Corrections & Retractions Policy

1. Principles

All correction and retraction actions are guided by the following principles:

• Transparency and accountability
• Preservation of the scholarly record
• Clear communication to readers
• Fair, unbiased, and evidence-based investigation
• Permanent traceability of changes

2. Corrections (Erratum & Corrigendum)

Corrections are issued when errors are identified that do not invalidate the overall findings of the article.

Types of Corrections

• Erratum: error introduced during the publication process
• Corrigendum: error introduced by the authors

Examples

• Author name or affiliation errors
• Minor data inaccuracies
• Errors in figures, tables, or labels
• Metadata inconsistencies

Correction Process

• Issue reported by author, reader, or editor
• Editorial evaluation and evidence review
• Consultation with author(s) where required
• Editorial decision
• Formal correction notice publication
• Linking to original article and indexing update

Note: The original article remains unchanged. A separate correction notice is permanently linked.

3. Major Corrections

Major corrections are issued when errors significantly affect interpretation or clarity, but the overall scientific conclusions remain valid.

• Detailed editorial review
• Possible expert consultation
• Expanded explanation within the correction notice

4. Expressions of Concern

An Expression of Concern may be issued when serious concerns are raised but the available evidence is inconclusive or an investigation is ongoing.

Purpose

• Alert readers to potential issues
• Maintain transparency without premature conclusions

Process

• Concern received and assessed
• Author and/or institution contacted
• Investigation initiated
• Expression of concern published where appropriate

5. Retractions

Retraction is applied when findings are unreliable or when serious ethical violations are confirmed, in accordance with COPE Retraction Guidelines.

Grounds for Retraction

• Data fabrication or falsification
• Plagiarism
• Duplicate publication
• Major errors invalidating results
• Unethical research practices
• Undisclosed conflicts affecting validity

Retraction Process

• Concern reported
• Evidence collected and reviewed
• Author response requested
• Institutional consultation where necessary
• Editorial board review
• Decision finalized
• Retraction notice issued

Retraction Principles

• Article remains accessible
• Clear “Retracted” labeling applied
• Reason for retraction disclosed
• DOI remains active

6. Article Removal (Exceptional Cases)

Article removal is considered only in rare and exceptional circumstances, such as:

• Legal requirements
• Copyright infringement
• Defamation or privacy violations
• Significant risk to public safety

In such cases, a removal notice will be published to maintain transparency.

7. Replacement / Republication

In rare situations, an article may be replaced with a corrected version.

• Full transparency is maintained
• Original version is archived
• Changes are clearly documented

8. Author Responsibilities

Authors are expected to:

• Report errors promptly
• Cooperate fully in investigations
• Provide supporting data when requested
• Approve correction notices where applicable

9. Reporting Concerns

Concerns regarding published articles may be reported by authors, readers, reviewers, institutions, or other stakeholders.

Reports should include:

• A clear description of the issue
• Supporting evidence where available