Artificial Intelligence Usage Policies
These policies have been introduced due to the growing use of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies by content creators. They aim to offer clearer guidance and transparency for authors, reviewers, editors, readers, and contributors. Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan will monitor these developments and update the policies as needed.
For Authors
Use of Generative AI and AI-Assisted Technologies in Scientific Writing
This policy refers only to the writing process and not to the use of AI tools for data analysis and insights during research. When authors use generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in writing, these tools should only enhance readability and language. Human oversight and control are essential, and authors must carefully review and edit the output, as AI can produce authoritative-sounding content that may be incorrect, incomplete, or biased. Authors are ultimately responsible for the content.
Authors must disclose the use of AI and AI-assisted technologies in their manuscripts. This disclosure supports transparency and trust among authors, readers, reviewers, editors, and contributors, and ensures compliance with the relevant tool's terms of use.
Authors should not list AI and AI-assisted technologies as an author or co-author, nor cite AI as an author. Authorship entails responsibilities and tasks that only humans can perform. Each (co-)author is accountable for the accuracy and integrity of the work, must approve the final version, and agree to its submission. Authors are also responsible for ensuring the work is original, that the authors qualify for authorship, and that the work does not infringe on third-party rights. Authors should familiarize themselves with the Ethics in Publishing policy before submission.
Key Points:
· Use AI only to improve readability and language.
· Human oversight and control are essential.
· Authors are responsible for the content.
· Disclose AI use in manuscripts.
· Do not list AI as an author or co-author.
· Authors must ensure the work is original and comply with the Ethics in Publishing policy.
For Reviewers
Use of Generative AI and AI-Assisted Technologies in the Journal Peer Review Process
When reviewing a manuscript, it must be treated as a confidential document. Reviewers should not upload any part of the manuscript to generative AI tools, as this may violate confidentiality and proprietary rights, and potentially breach data privacy.
This confidentiality requirement extends to the peer review report, which may contain sensitive information about the manuscript and/or the authors. For this reason, reviewers should not upload their review reports into an AI tool, even if it is just for the purpose of improving language and readability.
Reviewing a scientific manuscript entails responsibilities that can only be attributed to humans. Generative AI or AI-assisted technologies should not be used by reviewers to assist in the scientific evaluation of a manuscript, as the critical thinking and original assessment needed for peer review is outside the scope of this technology. There is a risk that the technology will generate incorrect, incomplete, or biased conclusions about the manuscript. The reviewer is responsible and accountable for the content of their review report.
The TMSSE AI author policy states that authors are allowed to use generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the manuscript preparation process before submission, but only with appropriate oversight and disclosure, in accordance with our guidelines in the TMSSE Guide for Authors. Reviewers can find such disclosure at the bottom of the paper in a separate section under Ethical Considerations.
Key Points:
· Manuscripts must be treated as confidential documents.
· Do not upload manuscripts or review reports to AI tools.
· Peer review requires human judgment; AI should not be used for scientific review.
· Reviewers are responsible for the content of their review.
· Authors can use AI for language improvements with proper disclosure.
· AI technologies that support the editorial process must respect confidentiality and data privacy.