Generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as large language models, can support research and writing, but they cannot take responsibility for it. This policy sets out how such tools may be used by authors, reviewers and editors of PatternIQ Mining (PIQM).
Authors
- AI tools cannot be authors. An AI tool cannot approve a manuscript, be accountable for it or hold copyright, so it must not be listed as an author or cited as a source.
- Use must be disclosed. Where a generative AI tool was used to draft or rewrite text, translate, write code, analyse data or create figures, the authors must say so in the Methods section or the Acknowledgements, naming the tool and describing how it was used. Basic checking of spelling, grammar and formatting does not need to be disclosed.
- Authors remain responsible. Authors are fully responsible for the accuracy, originality and integrity of everything in the manuscript, including text, code, results and references produced with the help of AI. All AI output must be checked. Invented references, fabricated data and AI-generated results presented as real findings are treated as misconduct.
- Images and figures. AI-generated or AI-altered images are not accepted unless they are the subject of the research itself, in which case the method must be described clearly.
- Confidential material. Authors must not enter confidential or personal data into AI tools without the right to do so.
Suggested disclosure statement
AI disclosure: The authors used [name of tool] for [purpose]. The authors reviewed and verified the output and take full responsibility for the content of this article.
Reviewers
- Manuscripts under review are confidential. Reviewers must not upload a manuscript, or any part of it, to a generative AI tool.
- Reviewers must not use generative AI to assess a manuscript or to write their report. The assessment must be the reviewer's own.
- If a reviewer uses an AI tool only to improve the language of a report they have written themselves, they must tell the editor.
Editors
- Editors must not upload manuscripts, reviewer reports or decision letters to generative AI tools.
- Editorial decisions are made by human editors. AI tools are not used to decide whether a manuscript is accepted or rejected.
Automated tools used by the journal
The journal uses similarity-detection software to screen submissions (see Plagiarism Policy). The results of this and any other automated check are always read and interpreted by an editor. An automated result alone never decides the outcome of a submission.
Undisclosed use
If undisclosed or inappropriate use of AI is suspected in a submitted or published article, the journal follows its Publication Ethics and Malpractice Statement.