Publishing Policies

Publication record

How the version of record is corrected, questioned or withdrawn.

Corrections

Errors that do not invalidate the central findings are corrected through a transparent, linked notice.

The notice identifies the article, states what changed and why, and links bidirectionally with the version of record.
A production error and an author error are distinguished when that information is material; the correction itself remains openly accessible.
Metadata and downloadable files are updated when appropriate without silently replacing the publication history.
Minor typographical changes that do not affect meaning may be corrected without a formal notice, but substantive changes always remain traceable.

Retraction protects the literature when findings are unreliable, unethical, unlawfully published or seriously compromised.

A retraction notice identifies the article, reason, responsible party and available evidence in objective language.
The notice is openly accessible and linked to the article; the article is retained and clearly marked rather than silently removed except where a compelling legal or safety reason requires removal.
Retraction may follow major error or fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, redundant publication, unethical research, unauthorized material or a compromised review process.
The purpose is to correct the record, not to punish authors. Honest error and misconduct are distinguished where the evidence permits.

A temporary notice may alert readers when serious, unresolved concerns require investigation and the available evidence is not yet conclusive.

The notice states the concern and the status of the investigation without presenting an allegation as a proven finding.
It is linked to the affected article and reviewed when reliable new information becomes available.
The expression is replaced or supplemented by a correction, retraction or resolution notice when the matter is concluded.
Delay by another investigating body does not prevent proportionate action to protect readers when the concern is credible and material.