AI usage policy

The journal adheres to the “Recommendations on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Scholarly Communication” developed by the European Association of Science Editors (available at https://ease.org.uk/2024/09/recommendations-on-the-use-of-ai-in-scholarly-communication/), as well as the “Policy on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Educational Process and Research Activities” of West Ukrainian National University (available at https://www.wunu.edu.ua/pdf/academ_dob/Політика_ШІ_17.12.1.pdf). Artificial intelligence is considered exclusively as a supportive tool that may be used to improve text readability, perform language editing, systematize information, analyze data, prepare programming code, tables, illustrations, and visualize research results. At the same time, AI cannot replace the author’s independent intellectual work, scientific conclusions, critical analysis, or the formulation of research aims, objectives, questions, and recommendations.

All results obtained with the use of generative AI must be carefully verified, interpreted, and edited by the author in accordance with the principles of academic integrity, as such systems may produce inaccurate, incomplete, or misleading information. The author bears full responsibility for the content, reliability, originality, and scientific value of the article, even if AI tools were used during its preparation.

Authors are required to disclose the use of artificial intelligence in the preparation of the manuscript. A separate file - a declaration on the use of AI - must be submitted together with the article, and an adapted version of this declaration must be included at the end of the article before the reference list. It should specify the name of the tool, the method and purpose of its use, and the approximate proportion of text or other materials generated with AI assistance. If AI was not used, the author may state: “No artificial intelligence tools were used in the preparation of this article.” The use of AI solely for language or stylistic editing does not require disclosure.

In cases where AI is used as part of the research methodology, its application must be explicitly described in the “Methods” section. According to the recommendations of the European Association of Science Editors, AI may be used for literature review without treating it as a primary source, for data collection, processing, analysis and interpretation, for programming code generation, or for data and visualization generation, provided that reliability is ensured and reproducibility is possible.

If AI is used only for text editing, it does not need to be disclosed, as editors focus on the final quality of language and compliance with linguistic standards, regardless of the tools used in preparation.

It is necessary to specify the manner of AI usage. The use of AI as a methodological tool is permissible with the following considerations (according to the Recommendations on the Use of AI in Scholarly Communication):

• Citation and literature review: AI outputs should not be used as primary sources, as they may contain inaccuracies or fabricated information.
• Data collection, cleaning, analysis, and interpretation: any AI use must be disclosed, including measures ensuring reproducibility and reliability.
• Data or code generation: disclosure is required, as AI-generated outputs may be useful for educational purposes but can also produce fabricated data.
• Visualization (tables, figures, images, video, etc.): AI-generated visual content must be disclosed and verified for accuracy and reproducibility.
• Other applications as appropriate.

The editorial office does not permit the use of artificial intelligence for fabricating or falsifying research results, generating fake sources or citations, concealing plagiarism, or presenting AI-generated text as fully original author work. AI cannot be recognized as an author or co-author of a scientific article, as authorship implies personal contribution, approval of the final version, and responsibility for the content, which can only be attributed to a human.

Submitted manuscripts are confidential. The final decision on publication is made exclusively by the editor based on peer-review conclusions and the scientific value of the manuscript.