Authors must declare any use of generative AI tools in the article preparation process when submitting their manuscript.
Generative AI and AI-related technologies (known as “AI tools”) have been rapidly adopted in scientific research and publication; while these tools offer significant benefits, they require clear standards for responsible and transparent use.
Authors preparing manuscripts for this journal may use AI tools to support the writing and preparation process. However, these tools should never be used as a substitute for critical thinking, expertise, and human evaluation. AI tools should only be used with human supervision and control.
Please carefully read Elsevier’s detailed policy for authors on the use of AI tools, as outlined in “Elsevier Policies on Generative AI in Journals.”
Ultimately, authors are fully responsible for and accountable for the content of their work. This accountability includes:
· Thoroughly reviewing and verifying the accuracy, comprehensiveness, and impartiality of all AI-generated output (including checking references, as AI-generated references may be inaccurate or fabricated).
· Fully editing and adapting all material to ensure that the article represents the original and credible contribution of the author(s) and reflects their own analysis, interpretation, insights, and ideas.
· Ensuring the accuracy and authenticity of any images generated using AI and providing proper attribution where appropriate.
· Ensuring that the use of any tools or sources (AI-based or otherwise) is clear and transparent to readers. If AI tools are used, a disclosure statement is required at the time of submission.
· Ensure that the article is developed in a way that protects data privacy, intellectual property, and other rights; this is accomplished by reviewing the terms and conditions of any AI tool used.
Finally, authors should not list or mention AI tools as authors or collaborators in the manuscript, as authorship entails responsibilities and duties that are attributable to and can be performed by humans only.
The use of AI tools in the preparation process should be disclosed by adding a statement at the end of the manuscript, at the first stage of submission. This statement will also be included in the published version of the article and should be placed in a separate section, before the list of references. An example of such a statement is as follows:
New section title: Statement on the use of generative AI and AI-based technologies in the preparation process
Text of the statement: In the preparation of this work, the author(s) used [name of tool/service] for [reason for use]. After using this tool/service, the author(s) will review and edit the content as needed and take full responsibility for the content of the published article.
This statement does not include the use of primary tools, such as those used to check grammar, spelling, and references. In addition, authors are not required to disclose the use of AI tools or capabilities in specialized assistive technologies related to disabilities, provided that these tools are used solely for accessibility purposes.
If there is no case to declare, there is no need to add a statement.
Note: In order to protect the rights of authors and the confidentiality of their research, this journal does not currently allow scientific editors and reviewers to upload an unpublished article to a generative AI tool. This is also stated in the Elsevier Policy on Generative AI in Journals. However, editors and reviewers may use AI tools in a supporting role, to improve the structure and language of the review report or editorial decision letter, or to perform research background searches. Elsevier is actively evaluating AI tools that meet its requirements and may revise this policy in the future.
