Artificial Intelligence Policy

Use of Artificial Intelligence and Automated Tools

The journal acknowledges the increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including generative AI and large language models, in research and academic communication. To ensure scientific integrity, editorial transparency, and trust in the academic record, all participants in the publication process are expected to adhere to principles of responsible, ethical, and transparent use of AI and automated technologies.

The use of AI does not replace human responsibility. Authors, reviewers, and editors retain full responsibility for the content submitted, the evaluations conducted, and the editorial decisions made at each stage of the publication process.

For Authors

Authors may use AI tools exclusively for legitimate and limited purposes, such as improving linguistic style, correcting grammar, adjusting formatting, or enhancing the clarity and readability of manuscripts. Any use of AI beyond basic editorial assistance must be explicitly disclosed in the manuscript, either in the Acknowledgments section or through a dedicated statement.

Authors are fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, coherence, and reliability of all content generated or assisted by AI. Using these tools does not exempt authors from accountability for errors, omissions, misleading statements, fabricated content, or improper citation practices.

AI tools do not qualify as authors or co-authors, as they cannot assume intellectual or ethical responsibility for scientific work. Additionally, AI-assisted or AI-generated content must not introduce nonexistent references, falsified data, manipulated images, or fabricated results. All cited sources must be authentic, verifiable, and correctly referenced, and AI should not be cited as a primary source of academic information.

When AI is used for data analysis, image generation, simulations, figure creation, or other substantive processes, its application must be clearly described in the Methodology section, providing sufficient information to ensure transparency and reproducibility. Any ethical, legal, or copyright implications arising from such use are the sole responsibility of the authors.

Failure to disclose AI usage or its improper application in ways that compromise scientific integrity may constitute a serious breach of publication ethics, potentially leading to rejection, correction, or retraction of the manuscript.

For Reviewers and Editors

Reviewers and editors must not use generative AI to write or substantially draft peer review reports, editorial assessments, or publication decisions, in order to maintain confidentiality, academic rigor, and impartiality.

Exceptionally, AI may be used for limited editorial assistance, such as minor style corrections in reviewers’ own comments, provided no confidential content is uploaded to external systems and that the journal is informed when appropriate.

All editorial decisions must be based on human academic judgment, grounded in disciplinary expertise, ethical responsibility, and critical evaluation. AI cannot replace or automate editorial decision-making.

Use of Automated Tools by the Journal

The journal may employ automated tools for administrative purposes and to safeguard academic integrity, including plagiarism detection, textual similarity analysis, reference verification, or image review. All results are interpreted under human supervision by qualified editorial staff.

These tools are complementary and do not replace editorial judgment. Any findings are assessed contextually, allowing authors to provide clarifications or responses when applicable.

Alignment with Elsevier Policies

This policy is fully aligned with Elsevier’s guidelines on the use of AI and generative AI in academic publishing, incorporating principles of transparency, human accountability, authorship integrity, and responsible disclosure.

For further information, please consult Elsevier’s official policy on AI in scientific journals:

https://www.elsevier.com/about/policies-and-standards/generative-ai-policies-for-journals