Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage Policy

Journal of Sustainable Smart Technologies (JSST)

Introduction

The Journal of Sustainable Smart Technologies (JSST) recognizes the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in research, scholarly communication, and manuscript preparation. While AI tools can support authors in improving efficiency and productivity, their use must be transparent, ethical, and consistent with principles of academic integrity.

This policy establishes guidelines for the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and AI-assisted technologies in research and publication activities.

Purpose

This policy aims to:

  • Promote transparency in the use of AI technologies.
  • Protect academic integrity and originality.
  • Ensure accountability for published content.
  • Maintain trust in scientific communication.
  • Support ethical and responsible research practices.

Acceptable Use of AI Tools

Authors may use AI-assisted technologies for limited purposes such as:

Language Improvement

  • Grammar correction
  • Spell checking
  • Language editing
  • Improving readability

Research Assistance

  • Literature organization
  • Data visualization
  • Code assistance
  • Research workflow support

Technical Support

  • Programming assistance
  • Statistical analysis support
  • Data processing assistance
  • Documentation support

Authors remain fully responsible for verifying the accuracy and validity of all AI-assisted outputs.

Mandatory Disclosure of AI Usage

Authors must disclose the use of AI tools if they have been used during the preparation of a manuscript.

Examples of AI tools include:

  • ChatGPT
  • Gemini
  • Claude
  • Microsoft Copilot
  • GitHub Copilot
  • Other generative AI systems

The disclosure should specify:

  •  Name of the AI tool used.
  • Purpose of usage.
  • Extent of assistance provided.

Example Disclosure Statement

"The authors used an AI-assisted language tool during manuscript preparation for grammar improvement and language refinement. The authors reviewed and edited the content and take full responsibility for the final manuscript."

AI Cannot Be an Author

Artificial Intelligence systems:

  • Cannot be listed as authors.
  • Cannot be designated as co-authors.
  • Cannot assume responsibility for published content.
  • Cannot hold copyright.
  • Cannot approve manuscript submissions.

Authorship must be limited to individuals who meet recognized authorship criteria.

Author Responsibility

Regardless of AI usage, authors remain fully responsible for:

  • Accuracy of information.
  • Originality of content.
  • Validity of research findings.
  • Proper citation of sources.
  • Ethical compliance.
  • Integrity of submitted work.

Use of AI does not transfer responsibility from authors to software systems.

Prohibited Uses of AI

The following uses of AI are prohibited:

Fabrication of Research Data

Generating fictitious experimental results, datasets, survey responses, observations, or findings.

Manipulation of Research Outcomes

Using AI to alter, falsify, distort, or misrepresent research results.

Plagiarism

Using AI-generated content without proper review, attribution, or disclosure.

Creation of Fake References

Authors must verify all references and citations. AI-generated references that do not exist are considered unacceptable.

Peer Review Manipulation

Using AI to interfere with editorial decisions or peer review processes.

AI-Generated Images and Visual Content

Authors using AI-generated images, figures, illustrations, or graphical content must disclose:

  • The AI tool used.
  • The purpose of image generation.
  • Any modifications performed.

Editors may request additional clarification regarding image authenticity.

AI and Peer Review

Reviewers must not upload confidential manuscripts or unpublished data into publicly available AI systems without explicit authorization.

Reviewers are responsible for:

  • Maintaining confidentiality.
  • Protecting intellectual property.
  • Preserving the integrity of the review process.

Confidential manuscript content must not be shared with external AI platforms that may store, process, or reuse submitted information.

AI and Editorial Decision-Making

Editorial decisions shall always be made by qualified human editors. AI systems may assist administrative functions but shall not independently determine:

  • Acceptance decisions
  • Rejection decisions
  • Editorial recommendations

Human oversight remains essential throughout the publication process.

Research Integrity and Transparency

JSST encourages the responsible use of AI technologies while maintaining:

  • Academic integrity
  • Research transparency
  • Scientific reliability
  • Ethical publishing practices

The journal supports innovation while ensuring that published research remains trustworthy and reproducible.

Compliance

Failure to disclose significant AI usage or misuse of AI technologies may result in:

  • Manuscript revision requests
  • Rejection of submissions
  • Retraction of published articles
  • Investigation under the journal's Publication Ethics Policy

Alignment with Sustainable Development

JSST recognizes the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in addressing global sustainability challenges and encourages responsible AI research contributing to:

  • SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
  • SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
  • SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
  • SDG 13 – Climate Action

The JSST journal welcomes research exploring ethical, transparent, and sustainable applications of AI technologies.

Commitment to Responsible AI

JSST supports the ethical and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence while maintaining the highest standards of scholarly publishing, academic integrity, and scientific excellence.

Contact Information

Editor-in-Chief
Journal of Sustainable Smart Technologies (JSST)
Website: https://jsstjournal.com
Email: editor@jsstjournal.com