In light of the rising utilization of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-assisted technologies among content creators, the Journal of Land Use and Sustainable Development (JLUSD) has established specific guidelines regarding the use of such AI tools. These policies seek to provide clearer guidance for authors, reviewers, editors, readers, and contributors. JLUSD will continue to observe evolving trends and make adjustments to the policies as required. Additionally, the GPTZero detector will evaluate the manuscript's content to confirm that it does not rely heavily on Generative AI and AI-assisted technologies.
For Authors
The use of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in scientific writing
Guidelines on the role of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in scientific writing. This policy pertains exclusively to the manuscript preparation stage and does not include the use of AI for data processing, analysis or and analyzing of research insights. Authors are encouraged to use generative AI and AI-assisted technologies to enhance the readability, grammar, and structure of their manuscripts, while ensuring meaningful human oversight and editorial judgment are maintained. Authors must carefully review and edit any AI-generated content, as it may be flawed or biased. The ultimate responsibility for the manuscript’s content lies with the authors, who are required to disclose their use of AI technologies in their manuscripts, fostering transparency among authors, readers, and reviewers.
- Key points
- Employ AI solely to enhance clarity and language quality, not for generating core content or drawing scientific conclusions.
- It is crucial to maintain human supervision and editorial authority over the writing process.
- Content responsibility lies with the authors.
- Clearly indicate the use of AI tool names and purposes in submitted manuscripts.
- AI and AI assisted technologies must not be credited as an author or co-author.
- Authors are obligated to guarantee the originality and authenticity of their work and adhere to the Ethics in Publishing guidelines.
- Authors should also confirm that their manuscript does not violate third-party rights or ethical standards.
Use of generative AI and AI-assisted tools in figures, images, and artwork
The use of generative AI and AI-assisted tools for image creation, alteration or modification in submitted manuscripts is not permitted. This includes enhancing, obscuring, repositioning, removing, or adding elements to images. These restrictions are in place to uphold research transparency and prevent misleading visual representations. However, brightness, contrast, or color balance adjustments are acceptable as long as they do not obscure original content. Image forensics tools may be used to identify any irregularities. An exception of this policy applies when AI tools are an integral of the research design or methodology, such as in AI-assisted imaging for biomedical studies. Authors must also ensure full compliance with AI software licensing and usage terms and properly attribute any third-party or AI-assisted content.
- Key points
- Generative AI and AI-assisted tools are strictly prohibited for the creation or modification of images within manuscripts.
- Modifications to brightness, contrast, or color balance are acceptable, provided they do not mask or distort original information.
- The methods section must include a description of how AI is utilized in research design or methodologies.
- Proper attribution of content and compliance with AI software policies is mandatory.
- The use of generative AI for graphical abstracts is not permitted, as these visuals must reflect the authors’ original interpretation of the research.
- With prior permission and appropriate rights clearance, generative AI may be used for cover art.
- Authors must be ready to provide pre-AI or raw image data if requested by editors for validation.
For Reviewers
Generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the journal peer review process
Maintaining confidentiality is a non-negotiable responsibility during the manuscript review process. Reviewers must not upload any part of the manuscript to generative AI tools, as this could compromise confidentiality, infringe on proprietary rights, and violate data privacy laws. This confidentiality also extends to the peer review report itself, which may include sensitive information. Reviewers are advised against using AI tools to enhance the language or clarity of their reports. The peer review process is a fundamental aspect of scientific inquiry that requires human judgment. The use of generative AI in reviews is discouraged, as it may lead to inaccurate or biased conclusions. Reviewers are solely responsible for the content of their evaluations and must ensure their feedback reflects original, independent thought. The Journal of Land Use and Sustainable Development (JLUSD) permits authors to use AI for language and readability enhancements prior to submission, provided they disclose this in a designated section before the references. These tools are governed by strict confidentiality protocols and comply with responsible AI principles and data protection regulations.
- Key points
- Treat all manuscripts as confidential and privileged
- Do not upload any portion of a manuscript or your review report into AI tools or third-party applications.
- Peer review necessitates human insight; AI should not play a role in scientific assessments.
- Reviewers hold responsibility for the accuracy, fairness, and integrity of their evaluations of the material they review.
- Authors are permitted to use AI for language refinement, with appropriate disclosure.
- AI technologies aiding the editorial workflow must maintain confidentiality and safeguard data privacy.
- Do not use personal AI tools that store, learn from, or retain manuscript content.
For Editors
The role of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the journal editorial process
Submitted manuscripts are confidential and must not be uploaded to generative AI tools by editors, as this could violate authors' confidentiality and proprietary rights. If the manuscript contains personally identifiable information or sensitive data, such actions may also breach data privacy regulations. This confidentiality extends to all communications about the manuscript, including notification and decision letters, which may contain sensitive information. Therefore, editors should not use AI tools for these letters, even for improving language and readability. The peer review process is vital to the scientific framework, and the Journal of Land Use and Sustainable Development (JLUSD) is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity. The editorial evaluation of scientific work requires nuanced reasoning and ethical judgment, which cannot be delegated to AI systems. Editorial reviews of scientific manuscripts must be performed by humans, as editors should not rely on generative AI or AI-assisted technologies, which lack the necessary critical thinking and nuanced judgment. These tools may also produce inaccurate or biased evaluations. Ultimately, editors bear full responsibility for the editorial process, final decisions, and communication with authors. Under the journal's AI author policy, authors are permitted to use generative AI and AI-assisted technologies to improve language and clarity before submission, provided they disclose this in accordance with the Guide for Authors. This disclosure should appear in a designated section at the end of the paper, just before the references. Editors should also remain vigilant in identifying potential policy breaches regarding AI use. If an editor suspects any breach of AI policies by an author or reviewer, they are required to notify the publisher. The Journal of Land Use and Sustainable Development (JLUSD) is committed to adopting innovative AI technologies that assist reviewers and editors in the editorial workflow, continuously working to develop and implement technologies that ensure confidentiality and data privacy for authors, reviewers, and editors.
- Key points
- Manuscripts are to be treated as confidential documents.
- Editors must refrain from using generative AI tools for manuscripts or any related correspondence.
- Peer review and editorial evaluations should be performed by human beings rather than AI.
- Authors may utilize AI tools for language enhancement, with appropriate disclosure.
- The Journal of Land Use and Sustainable Development (JLUSD) applies AI technologies for screening and plagiarism checks while ensuring confidentiality is preserved.
- The Journal of Land Use and Sustainable Development (JLUSD) advocates for AI technologies that respect confidentiality and the rights to data privacy.
- All editorial AI applications must operate under strict privacy and data security compliance.