Core Principles and Responsibilities for Authors in Using GAI

Authorship and Responsibility:

GAI tools should not be written as authors or co-authors under any circumstances.
The entire content, accuracy and originality of the articles are the sole responsibility of the authors.
The use of GAI tools does not exempt authors from their scientific and ethical obligations.

Transparency and Declaration:

All circumstances where GAI tools are used must be clearly declared in the article.
This statement should appear in the "Method" or "Acknowledgements" section of the manuscript.
The declaration should explain in detail the full names of the GAI tools used, their version numbers, how they are used and for what purposes.

Permitted Usage Areas

1. Language and Readability Improvements:

The use of GAI may be considered appropriate for writers to improve grammar, spelling, punctuation and fluency in the texts they produce.
Such edits should not change the content of the original text, but should only increase its readability.

2. Idea Development and Research Planning:

GAI tools can be used as supporting tools in the processes of creating research questions, generating ideas, and planning research.
However, the conceptual basis and methodological framework of the research should be shaped essentially by the researcher’s unique scientific perspective.

3. Coding Assistance and Data Analysis:

Auxiliary tools can be used in the process of creating codes for data analysis, but the consistency and appropriateness of statistical analyses are the responsibility of the author.

4. Organization in Literature Reviews:

GAI can be used as a tool to assist in organizing and categorizing existing literature. However, the depth and accuracy of the literature review is the responsibility of the author.

Restricted or Prohibited Areas of Use

1. Content Creation:

It is not acceptable for the essential parts of the article, such as the abstract, introduction, literature review or discussion, to be written in their entirety by GAI.
The outputs produced by GAI should be considered only as a draft and should be modified, improved and checked in detail by the authors.

2. Generation and Interpretation of Results:

GAI cannot be used to generate, report or interpret research results.
All responsibility for the accuracy, scope and validity of the data analysis results lies entirely with the authors.

3. Reference Creation and Citation:

Using GAI tools to create fabricated or unverifiable references or cite non-existent studies is strictly prohibited.
All sources must be approved by the authors and properly cited.

4. Academic Writing and Argument Development:

The author is responsible for developing the argument, theoretical contributions, and main theses of the article.
GAI can only play a role as a supporting tool in these processes.

Procedures to be Applied in Case of Policy Violation

If the use of GAI is not disclosed or is used in violation of the rules, the article may be rejected.
If a rule violation is found in published articles, actions such as retraction of the article or publication of a correction may be taken.
Repeated violations may result in the author's future submissions to our journal being rejected.

Policies for GAI Use for Editors

Confidentiality and Intellectual Property Responsibility:

Editors should not upload unpublished articles or related files, images and information to GAI tools.
It is the primary responsibility of editors to protect the confidentiality of article content and the author’s intellectual property rights.

Use of GAI in the Evaluation Process:

Editors may use GAI tools during the article evaluation process (e.g. eligibility check, reviewer selection) only as permitted by the journal management.
Any use of GAI requires that authors be notified.

Evaluation of Authors' Statements on GAI:

Editors should carefully review authors’ statements regarding the use of GAI and request additional information when needed.
It is the responsibility of editors to evaluate whether the use of GAI complies with our journal policies.

Management of Suspicious Situations:

Where there are uncertainties about the use of GAI, editors should openly address the issue with authors and seek additional evidence if necessary.
Circumstances requiring detailed investigation should be forwarded to the journal management.

Following Policy Updates:

Editors should periodically monitor developments in GAI technologies and policy updates of our journal.

Policies for the Use of GAI for Reviewers

Confidentiality and Ethical Responsibility:

Reviewers should not upload unpublished articles or related files submitted to them for review to GAI tools in any way.
Such actions may constitute a breach of privacy and put intellectual property rights at risk.

Use of GAI in the Review Process:

Reviewers should avoid using GAI tools in the manuscript evaluation process.
Evaluation processes should be carried out using the reviewer’s own level of expertise and knowledge.

Detection of GAI Use:

Reviewers should seek to detect possible undeclared use of GAI in the articles they review and report suspected circumstances to editors.
However, these determinations must be based on objective evaluation criteria.

Evaluation Ethics:

Reviewers must fairly evaluate authors regarding the use of GAI and keep our journal’s rules separate from their own personal preferences and biases.
In evaluations, criticisms regarding the use of GAI should be presented in a constructive manner and in accordance with the policies of our journal.

Policy on the Use of GAI in Creating Visuals, Graphics, and Tables

As Journal of Agriculture Faculty of Düzce University, we have an open approach to technological developments. We are aware of the potential of GAI technologies in visual, graphic and table creation processes and believe that these tools can add value to academic studies. However, in order to maintain scientific integrity and ethical principles, we adopt the following basic principles and policies regarding the use of these technologies:

1. Transparency and Declaration:

If GAI tools are used in creating images, graphs and tables, this should be clearly stated in the description below the relevant image, along with the name of the GAI tool used, its version and the purpose for which it is used.

2. Scientific Accuracy and Responsibility:

The scientific validity and appropriateness of images produced using GAI are the absolute responsibility of the authors.
All published visual materials must fully reflect the authors' own research results and scientific understanding.

Permitted Areas of Use

1. Conceptual Diagrams and Explanatory Visuals:

GAI can be used to visualize theoretical constructs, conceptual models, or processes.
The images created in this way must accurately reflect the author's own interpretations and explanations.

2. Data Visualization:

Authors are encouraged to use GAI tools to visually present their research data.
These tools can be used to improve visual quality in graphic, diagram and table designs.

3. Illustrations and Representative Visuals:

GAI can be used to create representative images or illustrations to simplify and explain complex concepts.
These images should help readers understand the concepts easily and should not mislead them.