Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use Policy

Purpose

Verdant Legacy Publications recognizes the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in research, scholarly communication, and publishing. This policy establishes principles for the responsible, transparent, and ethical use of artificial intelligence tools by authors, reviewers, editors, and editorial staff. The objective of this policy is to maintain the integrity, accountability, originality, and reliability of scholarly publications while supporting appropriate technological innovation.

Scope

This policy applies to all manuscripts submitted to journals published by Verdant Legacy Publications and covers the use of:

• Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Large Language Models (LLMs)
• AI-assisted writing tools
• Machine learning-based content generation systems
• AI-powered image generation tools
• AI-assisted data analysis software

Examples include, but are not limited to:

• ChatGPT
• Gemini
• Claude
• Copilot
• DeepSeek
• DALL·E
• Midjourney
• Other AI-assisted content generation systems

General Principles

Authors, reviewers, and editors remain fully responsible for all content submitted, reviewed, edited, and published. Artificial intelligence tools cannot assume responsibility, accountability, or authorship for scholarly work. Human oversight and verification are required at all stages where AI technologies are used.

AI Use by Authors

Authors may use AI tools to assist with:

• Language editing
• Grammar correction
• Improving readability
• Formatting support
• Coding assistance
• Data analysis support
• Figure preparation

However, authors remain fully responsible for:

• Accuracy of information.
• Scientific validity.
• Interpretation of results.
• Originality of content.
• Proper citation practices.
• Compliance with ethical standards.

Authors must carefully review all AI-generated outputs before submission.

Mandatory Disclosure

Authors must disclose any significant use of AI tools during manuscript preparation.

Examples of activities requiring disclosure include:

• Drafting sections of text.
• Generating figures or illustrations.
• Data interpretation assistance.
• Statistical analysis support.
• Language generation or rewriting.

Disclosure should be included in an appropriate section of the manuscript.

Example Disclosure Statement

“The authors used ChatGPT (OpenAI) to assist with language editing and manuscript preparation. All generated content was reviewed, verified, and approved by the authors, who accept full responsibility for the final manuscript.”

Failure to disclose substantial AI use may be considered a breach of publication ethics.

AI and Authorship

Artificial intelligence tools cannot be listed as authors.

AI systems cannot:

• Take responsibility for research.
• Approve manuscript versions.
• Declare conflicts of interest.
• Fulfill authorship criteria.

Authorship is restricted to human contributors who meet established authorship requirements.

AI Use in Data Analysis

AI-assisted data analysis may be used where scientifically appropriate.

Authors must provide sufficient methodological details to allow evaluation and reproducibility of AI-assisted analyses.

Editors may request additional documentation concerning algorithms, software, or analytical procedures.

AI-Generated Images and Figures

Authors must disclose the use of AI-generated images, illustrations, graphics, or visual content.

Generated images must:

• Not misrepresent scientific findings.
• Not fabricate research results.
• Be clearly identified where appropriate.
• Comply with copyright and licensing requirements.

The editorial office reserves the right to request original files and supporting documentation.

Prohibited Uses of AI by Authors

The following practices are prohibited:

Fabrication of Data

Generating fictional datasets, experimental results, observations, or evidence.

Falsification of Findings

Manipulating research outcomes using AI tools.

Fabricated Citations

Including non-existent references, sources, or quotations generated by AI systems.

Misleading Scientific Content

Presenting AI-generated information as verified scientific evidence without appropriate validation.

Undisclosed AI Use

Failure to disclose substantial AI involvement in manuscript preparation.

Such practices may result in rejection, correction, retraction, or other corrective actions.

AI Use by Reviewers

Reviewers must maintain strict confidentiality regarding submitted manuscripts.

Reviewers should not upload confidential manuscript content to publicly available AI systems if doing so may compromise confidentiality, intellectual property, or unpublished research.

Reviewers remain responsible for:

• Independent scientific evaluation.
• Confidential handling of submissions.
• Objective recommendations.

AI tools must not replace scholarly judgment.

AI Use by Editors

Editors may use AI tools for administrative assistance, language improvement, or workflow support.

However, editorial decisions regarding:

• Acceptance.
• Rejection.
• Revision requests.
• Ethical investigations.

Must be made exclusively by qualified human editors.

Editors remain accountable for all editorial decisions.

Confidentiality and Data Protection

Users of AI systems must ensure compliance with:

• Confidentiality obligations.
• Data protection requirements.
• Privacy standards.
• Intellectual property protections.

Sensitive, confidential, or unpublished information should not be shared with AI systems where confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.

Ethical Compliance

Verdant Legacy Publications supports responsible innovation while maintaining high standards of research integrity.

All AI use must comply with:

• Publication Ethics Policy.
• Authorship Policy.
• Conflict of Interest Policy.
• Peer Review Policy.
• Applicable legal and ethical requirements.

Investigation of Misuse

Suspected misuse of artificial intelligence technologies may be investigated by the editorial office.

Where misconduct is identified, actions may include:

• Manuscript rejection.
• Publication correction.
• Retraction.
• Notification of authors’ institutions.
• Other appropriate corrective measures.

Compliance with International Standards

This policy aligns with guidance and recommendations from:

• Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE)
• Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ)
• International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE)
• Major scholarly publishing organizations

Policy Review

This policy may be revised periodically to reflect technological developments and emerging best practices in scholarly publishing.

Contact Information

Questions regarding the use of artificial intelligence in manuscripts or publishing activities may be directed to:

Verdant Legacy Publications Email: editorial@verdantlegacy.org

Website: https://verdantlegacy.com