Use of Gen AI

 

Policy on the Use of Generative AI and AI-Assisted Technologies in Manuscript Preparation

1. Purpose and Scope

This policy aims to provide transparent guidance to authors, reviewers, editors, and readers regarding the responsible use of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing and publication process of the journal. It covers original content creation, data handling, and manuscript preparation, in line with international publishing standards.

2. Principles of AI Use

  • Permitted Use:
    Generative AI and AI-assisted technologies may be used only to improve the readability and language of submitted works. These tools must not replace key authoring tasks, such as creating scientific insights, drawing conclusions, making clinical recommendations, or generating new medical knowledge.

  • Human Oversight:
    All use of generative AI must be performed under human oversight and control. Authors must carefully review and edit AI-generated content and accept full responsibility for the final manuscript.

  • Accountability:
    Authorship implies responsibilities that only humans can undertake. Generative AI or AI-assisted technologies must not be listed as an author or co-author on any manuscript.

3. Disclosure and Transparency

  • Mandatory Declarations:
    Authors must clearly disclose any use of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process of their manuscript.

  • Format of Disclosure:
    At the end of each manuscript—immediately above the references—authors must include a section titled ‘Declaration of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process’. The following format is recommended:

    text
    During the preparation of this work the author(s) used [NAME TOOL / SERVICE] in order to [REASON]. After using this tool/service, the author(s) reviewed and edited the content as needed and take(s) full responsibility for the content of the publication.

4. Prohibited AI Uses

  • Generative AI and AI-assisted technologies may NOT be used to create, modify, or alter figures, images, or artwork in submitted manuscripts.

    • Acceptable adjustments: Brightness, contrast, or color balance correction, as long as no information is obscured or removed.

    • Exception for research methods: If AI-assisted tools are essential to research design (e.g., biomedical imaging), detailed disclosures are required in the methods section, including tool details and reproducibility steps.

  • Generative AI or AI-assisted tools must not be used to produce graphical abstracts, covers, or any creative artwork for book or commissioned content.

5. Research Methods and Data Analysis

  • Permitted Use in Methods:
    If generative AI or AI-assisted tools are used as part of the formal research methodology (e.g., data analysis, biomedical imaging), this must be described reproducibly in the methods section of the manuscript, specifying the tool’s name, version, manufacturer, and usage policy.

  • Raw Data:
    Authors should retain and provide pre-AI-modified images and raw data upon editorial request to ensure transparency and integrity.

6. Authorship Responsibility

  • Only qualified human authors may be credited for manuscripts.

  • Each author is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, originality, and integrity of their work and for investigating any concerns related to content prepared with the help of AI.

7. Other Tools

  • Non-generative tools exemption:
    Traditional spelling/grammar checkers and reference managers (e.g., EndNote, Mendeley, Zotero) do not require disclosure.

8. Ethics and Integrity

  • Authors must familiarize themselves with the journal’s broader publishing ethics and copyright policies before submission.

Note:
This policy will be regularly reviewed and updated in accordance with advancements in generative AI technology and international publishing standards.

For questions about this policy or its application, please contact the editorial office at Little Bay Publishers.

This policy ensures transparency, human responsibility, and ethical standards while allowing the responsible use of generative AI to improve scientific writing, following Elsevier’s reference guidelines.