Use of Generative AI and AI-Assisted Tools

Guidelines on the Use of Generative AI and AI-Assisted Tools in Scientific Writing

The following policy is related to the use of AI in writing scientific articles to be published in our journal. AI-assisted data analysis or research methodologies are not affected by this policy.

Generative AI or AI-assisted technologies may be employed while preparing a manuscript only with the aim of enhancing language and readability. 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.

Transparency is required: Authors must disclose any AI or AI-assisted tool usage in their manuscript, and a statement will be included in the published work. This disclosure fosters trust among authors, readers, reviewers, and editors while ensuring adherence to the terms of use of the respective tools.

AI and AI-assisted technologies must not be listed as authors or co-authors, nor should they be cited 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

Generative AI and AI-assisted tools are prohibited for creating or modifying images, figures, or artwork in submitted manuscripts. This 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.

Generative AI is not permitted 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.

Editors and Peer Reviewers
The journal is committed to editorial honesty and transparency. Using unpublished manuscripts in Generative AI systems creates risks for confidentiality, ownership rights, and sensitive data. For this reason, editors and reviewers must not upload manuscripts, files, images, or related information into AI tools. Violating this rule could breach the rights of the manuscript owner.

Editors
Editors are responsible for protecting the quality and integrity of research content. They must keep all submission and review materials confidential. Using Generative AI with unpublished manuscripts poses risks to confidentiality and intellectual property, so editors are not allowed to upload such material into AI tools.

Peer Reviewers
Peer reviewers are selected for their expertise and must not rely on AI tools to analyze or summarize manuscripts during review. They may not upload unpublished work, project proposals, or any related files into AI systems. AI may only be used by reviewers to polish the wording of their reports, but reviewers remain fully accountable for the correctness and reliability of their evaluations.