Maintaining the integrity of the scholarly record extends beyond the publication stage. The journal is committed to addressing post-publication issues responsibly and transparently, in line with international best practices and the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines.
Corrections and Errata
If a significant error is identified in a published article that affects its scientific accuracy, authors are required to notify the Editorial Office immediately. Corrections (errata) are issued when honest errors are discovered that do not compromise the overall validity of the work. The corrected version is published online with a clear link to the original article and an explanation of the change. Minor typographical or formatting adjustments that do not alter meaning are corrected silently during routine updates.
Retractions
A retraction may be issued if the published article contains serious flaws, fabricated or falsified data, plagiarism, or ethical violations that invalidate the findings. The retraction decision is made by the Editorial Office following the COPE retraction guidelines and after consulting the authors and, when necessary, their institutions. Retracted articles remain accessible in the journal archive but are clearly marked as “Retracted,” along with an explanatory retraction notice to maintain transparency in the scholarly record.
Expressions of Concern
When substantial doubts arise regarding the reliability or integrity of a publication and an investigation is ongoing or inconclusive, the journal may issue an Expression of Concern. This notice alerts readers to potential issues while ensuring fairness to all parties until a final decision is reached. The notice will be updated or replaced once the outcome of the investigation is confirmed.
Addenda and Updates
If authors wish to add clarifications, data, or additional information that enhances understanding without changing the article’s conclusions, the journal may publish an addendum. Such additions are subject to editorial review and are linked to the original publication for full transparency.
Post-Publication Discussions
Constructive post-publication dialogue is encouraged when it contributes to scholarly discourse or corrects misunderstanding. Comments or responses must be submitted formally to the Editorial Office and will be subject to editorial screening to ensure academic relevance, professionalism, and factual accuracy before publication.
Archiving and Preservation
All published materials are permanently preserved through the journal’s archiving system to ensure long-term access and integrity. In cases where a correction, retraction, or other notice is issued, the original version remains accessible, accompanied by the official update notice.