Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage Policy

This policy outlines the ethical and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in the scholarly publishing process for SJST. It applies to all contributors: authors, peer reviewers, and editors. The core principle is that AI tools are assistants, not substitutes, for human intellectual work and judgment.

1. For Authors

1.1 Permitted Uses of AI

Authors may use AI tools to assist with specific, non-intellectual tasks in manuscript preparation:

• Language Enhancement: For grammar checking, spelling correction, and improving readability and clarity.
• Formatting and Reference Management: To assist with citation formatting or reference list organization according to journal guidelines.
• Idea Brainstorming or Outlining: To help generate initial ideas or structure for a manuscript, provided the final intellectual content is the author's own.
• Data Processing: To assist in the analysis of legitimately collected research data (e.g., running statistical models). The methodology must transparently describe the AI tool's role.

1.2 Prohibited Uses of AI

AI must not be used to generate or create substantive academic content, as this undermines authorship and intellectual contribution:

• Authorship and Content Generation: AI cannot be listed as an author. It must not be used to write entire sections (e.g., literature review, methodology, results, discussion, conclusions).
• Data Fabrication: AI must not be used to generate, simulate, or fabricate research data, results, or case studies.
• Image/Figure Creation: AI-generated images, figures, or visual abstracts are not permitted unless explicitly part of the research methodology and fully disclosed.

1.3 Disclosure Requirement (Mandatory)

Authors must transparently declare any use of AI tools in their manuscript.

• A statement must be included in the Acknowledgments or a dedicated Declaration section.
• The statement must specify the tool used (e.g., ChatGPT, Grammarly, etc.), its version, and the specific purpose (e.g., "for language polishing" or "for initial idea structuring").
• Example Statement: "During the preparation of this work, the author(s) used [AI Tool Name and Version] for [specific purpose, e.g., language editing and refinement]. 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."

2. For Peer Reviewers

2.1 Permitted Uses of AI

Reviewers may use AI tools to enhance the clarity and quality of their review reports:

• Improving Report Language: To refine the language and structure of their review comments for clarity.
• Checking References: To help verify citations or references mentioned in the manuscript under review.

2.2 Prohibited Uses and Key Responsibilities

• Confidentiality is Paramount: Reviewers must never upload or input any part of the confidential manuscript, its data, or the author's ideas into a public AI tool.
• No Delegation of Judgment: The core evaluation of the manuscript's novelty, validity, and significance must be the reviewer's own intellectual work. AI must not be used to make a recommendation (accept/reject/revise).
• Vigilance: Reviewers should be alert to potential undisclosed AI use by authors (e.g., unnatural prose, lack of depth, potential hallucinations) and report suspicions to the editor.

3. For Editors

3.1 Permitted Uses of AI

Editors may use AI for administrative and procedural efficiency:

• Workflow Management: Identifying potential reviewers based on publication history or managing correspondence.
• Screening Assistance: Using AI tools for initial technical checks (e.g., plagiarism screening, format compliance).

3.2 Prohibited Uses and Key Responsibilities

• Decision-Making: AI must not be used to make final editorial decisions on manuscripts. The editor's judgment, informed by peer review, is irreplaceable.
• Policy Enforcement: Editors are responsible for ensuring author compliance with this AI policy, checking disclosure statements, and investigating potential violations.
• Reviewer Guidance: Informing reviewers about confidentiality obligations regarding AI use during the review process.

4. Ethical Considerations & Core Principles

• Accuracy & "Hallucinations": All parties must be aware that AI tools can generate confident but incorrect or fabricated information ("hallucinations"). Ultimate responsibility for fact-checking and accuracy lies with the human user.
• Bias & Fairness: Users must understand that AI models can perpetuate societal biases. Editors and authors should consider this, especially in sensitive research areas.
• Transparency: Clear disclosure is non-negotiable and is the foundation of trust.
• Accountability: The human author(s) are ultimately accountable for all content in the manuscript, including any portions assisted by AI.

5. Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to adhere to this policy will be considered a breach of publication ethics and may result in:

• For Authors: Rejection of the submitted manuscript, retraction of a published article, or notification to the authors' institutions.
• For Reviewers: Removal from the journal's reviewer database.
• For Editors: Corrective action by the journal's editorial board or publisher.