AI Usage Policy for Manuscript Preparation

This revised policy incorporates stricter measures regarding the detection and consequences of undisclosed AI-generated content, reinforcing our commitment to research integrity.

Core Principles

Accountability: Authors are fully responsible for the entire content of their manuscript, including any part created or edited with AI assistance. They must ensure the accuracy, originality and integrity of all data, text and figures.
Transparency: Any use of AI tools in manuscript preparation must be disclosed. This includes specifying which tools were used and for what purpose.
Human Oversight: AI tools are not a replacement for human intellect and critical thinking. They should be used as an aid, not to perform the intellectual work of the research or writing.
Confidentiality: Authors, reviewers and editors must not input confidential, sensitive or unpublished material into AI tools, as this may compromise data privacy and intellectual property rights.

GUIDELINES FOR AUTHORS

Acceptable Use

Authors may use AI tools for non-substantive tasks that enhance the manuscript's quality without replacing the author's intellectual contribution. Permissible uses include

Language and Readability: Using AI for grammar checks, spelling, punctuation and stylistic improvements.
Drafting and Ideation: Employing AI to brainstorm ideas or refine language, as long as the final output is thoroughly reviewed, fact-checked and substantially edited by the author.
Translation: Using AI tools to translate text from one language to another.

Prohibited Use

AI tools must not be used for tasks that fall under the core intellectual work of the author. Prohibited uses include

Authorship: AI tools cannot be listed as an author. Authorship implies responsibility and accountability, which AI cannot fulfill.
Content Generation: Using AI to generate substantive content, including abstracts, literature reviews, methodology, results or conclusions. All intellectual contributions must originate from the human author(s).
Data Manipulation: Using AI to fabricate, manipulate or misrepresent data, statistics or research findings.
Image Creation: Generating or altering images, figures or artwork with AI, except when the AI itself is the subject of the research and this use is disclosed.

Disclosure and Citation Requirements

Authors must disclose the use of AI tools in the manuscript. A statement should be included in a dedicated "Declaration of AI Use" section or the Acknowledgments. This statement must specify the tool(s) used and the purpose of their use. If AI was used as part of the research methodology, it must be described in detail in the Methods section.

SCREENING AND DETECTION

All submitted manuscripts are screened for both plagiarism and AI-generated content at multiple stages.

Initial submission
During the peer review process
After acceptance and before publication
Post-publication

Manuscripts will be declined for publication if AI-generated content is detected above a 5% threshold at any stage of the submission or review process. This policy applies irrespective of the author's stated declaration.

CONSEQUENCES OF UNDISCLOSED AI USE

The consequences of failing to disclose AI-generated content or exceeding the 5% threshold are severe and vary depending on the stage of the publication process.

During Peer Review

Undisclosed AI-generated content will result in immediate rejection of the manuscript. The authors will be notified of the reason for rejection, and a record will be kept for future submissions.

After Acceptance but Before Publication

The manuscript will be withdrawn from publication.
The authors' institutions may be notified of the breach of policy.

After Publication

The journal may issue a correction or expression of concern.
In cases of severe, undisclosed AI use, a full retraction of the article may be issued.
A notice of the retraction will be published in the journal and on relevant databases. The authors' institutions will be notified.