Do you use AI-assisted technology?

The answer to this question depends on how artificial intelligence (AI) is defined. In general, current AI-related concerns mostly relate to generative AI using large language models (e.g., Chat GPT). This type of generative AI creates new data (e.g., “novel” text/images) rather than simply classifying or predicting based on existing data.

Currently, our processes do not include the use of generative AI tools, but we do use machine learning models that we have developed in house. These models are trained specifically based on our extensive experience with the manual editing of academic manuscripts by our field experts. Our algorithms are designed to assist our human editors in refining the text and avoiding inconsistencies rather than in creating new content. 

We also use commercially available tools (e.g., Microsoft Word and EndNote), which utilize machine learning algorithms. Our use of machine learning tools is stated in our Terms of Service: “You agree to permit AJE to use proprietary automation that may apply machine learning techniques to your Content for the future improvement of the Services." 

Our toolset also includes in-house-developed and commercially available rules-based tools to correct common phrasing, formatting, and spelling errors that our editors see across various disciplines. These tools allow our human editors to focus on more complex language issues in a more efficient manner.

You may be asking this question because your target journal requires a declaration regarding the use of AI-assisted technology during manuscript preparation.

All of our tools are similar in principle to Microsoft Word’s machine-learning-based grammar check. Therefore, if your journal requires a declaration about your use of Word, our services—used for the purposes of language editing assistance—should similarly be declared.

In case you need to provide such a statement in your manuscript, we include the following sample declaration for your review, which can be tailored to suit your particular needs: 

During the preparation of this work, the author(s) corrected the language by using Microsoft Word and the editing services of American Journal Experts, both of which use tools based on machine-learning algorithms to assist with language correction. After using this service, the author(s) reviewed and edited the content as needed and take(s) full responsibility for the content of the publication.

If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at support@aje.com.