Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use Policy

The increasing role of generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in academic publishing processes necessitates the establishment of transparent and ethical standards in this area. This policy serves as a guideline for authors, reviewers, editors, and other contributors involved in scientific journals published under Düzce University. Our journal will closely follow the development of generative AI and update this policy as needed

1. Principles and Responsibilities Regarding AI Use for Authors

1.1 Authorship and Responsibility

    Generative AI tools may under no circumstances be listed as an author or co-author.
    Authors bear full responsibility for the accuracy, originality, and scientific validity of all content included in the manuscript.
    The use of AI tools does not exempt authors from scientific and ethical responsibilities.

1.2 Transparency and Disclosure

    The use of AI tools must be explicitly disclosed in the manuscript.
    This disclosure should appear in the “Methods” or “Acknowledgments” section, including the name, version number, purpose, and manner of use of the tools employed.

2. Permissible Areas of AI Use

Language and Readability Enhancements
    The use of AI to improve grammar, spelling, punctuation, and fluency is permitted.
    AI may be used solely to improve expression, not to alter content.
Idea Generation and Research Planning
    AI may be used as an assistive tool in formulating research questions, brainstorming, and planning.
    The core structure and methodology of the research must be the author’s own work.
Code Writing and Data Analysis Support
    AI can be used to generate code for data analysis purposes.
    The accuracy of all analyses remains the responsibility of the author.
Literature Organization
    AI may assist in the categorization and organization of existing sources.
    However, the scope and content of the literature review must be curated by the author.

3. Restricted or Prohibited Areas of AI Use

Generation of Manuscript Content
    The abstract, introduction, literature review, and discussion sections may not be fully written by AI.
    AI outputs should only be used as initial drafts and must be thoroughly reviewed and rewritten by the author.
Production or Interpretation of Results
    AI may not be used to generate, report, or interpret research findings.
Source and Citation Generation
    The generation of false or unverifiable sources or invalid citations using AI is strictly prohibited.
Development of Arguments and Theoretical Contributions
    The main arguments and scientific contributions of the article must be developed by the author.
    AI can play only a supportive role.

4. Policy Violations and Sanctions

    Manuscripts that fail to disclose AI use or violate this policy may be rejected.
    If violations are detected post-publication, the article may be retracted or corrected.
    In cases of repeated violations, the author(s) may be barred from future submissions.

5. Principles of AI Use for Editors

Confidentiality and Intellectual Property
    Editors must not upload unpublished manuscript content to AI tools.
    Editors are responsible for protecting the confidentiality of submissions and the intellectual property rights of authors.
AI Use During the Editorial Process
    Editors may use AI tools only in alignment with journal policy and in specific workflows.
    In such cases, authors must be informed.
Review of AI Disclosures
    Editors should carefully examine authors’ AI disclosures and request additional clarification when necessary.
    It is the editor’s responsibility to ensure that AI usage complies with journal policies.

6. Principles of AI Use for Reviewers

Confidentiality and Ethical Responsibility
    Reviewers must not upload unpublished content to AI tools.
    Such actions may violate confidentiality and intellectual property rights.
Use of AI During the Review Process
Reviewers are expected not to use AI tools in the evaluation process.
Reviews must be based on the reviewer’s own knowledge and expertise.
Detection of Suspected AI Use
    If a reviewer suspects undisclosed AI use by the author(s), they should inform the editor.
    Such concerns must be objective and evidence-based.
Fair Assessment
    Evaluations related to AI use must be conducted in accordance with journal policy and be free from bias.

7. AI Use in the Creation of Visuals, Graphics, and Tables

7.1 Transparency and Disclosure

    Visuals, tables, or graphics generated with AI must be clearly labeled, including the name, version, and purpose of the tool used in the caption or figure legend.

7.2 Scientific Responsibility

    The accuracy and academic validity of AI-generated visuals are the author’s responsibility.
    These materials must reflect the research findings and scientific approach accurately.

7.3 Appropriate Use Cases

    Conceptual diagrams and illustrative visuals to represent theoretical frameworks or processes.
    Data visualization through charts, diagrams, or tables to represent research results.
    Illustrative or symbolic images used to support the author’s narrative.