Generative AI Policy

 
 

PTJI · Editorial Policy

Generative AI Policy

Generative AI tools, while boosting writing efficiency, introduce ethical and integrity concerns in scientific publishing. PTJI has implemented a clear policy on the use of AI tools throughout manuscript preparation, peer review, and the publication process.

Effective June 1, 2025 Disclosure Required COPE · ICMJE 2023 Turnitin AI Detection
 

PTJI Policy · Effective June 1, 2025

Our Journal's Specific Policy

 

Disclosure Requirement

Authors must explicitly state any use of GenAI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Grammarly) at the end of their manuscript, before the references section.

Download GenAI Form
 

No AI Authorship

GenAI tools are strictly prohibited from being listed as authors or co-authors. AI cannot take intellectual and ethical responsibility for research, which is a fundamental requirement of authorship (ICMJE 2023).

 

Restrictions on AI Visuals

Figures, tables, and visuals must not be solely AI-generated unless explicitly approved by the editor and clearly labeled as AI-generated content in the figure caption.

 

Permissible: Language Editing

AI tools may be used for minor language and grammar corrections under close human oversight. Authors remain entirely responsible for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of all content.

These guidelines aim to

Maintain academic publishing integrity while recognizing the practical advantages of evolving technologies. Transparent disclosure — not prohibition — is the cornerstone of this policy.

Permitted & Prohibited Uses

Permitted with Disclosure

 

Grammar and spell checking (e.g., Grammarly, LanguageTool)

 

Paraphrasing assistance with substantial author revision

 

Translation support, verified by the author

 

Literature search and summarization as a starting point

 

Formatting, structuring references, or citation management

 

Code generation for statistical analysis, with author validation of all outputs

Not Permitted

 

Listing any AI tool as an author or co-author

 

Generating results, discussion, or conclusions sections entirely with AI

 

Fabricating or hallucinating references, citations, or research data with AI

 

Using AI to modify or manipulate research data, images, or figures

 

Submitting AI-generated text without disclosure

 

Uploading confidential or patient-identifiable manuscript content to any public AI platform

How to Disclose AI Use in Your Manuscript

Authors who used any GenAI tool must include a declaration at the end of the manuscript, immediately before the References section. The declaration must specify three elements:

1

Tool Name & Version

e.g., ChatGPT-4o (OpenAI, 2025), Grammarly (v1.2), DeepL Translator

2

Purpose of Use

e.g., grammar checking, language editing, paraphrasing assistance, translation

3

Section(s) Affected

e.g., Introduction, Methods, entire manuscript, abstract only

Example Declarations

If AI was used

"The authors used ChatGPT-4o (OpenAI, 2025) for grammar and language editing of the full manuscript. The authors have reviewed and edited the output and take full responsibility for the content of this publication."

If NO AI was used

"The authors declare that no generative AI or AI-assisted technologies were used in the preparation of this manuscript."

Download the official PTJI GenAI Declaration Form and attach it to your submission via OJS.   → Download GenAI Form

AI Writing Detection

All submitted manuscripts are assessed using Turnitin AI Writing Reports. This tool flags sections of text that may have been generated by large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, Copilot, or similar tools.

Important Note on Score Interpretation

Turnitin AI scores under 20% are more likely to represent false positives — particularly in technical or clinical writing with standardized phrasing. Editorial judgment is always applied alongside the automated score.

Turnitin Research Integrity

AI Score Threshold Guide

< 20% Likely False Positive
 
20% – 40% Editorial Review
 
> 40% Revision Required
 

All scores are assessed alongside full editorial review. Context and disclosure are always considered.

Policy for Peer Reviewers

Peer reviewers are subject to the same principles of transparency and confidentiality. The following apply to all PTJI reviewers when using AI tools (COPE 2023):

✓ Permitted

  • Grammar and language checking of the review text
  • Summarizing or organizing reviewer's own notes
  • Literature search assistance

✗ Prohibited

  • Uploading manuscript content to any public AI platform
  • Using AI to generate the review text in full
  • Using AI to make Accept/Reject recommendations
  • Sharing confidential manuscript details with AI tools

⚠ Mandatory

  • Disclose any AI tool used in the review process to the editor
  • Reviewers take full responsibility for the content and quality of their review

Industry Standards: Major Publisher AI Policies

While Scopus offers flexible formatting, major publishers have established formal AI policies that PTJI aligns with. PTJI's policy is consistent with the following standards:

Elsevier

Mandates disclosure of GenAI use, permitting it only for readability improvement under human supervision. AI cannot be listed as an author or cited as a reference.  View policy →

Springer Nature

Stresses human accountability, disallows AI-generated figures, and requires documentation for extensive GenAI use. Basic LLM-assisted editing (e.g., grammar) does not require formal documentation.  View policy →

BMC · Nature Portfolio · Cureus

Forbid AI as an author, demand transparent disclosure of AI tool use, and restrict unlabeled AI-generated content in manuscripts and peer reviews. PTJI's policy mirrors these requirements.

Standards & Regulatory Compliance

COPE 2023 AI Policy ICMJE 2023 AI Policy STM Integrity Hub Turnitin AI Writing Reports Elsevier AI Policy Springer Nature AI Policy Nature Portfolio AI Policy WAME Guidelines Scopus Indexed Effective June 1, 2025