The JSR follows the guidelines set out by ASSAf and SciELO in 2025 regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs).

AI is technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human intelligence and problem-solving capabilities (https://www.ibm.com/topics/artificial-intelligence). LLMs are types of machine learning (ML) models that can perform a variety of natural language processing (NLP) tasks, such as generating and classifying text, answering questions in a conversational manner, and translating text from one language to another (https://www.techopedia.com/definition/34948/large-language-model-llm).

AI Authorship

The JSR does not regard AI tools as authors because they ‘do not meet the requirements for authorship as they cannot take responsibility for the submitted work’ (ASSAf guidelines on AI usage in scholarly publications; https://www.assaf.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Final-ASSAf-and-SciELO-Guide-lines-for-the-Use-of-Artificial-Intelligence-AI-Tools-and-Resources-in-Research-Communication_17-Sept-2024-.pdf). ‘As non-legal entities, AI tools cannot assert the presence or absence of conflicts of interest or manage copyright and license agreements (cf. the COPE position statement; https://publicationethics.org/guidance).

AI Integration and Usage by Authors

It is the responsibility of the authors to ensure that the work they submit for publication to the JSR is authentic original research that can be validated through the methodologies used and described in the article. Authors are responsible for the integrity of their research and must ensure that the work they submit is not plagiarized, falsified, or inaccurate.

The use of AI tools for the following does not need to be declared:

• Using AI for writing

Authors may use AI to help with translations, spelling and grammar checks, language editing, and similarity checks.

• Using AI for reference management

Authors may use AI to help them manage their references such as EndNote.

Where AI is used in any form for the below, or in other instances, authors must declare that they have used AI and explain how it was used:

• Using AI for reference gathering and analysis

Authors may use AI to enhance their research but not to replace them. AI may be used in the gathering of, summarizing of, and initial analysis of references such as e.g., Scopus AI in the gathering of references.

• Using AI for the generation of graphs and images

Authors may use AI to enhance or generate graphics, tables, graphs, or images based on their research.

• Usage of AI for data collection

Authors may use AI to collect data.

• Usage of AI for the analysis of data

Authors may use AI to analyze their data such as e.g., AIliase or Atlas TI.

• Usage of AI for the conceptualization of a research problem or research topic

Authors may use AI to help them conceptualize a research problem, research topic, or research question.

Authors are reminded to verify all information, analysis, and content generated by AI. It is the authors’ responsibility to ensure that they do not include any misinformation or false information generated by an AI application.

Declaration of AI Usage

If an AI application has been used at any stage in the research process or content generation the authors must mention this in the abstract and body of the manuscript where it is used:

In-text: (Chat GPT 4.5, 2025) or Chat GPT 4.5 (2025).

References: Here the author has to include the name, version, and manufacturer of the tool used and the date on which it was accessed, e.g.,

Chat GPT 4.5. (2025). Version January 28, 2025, Open AI. (Accessed March 15, 2025).

AI Tools and the Editor-in-Chief’s Review of Articles

The Editor-in-Chief of the JSR may use AI tools to facilitate the detection of AI-generated or modified content.

AI Tools for Peer Review

At present the JSR does not use AI tools for peer reviewing and does not allow this use by reviewers.

Ethical AI Use

The JSR strives to ensure that the use of AI in research respects the principles of privacy, consent, and fairness. AI tools may only be used in a transparent way in which the limitations of the tools are acknowledged. Concealing the use of AI tools is unethical and violates the principles of transparency and honesty in research.

Disclosure

Authors are required to disclose any use of AI in the research process or manuscript preparation to ensure transparency and allow for proper assessment by reviewers and readers.