources and Further Reading

Questions About AI Use?

If you are unsure whether your use of AI requires disclosure or is appropriate, please contact the editorial office before submission:

Email: editor@[journaldomain].com
Subject: AI Policy Inquiry - [Manuscript Title]

We are happy to provide guidance on specific cases.

Last Updated: February 2026

This policy is based on guidelines from COPE, ICMJE, and leading publishers, adapted for this journal's specific needs.

Note: Replace [journaldomain].com with the actual journal domain when implementing.