Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy

Use of AI by Authors

• Authors may use AI tools to improve grammar, spelling, language style, readability, and manuscript editing.
• AI may be used to support research and writing activities provided that it does not replace the authors' scientific judgment or critical analysis.
• Authors must carefully verify and validate all AI-generated content before incorporating it into the manuscript.
• Authors are responsible for ensuring that AI-generated content is accurate, unbiased, non-misleading, and does not infringe the intellectual property rights of others.
• Any significant use of AI in preparing the manuscript should be disclosed transparently in the Methods, Acknowledgements, or another appropriate section.

Authorship

• AI systems, chatbots, and AI-based software cannot be listed as authors or co-authors of a manuscript.
• AI tools cannot meet authorship requirements because they cannot assume responsibility, accountability, or approve the final version of a publication.
• All listed authors must be individuals who satisfy internationally accepted authorship criteria.

AI-Generated Data, Images, and Content

• Research data must not be fabricated, manipulated, or falsified using AI in ways that compromise research validity.
• Images, illustrations, graphs, or other visual materials generated or modified using AI must be clearly disclosed when included in a manuscript.
• AI-assisted image manipulation that could mislead readers or alter the scientific meaning of research findings is prohibited.
• Editors may request additional information, clarification, or supporting evidence regarding the use of AI in generating research data or visual content.

Use of AI by Reviewers and Editors

• Reviewers and editors must maintain the confidentiality of all submitted manuscripts.
• Reviewers and editors must not upload manuscripts, datasets, images, or confidential information to public AI services that may retain or use submitted content for model training.
• Any use of AI by reviewers or editors must comply with the principles of confidentiality, research integrity, and publication ethics.

Compliance with Publication Ethics

This policy is developed in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and reflects international best practices adopted by leading scholarly publishers. Failure to comply with this policy may result in manuscript rejection, requests for revision, or other editorial actions in accordance with the journal's publication ethics policy.