Ethics and Policies

Guidelines on the Use of Generative AI

The following policy is related to the use of AI in writing scientific articles. AI-assisted data analysis is not affected.

Generative AI may be used only to enhance language and readability. Human oversight is essential. Authors remain fully responsible for the final content.

Authors must disclose AI usage in manuscripts to ensure transparency.

AI tools must not be listed as authors or co-authors.

Restrictions on Figures

AI tools are prohibited for creating or modifying images, except minor adjustments that do not alter data integrity.

Exceptions apply when AI is part of research methodology, requiring full disclosure and reproducibility.

AI is not allowed for graphical abstracts.

Editors and Reviewers

Editors and reviewers must not upload manuscripts into AI tools due to confidentiality risks.

Editors

Editors must protect confidentiality and avoid AI usage with unpublished data.

Peer Reviewers

Reviewers may only use AI for language polishing, not analysis.

Example Declaration

Authors used AI tools [NAME] for readability. No AI was used for scientific content or figures.

Publication in a peer-reviewed journal requires strict ethical standards aligned with COPE.

Authors Responsibilities

• Original work
• No misleading data
• No duplicate submission
• No IP violations

Editors Responsibilities

• Unbiased peer review
• Confidentiality
• Final decision responsibility

Reviewers Responsibilities

• Objective review
• Confidentiality
• Report plagiarism

Plagiarism includes copying text, figures, or ideas without attribution.

• Word-for-word copying
• Uncited paraphrasing
• Unauthorized reuse of figures

All manuscripts are checked using iThenticate.