Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy

        The Journal recognizes the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in supporting academic work, including writing, data analysis, and knowledge management. However, the use of AI must be governed by principles of accuracy, transparency, and academic integrity in order to maintain scholarly standards, credibility, and ethical responsibility within the global academic community.

        Accordingly, the Journal establishes this AI policy for authors, reviewers, and editors, in alignment with international publication ethics guidelines. AI is considered a supportive tool and not a primary creator of scholarly knowledge, and it cannot replace human responsibility.

1. Definitions

           1.1 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Artificial Intelligence refers to systems or tools that utilize machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), or related technologies capable of generating, analyzing, editing, or improving content automatically or semi-automatically, such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, or similar systems.

           1.2 AI Tools  AI tools refer to programs, software, or platforms developed based on artificial intelligence that can be used to support research, writing, or data analysis processes.

           1.3 Use of AI The use of AI refers to the application of AI at any stage of scholarly work production, including content generation, data analysis, summarization, or language refinement.

           1.4 AI Disclosure  AI disclosure refers to the transparent reporting of AI use, including the name of the tool, its role, and the extent of its use, in appropriate sections of the manuscript.

2. Guidelines for Authors

           2.1 Appropriate Use of AI Authors may use AI as a supportive tool for manuscript preparation, such as language and grammar checking, academic writing enhancement, document formatting, or preliminary data analysis. However, AI must not replace the authors’ intellectual contribution, including critical thinking, analysis, and synthesis.

           2.2 Disclosure of AI Use  Authors must clearly disclose the use of AI by specifying the tool, its role, and the extent of its use in the Methodology or Acknowledgments section. Such disclosure ensures transparency and accountability.

           2.3 Responsibility for Content  Authors are fully responsible for the accuracy, reliability, and integrity of all content in the manuscript, including data, findings, and references, regardless of AI assistance.

           2.4 Verification and Bias Control  Authors must carefully verify all AI-generated or AI-assisted content and assess potential biases. Any inaccuracies or biases must be corrected before submission.

           2.5 Use of AI in Data Analysis  If AI is used in data analysis, authors should provide sufficient details, such as the name of the tool, version, and general methodological approach, to ensure transparency and reproducibility.

           2.6 Prohibited Uses of AI  The following uses of AI are strictly prohibited:

                 - Fabrication or falsification of data or research findings
                 - Creation of non-existent or fabricated references
                 - Using AI to write the manuscript without appropriate human review and revision
                 - Using AI to evade plagiarism detection
                 - Generating data, images, or content without proper disclosure
                 - Any use that violates publication ethics

3. Guidelines for Reviewers

           3.1 Confidentiality Reviewers must maintain strict confidentiality of all submitted manuscripts and must not disclose or use any information for personal benefit.

           3.2 Cautious Use of AI  Reviewers should avoid uploading manuscripts or any part of them into public AI systems, as this may lead to data leakage or breaches of confidentiality.

           3.3 Conditions for AI Use (if necessary) If AI is used as a supporting tool, reviewers must ensure that:

                - The tool is secure
                - No manuscript data are stored or shared
                - Confidentiality of the manuscript is fully protected

           3.4 Responsibility for Review The evaluation of manuscripts, provision of feedback, and academic judgment must be conducted solely by the reviewer. AI must not be used to generate full reviews or make decisions.

           3.5 Ethical and Fair Review Reviewers must evaluate manuscripts objectively, fairly, and without bias, and must not use manuscript content for personal or professional gain.

4. Guidelines for Editors

           4.1 Use of AI in Editorial Work Editors may use AI to assist with technical tasks such as language checking, formatting, initial screening, and completeness checks. However, AI must not replace scholarly judgment.

           4.2 Editorial Decision-Making All editorial decisions (acceptance, revision, or rejection) must be made by human editors based on academic merit and ethical considerations.

           4.3 Confidentiality Protection Editors must ensure strict confidentiality of manuscripts and must not upload manuscript content into public AI systems that may compromise data security.

           4.4 Secure Use of AI  If AI is used, editors must ensure that such tools do not store, share, or misuse manuscript data in ways that violate privacy or publication ethics.

           4.5 Monitoring AI Disclosure Editors are responsible for ensuring that authors properly disclose AI use. Undisclosed or inappropriate use may result in rejection or further ethical action.

           4.6 Promotion of Ethical Standards Editors should promote awareness of ethical AI use among authors and reviewers and regularly update policies in response to technological developments.

           4.7 Handling Policy Violations In cases of AI misuse (e.g., fabricated data or references), editors must take appropriate action in accordance with publication ethics, including rejection, retraction, or notification of relevant institutions.

5. Enforcement and Responsibility

           5.1 Compliance with the Policy  All authors, reviewers, and editors are required to strictly comply with the Journal’s policy on the use of artificial intelligence. The use of AI must adhere to the principles of transparency, accountability, and academic integrity.

           5.2 Consequences of Non-Compliance  Manuscripts that do not comply with this policy may be subject to one or more of the following actions:

               - Rejection prior to publication
               - Request for revision or clarification regarding the use of artificial intelligence
               - Withdrawal of the manuscript during the review process
               - Retraction of the published article in accordance with publication ethics

           5.3 Investigation and Ethical Procedures In cases of suspected inappropriate use of artificial intelligence—such as fabrication of data, failure to disclose AI use, or creation of non-existent references—the Journal will conduct an investigation in accordance with publication ethics guidelines. Authors may be required to provide clarification or supporting evidence.

           5.4 Author Responsibility Authors are fully responsible for all content of their manuscripts, including any parts generated or assisted by artificial intelligence. Such responsibility cannot be transferred to AI tools.

           5.5 Maintenance of Academic Standards These measures are implemented to uphold international standards of transparency, credibility, and academic integrity of the Journal.