1. Manuscript Writing and Authorship

• Mandatory Disclosure: Authors must declare the use of generative AI or AI-assisted tools in the writing process upon submission of the paper.
• Scope of Use: AI tools should only be used in the writing process to improve the readability and language of the manuscript. This policy does not apply to AI tools used to analyze data or draw insights as part of the research process.
• Human Oversight: Technology must be applied with human oversight. Authors should carefully review and edit the results, as AI can generate authoritative-sounding output that may be incorrect, incomplete, or biased. Authors remain ultimately responsible and accountable for the contents of the work.
• No AI Authorship: Authors must not list or cite AI and AI-assisted technologies as an author or co-author, since authorship implies responsibilities and tasks that can only be performed by humans.
• Exemptions: Declaration does not apply to basic tools used to check grammar, spelling, and references. If you have nothing to disclose, no statement is required.

2. Declaration Process

The use of generative AI must be declared by adding a statement at the end of the manuscript upon first submission. It will appear in a new section placed right before the references list.

3. Figures, Images, and Artwork

• General Ban: The use of generative AI tools to create or alter images in submitted manuscripts is strictly prohibited.
• Methodology Exception: Exceptions are only granted if the AI tools are a core part of the research design or methods (e.g., biomedical imaging). In such cases, the use must be fully described in a reproducible manner within the methods section (including tool name, version, and manufacturer).
• Abstracts and Covers: AI use in graphical abstracts is not permitted. Cover art may be allowed only with prior permission from the journal editor and publisher, provided rights are cleared and correct attribution is given.

4. Peer Review Confidentiality