1. Conditional Permission for Use in Writing Process

• The use of AI tools, e.g., ChatGPT, is permitted solely for improving the language and readability of scientific texts.
• Any use of AI must be under human supervision, and authors must review and approve the final content.
• AI must not be used to generate analytical, data-based, or inferential content.

2. Disclosure Requirement

• Authors are required to disclose any use of AI tools. This includes the name of the tool (e.g., ChatGPT), its version and developer, the scope of use, and its purpose, which should be stated in the author contributions section (example: “This manuscript was edited for language using ChatGPT (OpenAI), under the supervision of the authors”).

3. Prohibition of Listing AI as an Author

• Authors are fully responsible for the scientific accuracy, originality, lack of plagiarism, and the protection of third-party rights, even if AI tools have been used.

5. Prohibition on Using AI to Generate or Alter Images and Figures

• Creating or editing scientific images (e.g., deleting, adding, or manipulating visual elements) using AI is prohibited.
• The only exception is when AI use is part of the research methodology (e.g., medical imaging). In such cases, the raw image before any modifications must be provided, and detailed information about the AI tool, version, and usage method must be reported in the methodology section.

6. Use of AI in Peer Review and Editorial Processes

• Uploading manuscripts or review reports to AI tools is strictly prohibited, as it may violate confidentiality, intellectual property rights, or data privacy.
• AI must not be used for scientific analysis or decision-making in the peer review process.
• Peer review and scientific evaluation must be conducted solely by humans.
• Afarand does not use AI at any stage of the publication process; humans perform all tasks.