Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage Policy

Taj Al-Ma'rifa Journal Higher Institute of Science and Technology, Tajoura

1- Introduction and Overview

The Editorial Board of Taj Al-Ma'rifa Journal acknowledges the rapid development of Generative AI tools and their impact on scientific research. This policy aims to clarify the permissible and prohibited uses of AI, ensuring that all parties (authors, reviewers, and editors) adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity and transparency, in alignment with international guidelines.

2- Policy for Authors

A. AI and Authorship

  • AI cannot be an author: Artificial Intelligence tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, etc.) cannot be listed as authors on any submitted research paper.
  • Reasoning: Authorship requires the ability to take responsibility for the work, approve the final version, and hold copyright/intellectual property rights—capabilities that AI systems do not possess.

B. Use of AI in Writing and Editing

Authors are permitted to use AI tools for the following purposes only, subject to full disclosure:

  1. Improving language quality, grammar, and readability (Proofreading & Editing).
  2. Summarizing initial ideas or brainstorming.

Prohibitions:

  • It is strictly prohibited to use AI to generate entire sections of the research paper (e.g., Introduction, Discussion, or Conclusion) without substantial human contribution and oversight.
  • It is strictly prohibited to use AI to fabricate data, results, or citations.

C. Accountability and Liability

  • Human authors are fully responsible for the accuracy, integrity, and originality of the content in their papers, including any parts generated or refined by AI.
  • Authors must ensure that AI-assisted content is free from plagiarism and bias.

D. Disclosure Statement

Authors who use AI tools must include a clear statement at the end of the research paper (before the References section) detailing:

  1. The name and version of the tool used.
  2. The purpose of use (e.g., language editing, data analysis).
  3. The specific sections where it was applied.

3- Policy for Images and Media (Generative AI)

  • Scientific Images: The use of Generative AI to create, manipulate, or enhance scientific images, charts, or figures representing experimental data is strictly prohibited, as this constitutes data manipulation.
  • Exception: AI-generated images are only permitted if the research itself focuses on AI technologies, and the generation process is part of the methodology. This must be clearly explained in the figure caption.

4- Policy for Peer Reviewers

  • Confidentiality: Reviewers are strictly prohibited from uploading research papers (or parts thereof, such as the Abstract) into public AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT).
    • Reasoning: This violates the confidentiality and privacy of the authors' data, as these platforms may use the input for training purposes.
  • Review Reports: Peer review reports must reflect the reviewer's own critical thinking and assessment. Using AI to generate review reports or to make acceptance/rejection decisions is not permitted.

5- Policy for Editors

  • Decision Making: Editors must not rely on AI tools to make final editorial decisions (Accept/Reject). All decisions must be made by humans.
  • AI Detection: The journal reserves the right to use specialized software to screen submissions for AI-generated content.

6- Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with this policy (e.g., failure to disclose AI use, or submission of AI-fabricated data) will result in:

  1. Immediate Rejection of the research paper if it is under review.
  2. Retraction of the paper if it has already been published, with a formal notice issued.
  3. Potential Ban: The author(s) may be prohibited from submitting to the journal in the future.

7- Policy Review and Updates

Given the anticipated rapid evolution of AI technologies in the near future, this policy will be reviewed regularly and amended as necessary to align with emerging ethical standards and technical advancements.