This policy defines the requirements for transparent, ethical, and responsible use of generative AI and AI‑assisted technologies in manuscript preparation, peer review, and editorial workflows at the Journal of Applied Science and Nanotechnology (JASN). It covers permitted applications (language editing, data analysis, visualization, formatting), mandatory disclosure of tool usage, strict authorship criteria that exclude AI as an author, confidentiality safeguards for peer review, prohibitions on content fabrication, enforcement actions for non‑compliance, and an annual review schedule to keep pace with technological and ethical developments.

Scope

This policy applies to all individuals involved in JASN’s publication process—including authors, peer reviewers, editors, and production staff—who employ any form of generative AI or AI‑assisted technology in the creation, evaluation, or processing of manuscripts.

Permissible Uses

Language and Presentation

Authors may use AI tools for grammar correction, language polishing, translation, and formatting, provided these tools do not alter the scientific meaning or introduce unverified content.

Data Analysis and Visualization

AI software may assist in data analysis, statistical modeling, and figure generation only when the specific tool name, version, settings, and any human adjustments are fully described in the Methods section.

Image and Figure Generation

Use of AI‐generated images, figures, or graphical abstracts is prohibited unless explicitly approved by the Editor‐in‐Chief; authors must cite the AI tool and confirm compliance with copyright and licensing requirements for any AI‐derived visual content.

Disclosure Requirements

Authors must include in both the cover letter and an appropriate manuscript section (e.g., Acknowledgments or Methods) a concise statement specifying:

• The name and version of each AI tool employed.
• The purpose and extent of its application.
• Confirmation that all AI‑generated content has been reviewed and validated by human authors.

Authorship and Accountability

No AI as Author

AI tools cannot be credited as authors under any circumstances, as they lack the capacity to take responsibility for published work.

Human Oversight

All human authors must meet established authorship criteria and are fully accountable for verifying the accuracy, originality, and ethical compliance of any AI‑assisted content, including references and data outputs.

Peer Review and Confidentiality

Reviewer Obligations

Peer reviewers must not upload confidential manuscript content to external AI or cloud‑based services. Limited use of AI for personal language improvement is permissible only on secure, local systems that ensure confidentiality.

Editorial Use

Editors and production staff may use AI for administrative or formatting tasks, provided they obtain manuscript authors’ consent before inputting any confidential material into third‑party AI platforms.

Prohibited Uses

The following are strictly prohibited:

• Generating substantive scientific hypotheses, interpretations, or conclusions without full human authorship and oversight.
• Fabricating or “hallucinating” data, results, or bibliographic references via AI.
• Citing AI tools as primary or original sources in reference lists.

Enforcement and Consequences

Failure to comply with this policy may lead to:

1. Requests for manuscript revision to properly disclose or remove AI‑generated content.
2. Rejection of the submission at any stage of review.
3. Post‑publication corrections or retractions if undisclosed AI misuse is discovered.
   Authors or reviewers found in breach may also face suspension from future submissions or peer‑review activities.

Policy Review

The JASN Editorial Board will conduct an annual review of this policy to incorporate emerging best practices, technological advancements, and evolving ethical standards in scientific publishing.