The journal is committed to maintaining the accuracy, reliability, and integrity of the scholarly record. When significant errors, inaccuracies, ethical concerns, or forms of publication misconduct are identified, the journal may publish a correction, expression of concern, or retraction as appropriate.
All correction and retraction decisions are handled objectively, transparently, and in accordance with established publication-ethics principles.
A correction may be issued when an error in a published article affects the accuracy or clarity of the scholarly record but does not invalidate the overall findings, conclusions, or integrity of the article.
Corrections may include, but are not limited to:
Errors in author names or affiliations
Typographical or factual errors
Errors in tables, figures, or supplementary materials
Incorrect references or citation information
Minor errors in data presentation
Other errors that can be corrected without invalidating the main findings
When a correction is necessary, the journal may publish a formal correction notice linked to the original article.
The original article will generally remain available to preserve the publication record, with the correction clearly identified.
A published article may be retracted when there is substantial evidence that its findings or publication process are seriously compromised.
Reasons for retraction may include:
Fabrication of data or research results
Falsification or manipulation of data
Plagiarism or substantial unattributed copying
Duplicate or redundant publication
Serious methodological or analytical errors that invalidate the findings
Major ethical violations
Unethical research involving human or animal participants
Unauthorized use of confidential or protected information
Serious authorship or publication misconduct
Significant undisclosed conflicts of interest that materially affect the article
Other circumstances that substantially undermine the reliability or integrity of the published work
Retraction does not necessarily imply misconduct by every author. The reasons and scope of the retraction will be stated clearly in the retraction notice.
The journal may publish an Expression of Concern when there are credible concerns regarding a published article but the available evidence is insufficient to make an immediate decision regarding correction or retraction.
An Expression of Concern may be issued while:
An investigation is ongoing
Additional evidence is being assessed
Clarification is being sought from the authors or relevant institution
A research institution is conducting an investigation
The Expression of Concern will remain associated with the original article until the matter has been resolved.
When a potential problem with a published article is identified, the editorial team may conduct an initial assessment.
Depending on the nature of the concern, the journal may:
Review the available evidence.
Contact the authors for clarification.
Request supporting data or documentation.
Consult editors, reviewers, or independent experts.
Contact the relevant institution or research organization where appropriate.
Determine whether a correction, Expression of Concern, or retraction is warranted.
Publish an appropriate notice explaining the decision.
Authors will generally be given an opportunity to respond to concerns before a final decision is made, except where immediate action is necessary to protect the integrity of the scholarly record.
A retraction notice should clearly identify:
The title of the retracted article
The authors
The original publication information
The reason or reasons for retraction
The date of retraction
The relationship between the retraction notice and the original article
The retraction notice should be freely accessible and permanently linked to the original publication.
The journal will generally maintain the original article as part of the scholarly record after retraction.
The article may be clearly marked as “Retracted” to ensure that readers are aware of its status.
The journal will avoid unnecessary removal of the original publication because maintaining the publication history supports transparency and research integrity.
Authors, readers, reviewers, editors, and other stakeholders may report potential errors or ethical concerns in published articles to the editorial office.
Reports should provide sufficient information and, where possible, supporting evidence.
The editorial team will assess credible reports and determine the appropriate course of action.
Authors are expected to notify the editorial office promptly if they discover a significant error or inaccuracy in their published work.
Authors should cooperate with the journal in:
Investigating reported concerns
Providing relevant data or documentation
Clarifying research procedures
Correcting significant errors
Supporting appropriate correction or retraction procedures
The editor is responsible for making appropriate decisions concerning corrections, Expressions of Concern, and retractions.
Editorial decisions should be based on evidence and should not be influenced by:
Personal relationships
Institutional affiliation
Commercial interests
Political considerations
Author reputation
Other irrelevant factors
The journal seeks to ensure that post-publication decisions are fair, transparent, and consistent.
A retraction does not normally remove the original article from the journal's archive.
The article and retraction notice should remain permanently connected so that readers, indexing services, and future researchers can accurately understand the publication history.
Where technically possible, the article's metadata should clearly indicate its retracted status.
Authors may request reconsideration of a correction or retraction decision when they have substantial evidence that the decision was based on a factual error, procedural problem, or significant misunderstanding.
Appeals should be submitted to the editorial office with a clear explanation and supporting evidence.
The journal may seek independent expert advice when appropriate.
The decision following an appeal is normally final.
The journal is committed to correcting the scholarly record whenever necessary.
Corrections, Expressions of Concern, and retractions are not intended as punitive measures but as mechanisms for maintaining the accuracy, transparency, reliability, and integrity of academic publishing.
The journal may update this policy when necessary to reflect developments in publication ethics and recognized scholarly publishing practices.
ADDITIONAL MENU
SUBMIT ARTICLE
