Guidelines on Generative AI and AI-Assisted Tools in MAJ

For Authors

Acceptable Use: AI tools may be used to enhance readability and improve language. Human oversight is mandatory.

Disclosure Requirement: Disclose AI use in the manuscript. State the AI tool used, version, and prompts in a dedicated acknowledgment section, consistent with WAME guidelines.

Accountability: Authors are responsible for ensuring AI-generated text is accurate, free of bias, and properly edited.
Cite and verify all sources referenced by AI tools. Be cautious of fabricated citations.
Ensure that content complies with ethical standards, avoiding plagiarism, fabrication, or falsification.

Authorship: Do not list generative AI tools as authors. Authorship requires human accountability for content accuracy, integrity, and final approval, per COPE, WAME, and ICMJE guidelines.

Figures and Images: Do not use AI tools to alter or generate figures, images, or graphical abstracts unless explicitly part of your research methods.
Describe AI use in methods with details on the tool name, version, and process, and provide pre-adjusted or raw images if required.

For Reviewers

Reviewers play a critical role in ensuring manuscript integrity. Following these guidelines:

Confidentiality: Treat manuscripts and reviews as confidential. Do not upload any manuscript content or peer review reports into generative AI tools.

AI-Assisted Reviewing: Generative AI must not be used for scientific assessment. Reviewing requires critical thinking and independent judgment beyond AI’s capabilities.
You are accountable for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of your review.

Transparency: Review disclosures about AI use in manuscripts and ensure compliance with ethical guidelines.

For Editors

Confidentiality: Do not upload manuscripts or correspondence into AI tools. Ensure confidentiality for all submissions and editorial communications.

AI Use in Editorial Work: Avoid using AI for decision-making or content evaluation. Editorial assessments require human insight and accountability.
Report suspected misuse of AI by authors or reviewers to the publisher immediately.

Transparency and Tools: Review AI disclosures in manuscripts. Ensure authors specify AI use, including tools, prompts, and output handling, consistent with COPE and WAME policies.
Use privacy-compliant AI tools for plagiarism checks and reviewer matching where available, ensuring ethical standards are upheld.

By adhering to these guidelines, MAJ aims to uphold the highest standards of scientific integrity, transparency, and trust. For more information, please contact us at maj@tnau.ac.in.