The Process for Handling Cases Requiring Corrections, Retractions, and Editorial Expressions of Concern

Our publication policy is committed to maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the scientific record. When issues arise that necessitate corrections, retractions, or editorial expressions of concern, we follow a rigorous and transparent process to address them appropriately.

Corrections:

If errors are identified in published articles that do not compromise the overall findings, a correction is issued. Corrections are typically made for typographical errors, data miscalculations, or minor factual inaccuracies. Authors, readers, or editors can report these errors. Once verified, the correction is published promptly, linked to the original article, and indexed. The corrected article is then updated with a note indicating the correction.

Retractions:

Retractions are issued when there are significant issues that invalidate the findings or conclusions of a paper. This includes cases of scientific misconduct (e.g., data fabrication, plagiarism), significant errors, or ethical breaches. Retractions can be initiated by authors, institutions, or editors. A thorough investigation is conducted to substantiate the claim. If a retraction is warranted, a retraction notice is published, explaining the reason for retraction and who initiated it. The original article is marked as retracted, but not removed, to preserve the scientific record.

Editorial Expressions of Concern:

An editorial expression of concern is issued when there is an ongoing investigation that may affect the integrity of a published article, but the findings are not yet conclusive. This notice informs the readership of potential issues and is used to maintain transparency during the investigation. Once the investigation concludes, the notice is updated with the outcome, which could lead to either a correction, retraction, or the resolution of the concern without further action.

Procedure

1. Reporting: Issues can be reported by anyone via email or a dedicated online form.
2. Initial Assessment: The editorial team conducts an initial assessment to determine if further investigation is needed.
3. Investigation: A thorough investigation is carried out, often involving the authors and their institutions.
4. Decision: Based on the investigation's findings, the editorial board decides on the appropriate action.
5. Publication: The correction, retraction, or editorial expression of concern is published and linked to the original article.

Transparency and Communication:

Throughout the process, transparency and communication with all parties involved are prioritized. We ensure that the final notices are clear, informative, and accessible to the readership. Our aim is to uphold the highest standards of scientific integrity and trustworthiness in all published content.