Use of Artificial Intelligence and Automated Tools

Authors: Authors must disclose any use of generative AI tools (e.g., large language models) in preparing the manuscript, beyond basic language correction, editing and formatting, in a statement in the Methods or Acknowledgements section naming the tool and its purpose. Authors are fully responsible for the accuracy and integrity of all content, including any output produced by such tools. AI tools cannot be listed as authors and cannot be cited as sources. AI-generated or AI-altered images are not permitted unless they are part of the research design and are described in the Methods.

Reviewers: Reviewers must not upload manuscripts or any part of them into generative AI tools, as this breaches confidentiality, and must not use such tools to write their review reports.

Editors: Editors must not use generative AI tools to evaluate manuscripts or draft decision letters. The journal uses iThenticate for similarity checking; all results are verified by an editor, and no editorial decision is made automatically.