1. Authorship and Responsibility
- Non-Authorship: Generative AI (GenAI) tools cannot be listed as authors or co-authors of any manuscript submitted to JICIVILTECH.
- Full Accountability: Authors are entirely responsible for the content of their submissions, including all text, figures, and data generated or modified using AI tools.
- Integrity: The use of AI does not absolve authors from accountability regarding the accuracy, originality, and ethical compliance of their work.
2. Acceptable Use
Authors may utilize GenAI tools only for supportive purposes, such as:
- Language Enhancement: Improving grammar, language flow, or manuscript structure.
- Technical Support: Generating code snippets, complex calculations, or visualizations, provided they are verified by the authors.
- Organization: Summarizing or organizing references with proper human verification and citation.
3. Prohibited Use
GenAI tools must not be used for:
- Data Manipulation: Fabricating, falsifying, or manipulating data, images, citations, or scientific results.
- Automated Writing: Generating full manuscripts or entire sections without substantial human oversight and critical contribution.
- Replacing Reasoning: Replacing critical scientific reasoning, interpretation, or the peer-review process.
- Sanctions: Manuscripts found to contain unverifiable or fabricated AI content will be rejected or retracted in accordance with COPE Guidelines.
4. Declaration Requirement
Authors must include a clear statement in their manuscript (usually before the References section) if GenAI tools were used during any stage of writing or analysis.
- Example Statement: "Portions of this work were assisted by the use of [Tool Name, Version], used solely for [e.g., language editing]. The authors have reviewed and take full responsibility for the final content."
5. Ethical Oversight
This policy is aligned with:
- COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidance on AI (2023).
- YÖK (Council of Higher Education) Scientific Research and Publication Ethics Directiv