Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative AI Policy

The International Journal of Cutting-Edge Technologies in Science, Engineering and Management (ICETSEM) recognizes the growing availability of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative AI tools in scholarly communication. The journal permits limited use of such tools under strict conditions that preserve research integrity, transparency, originality, and human responsibility. This policy applies to authors, reviewers, and editors.

1. Principles

  • AI tools are assistive technologies and must not replace human intellectual contribution.
  • Human authors remain fully accountable for all submitted and published content.
  • Transparency regarding the use of AI tools is required where applicable.
  • Editorial and peer-review decisions must be made solely by human experts.

2. Use of AI by Authors

2.1 Permitted Use: Authors may use AI tools for limited language-related assistance, including:

  • Grammar correction
  • Language refinement
  • Readability improvement

Such use must not alter the scientific meaning, interpretation, or conclusions of the work.

2.2 Restricted and Prohibited Use: Authors must not use AI tools to:

  • Generate original research ideas, hypotheses, or conclusions
  • Create, manipulate, or fabricate data, results, or analyses
  • Generate references or citations without independent verification
  • Produce peer-review responses on behalf of authors
  • Replace substantial human authorship or intellectual contribution

2.3 Disclosure Requirement: If AI tools are used beyond basic language editing, authors must provide a clear disclosure statement in the manuscript or during submission. The disclosure must specify:

  • Name of the AI tool
  • Purpose of use
  • Confirmation of human review and responsibility

Example disclosure statement: “The authors used [AI tool name] for language editing during manuscript preparation. All content was reviewed and approved by the authors, who take full responsibility for the manuscript.”

2.4 Authorship: AI tools must not be listed as authors or co-authors. Authorship requires responsibility, accountability, and the ability to approve the final manuscript, which AI systems cannot fulfil.

3. AI Use in Figures, Images, and Visual Content

  • AI-generated or AI-modified figures and images are not permitted, unless explicitly part of the research methodology and clearly described in the manuscript.
  • Image manipulation that affects scientific interpretation is prohibited.

4. Use of AI by Reviewers

  • Reviewers must not upload manuscripts or reviewer reports into AI tools or external systems.
  • AI tools must not be used to generate scientific evaluations or review decisions.
  • Reviewers remain fully responsible for the content of their reviews.

5. Use of AI by Editors

  • Editors must not use generative AI tools to assess manuscripts or make editorial decisions.
  • Manuscript content must not be shared with external AI systems.
  • Editorial decisions must be based on human judgment and established editorial criteria.

6. Ethical Compliance: The use of AI tools must comply with the journal’s publication ethics and integrity standards. Authors are responsible for the originality, accuracy, and ethical validity of all content, including any AI-assisted material. ICETSEM follows the principles and guidance of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) in handling AI-related ethical issues.

7. Violations: Failure to comply with this policy may result in:

  • Rejection of the manuscript
  • Retraction of published articles
  • Notification to relevant institutions
  • Restrictions on future submissions

8. Policy Review: This policy may be updated to reflect developments in AI technology and evolving standards in scholarly publishing.