Generative AI Policy

The Journal of Applied Mathematics, Statistics, and Computing (J. Appl. Math. Stat. Comput.) recognizes the growing role of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools in academic research and publishing. To ensure transparency, accountability, and the integrity of the scholarly record, this policy outlines guidelines for the use of generative AI tools by authors, reviewers, and editors during the writing, peer review, and editorial processes.

1. Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to generative AI tools, defined as software or systems capable of producing text, code, images, or other content based on user prompts (e.g., large language models, AI-based writing assistants, or code generation tools). It covers their use in manuscript preparation, peer review, and editorial decision-making for all submissions to J. Appl. Math. Stat. Comput..

2. Authors
Generative AI tools can be valuable aids in the research and writing process, but their use must be transparent and comply with ethical standards to maintain the authenticity of the scholarly work.

Permitted Uses:
Authors may use generative AI tools for tasks such as improving readability, grammar, or clarity of their manuscripts, provided the tools do not alter the scientific content or conclusions.
AI tools may assist in generating initial drafts, summarizing literature, or formatting references, but authors remain fully responsible for the intellectual content, accuracy, and originality of the manuscript.
Use of AI tools for data analysis, visualization, or code generation is permitted, provided the output is verified by the authors and appropriately documented.

Transparency Requirements:
Authors must disclose the use of generative AI tools in their manuscript, either in the acknowledgments section or a dedicated methods section. The disclosure should specify the tool(s) used, the version (if applicable), and the extent of their use (e.g., “ChatGPT was used to refine the language of the introduction”).
Failure to disclose AI use may be considered a violation of publication ethics and could lead to rejection or retraction.

Prohibited Uses:
Generative AI tools must not be listed as co-authors, as they lack accountability and cannot take responsibility for the work.
AI-generated content must not be presented as the original intellectual contribution of the authors without proper validation and attribution.
Use of AI tools to fabricate data, falsify results, or plagiarize content is strictly prohibited and may result in rejection, retraction, or further disciplinary action.

Verification: Authors are responsible for verifying the accuracy, originality, and scientific validity of any AI-generated content included in their manuscript.

3. Reviewers
Peer reviewers play a critical role in evaluating the quality and validity of submissions. The use of generative AI tools in the peer review process must be limited to ensure impartiality and confidentiality.

Permitted Uses:
Reviewers may use generative AI tools to assist with language polishing or structuring their review reports, provided the intellectual content of the review (e.g., critique, recommendations) is their own.

Prohibited Uses:
Reviewers must not use generative AI tools to generate substantive portions of their reviews, as this undermines the independent expertise required for peer review.
Sharing manuscript content, including text, data, or figures, with AI tools is strictly prohibited to maintain confidentiality and protect author rights.

Transparency Requirements:
Reviewers must disclose any use of generative AI tools in their review process to the editorial office at [insert contact email] when submitting their review.

Confidentiality: Reviewers must ensure that AI tools do not store, process, or transmit manuscript content in ways that could compromise confidentiality or intellectual property.

4. Editors
Editors are responsible for overseeing the peer review process and making publication decisions. The use of generative AI tools in editorial tasks must align with journal’s commitment to fairness and rigor.

Permitted Uses:
Editors may use generative AI tools for administrative tasks, such as drafting correspondence, summarizing reviewer comments for internal use, or checking for plagiarism in conjunction with established tools.

Prohibited Uses:
Editors must not rely on generative AI tools to make editorial decisions, such as accepting or rejecting manuscripts, as these decisions require human judgment and expertise.
Sharing unpublished manuscript content with AI tools is prohibited, except for tools specifically approved by J. Appl. Math. Stat. Comput. for editorial purposes (e.g., plagiarism detection software).

Transparency Requirements:
Editors must document any use of generative AI tools in editorial processes and ensure that such use does not influence the fairness or impartiality of decisions.

Accountability: Editors remain fully accountable for all editorial decisions and must ensure that AI tools do not compromise the integrity of the review process.

5. Ethical Considerations

Plagiarism and Originality: Authors, reviewers, and editors must ensure that AI-generated content does not lead to plagiarism or unoriginal work. All content must be properly attributed and verified.
Bias and Fairness: Users of generative AI tools should be aware of potential biases in AI outputs and take steps to mitigate them, ensuring that AI use does not introduce unfair or discriminatory content.
Data Privacy: Any use of generative AI tools must comply with data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR) and respect the confidentiality of unpublished manuscripts and reviewer identities.

6. Enforcement

Investigation of Misuse: Suspected misuse of generative AI tools, such as undisclosed use, fabrication, or breaches of confidentiality, will be investigated by the editorial board in accordance with journal’s Article Correction, Retraction, and Removal Policy.
Consequences: Violations of this policy may result in rejection of a manuscript, retraction of a published article, or restrictions on future submissions or participation in the review process.

7. Support and Inquiries

J. Appl. Math. Stat. Comput. is committed to supporting authors, reviewers, and editors in navigating the ethical use of generative AI tools. For questions or guidance regarding this policy, please contact the editorial office at editor@jamsc.aastemer.org. Responses to inquiries will be provided within five business days.

8. Policy Updates

This policy may be updated periodically to reflect advancements in AI technology, changes in publishing standards, or legal requirements. The most current version will be available on the J. Appl. Math. Stat. Comput. website.

By submitting to, reviewing for, or editing at J. Appl. Math. Stat. Comput., individuals agree to comply with this Generative AI Policy and uphold the journal’s standards of integrity and transparency.