Use of Generative AI and AI-Assisted
Technologies in Scientific Writing
This policy governs the application of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and AI-assisted technologies in manuscript preparation for the ACIE Journal. This policy does not apply to the use of AI tools used as primary research methods or data analysis tools within the scientific study itself.
Author Guidelines and Responsibility
Permissible Use
Generative AI and AI-assisted tools may only be used during manuscript preparation to improve readability, grammar, and language clarity.
Human Oversight & Final Accountability
Because AI-generated text can present incorrect, incomplete, or biased information with persuasive credibility, human oversight is mandatory. Authors must critically evaluate, verify, and edit all AI-assisted outputs. Authors remain solely responsible and accountable for the accuracy, integrity, and ethical compliance of the entire contents of their submission.
Disclosure Requirement
Authors must explicitly disclose the use of generative AI or AI-assisted technologies in their manuscript during the submission process. A declaration statement will be included in the final published article to maintain transparency and build trust with readers, reviewers, and editors.
Authorship and Citation Restrictions
No AI Authorship
Generative AI tools and AI-assisted technologies cannot be listed as authors or co-authors, nor can they be cited as authors.
Rationale
Authorship carries legal, intellectual, and ethical obligations that only humans can fulfill. These responsibilities include:
Guaranteeing the accuracy, integrity, and originality of the research.
Approving the final manuscript version prior to submission.
Ensuring compliance with journal publishing ethics and copyright standards.
Image Integrity and Artwork Policies
1. Figures, Images, and Graphical Assets
The use of generative AI or AI-assisted software to create, modify, or manipulate figures, scientific images, or artwork is strictly prohibited. This restriction includes:
Adding, removing, enhancing, or concealing specific details within an image.
Synthesizing or altering visual research data.
Permitted Adjustments: Routine global image adjustments (e.g., uniform adjustments to brightness, contrast, or color balance) are acceptable provided they do not obscure, distort, or misrepresent the original data. Allegations of improper image manipulation will be evaluated using specialized digital forensic tools.
2. Exception for AI-Based Research Methodologies
If AI-generated or AI-modified imaging forms a core component of the scientific methodology (e.g., machine learning in biomedical imaging, computational simulations, or synthetic datasets):
The methods section must provide a detailed, fully reproducible description of the process. Authors must specify the software name, version number, manufacturer, and usage parameters. Authors may be asked to provide original, unedited raw source images for editorial verification.
3. Graphical Abstracts and Cover Art
Graphical Abstracts: Generative AI must not be used to design or generate graphical abstracts. Cover Art: Limited use of AI tools for cover art creation may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Authors must obtain prior approval from the Editor-in-Chief and Publisher, verify appropriate copyright and licensing rights, and provide explicit attribution.