July 20, 2023

The Use of AI in Image Production

The use of generative AI or AI-assisted tools to create or modify images in submitted manuscripts is not allowed. This includes enhancing, obscuring, moving, removing, or introducing specific features in an image or figure.

Adjustments to brightness, contrast, or color balance are acceptable, provided they do not obscure or remove any information present in the original. Forensic imaging tools or specialized software may be applied to submitted manuscripts to identify potential irregularities in images.

The only exception is if the use of AI or AI-assisted tools is part of the research design or methodology (e.g., AI-assisted imaging approaches to generate or interpret the underlying research data, such as in biomedical imaging). If so, such use must be reproducibly described in the methods section.

This should include an explanation of how AI or AI-assisted tools were used in the creation or modification process, along with the name of the model or tool, version, extension numbers, and manufacturer. Authors must adhere to the specific usage policies of the AI software and ensure proper attribution of the content. Where applicable, authors may be required to provide pre-adjusted versions of images and/or the raw composite images used to create the submitted final versions for editorial review.

The use of generative AI or AI-assisted tools is not permitted for the production of artwork, such as journal covers or graphical abstracts.

[Click here to return to the Ethical Guidelines of the Revista Brasileira de Meio Ambiente]