Generative AI (GenAI) and AI-Assisted Technologies Policy

Generative AI (GenAI) & AI-Assisted Technologies Policy

1. Fundamental Principle

Letters in Nonlinear Analysis and its Applications (LNAA) acknowledges the growing role of Generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Copilot) in scholarly writing and computational research. However, because mathematical rigor, original theoretical derivations, and absolute accountability are core to nonlinear analysis, Generative AI tools cannot be listed as authors or co-authors under any circumstances. Authorship implies legal, ethical, and academic responsibility for the integrity, novelty, and accuracy of the published work—responsibilities that AI entities cannot fulfill.

2. Guidance for Authors

A. Permissible Uses

Authors may use Generative AI tools exclusively for assistance in:

  • Linguistic Enhancement: Improving readability, grammar, and phrasing of author-generated text.

  • LaTeX Formatting & Coding Assistance: Structuring complex LaTeX code, macro definitions, or troubleshooting TikZ/PGFPlots diagrams.

  • Literature Search & Structural Organization: Brainstorming or structuring raw initial outlines.

B. Prohibited Uses & Mathematical Integrity

  • Proof Generation & Theoretical Claims: Authors must not use GenAI to generate, complete, or fabricate mathematical proofs, theorems, lemmas, or numerical simulations without full manual verification. AI-generated mathematical reasoning often introduces subtle, plausible-sounding errors ("hallucinations") that violate the standards of LNAA.

  • Data & Counterexample Fabrication: Generating artificial datasets, falsifying iterative processes, or fabricating illustrative counterexamples via GenAI is treated as academic misconduct.

  • Image & Diagram Manipulation: AI tools must not be used to alter, manipulate, or misrepresent mathematical plots, bifurcation diagrams, or physical simulation outputs.

C. Mandatory Disclosure Requirement

If a Generative AI tool was used in any phase of manuscript preparation (editing, code generation, visualization):

  1. Acknowledge Usage: Authors must include an explicit "Declaration of Generative AI and AI-Assisted Technologies" section immediately before the References.

  2. Details to Disclose: Name of the tool, version, developer/company, and a concise explanation of how and where it was applied.

  3. Template Statement:

    "During the preparation of this manuscript, the author(s) utilized [Tool Name, Version] to [e.g., improve the English phrasing / assist in structuring LaTeX code for TikZ diagrams]. After using this tool, the author(s) thoroughly reviewed, verified, and edited the content, and take(s) full responsibility for the mathematical correctness, originality, and integrity of the published work."

(Note: Basic tools such as standard spell-checkers, reference management software, or grammar checkers like Grammarly do not require formal disclosure unless they generate substantive text or code.)

3. Guidance for Editors and Peer Reviewers

  • Strict Confidentiality of Submissions: Reviewers and members of the LNAA Editorial Board are strictly prohibited from uploading submitted manuscripts, abstract drafts, or LaTeX source files into commercial AI systems. Uploading unreleased work violates intellectual property rights, editorial confidentiality, and author privacy.

  • Authentic Human Review: Peer review at LNAA is an assessment of theoretical soundness, logical flow, and mathematical depth. Reviewers must write their evaluation reports independently. AI-generated review reports are explicitly banned, as they compromise the thoroughness and critical standard expected in nonlinear analysis evaluation.

4. Enforcement & Misconduct

LNAA reserves the right to screen submitted manuscripts and LaTeX source code with AI-detection tools and automated integrity checks. Undeclared or deceptive use of Generative AI, as well as AI-assisted plagiarism or proof fabrication, will result in immediate rejection or post-publication retraction in accordance with COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidelines.