Retractions, Corrections & Versions

Principle

We preserve the integrity of the scholarly record and do not "wipe" history. Good-faith mistakes are addressed with corrections or a new version. Retraction is used when misconduct is proven. Full removal is reserved for narrow legal/ethical grounds.

Outcomes

(no "Expression of Concern")

1. Correction / Erratum

Targeted errors that do not change the main conclusions (typos, labels, an individual table/footnote).

We publish a brief correction notice (with its own DOI)
The Version of Record is marked as "updated"

2. Revised Version (v2, v3 …)

Substantial gaps the author is willing to fix themselves. The new version goes through our normal cycle (screening → anonymous in-house review → decision).

The new version receives a separate DOI and an "isVersionOf" link to the previous one
The prior version remains available and is marked "Superseded by v2" (not "retracted")
A concise Version Note lists the key changes

3. Retraction (with record retained)

We apply a visible "Retracted" label to the HTML/PDF and do not delete the article.

Used when:

Falsification/fabrication/plagiarism/undisclosed duplicate publication/substantive authorship or ethics breaches are proven; or
Critical problems are found that cannot be honestly corrected within reasonable bounds (e.g., lost/forged data)

A Retraction Notice (with DOI) states the reasons and date.

4. Removal / Takedown (full content removal)

Only in exceptional cases:

Court order
Clear rights violations (personal data, defamation)
Incitement to hatred/violence
Content creating an immediate risk of harm

This may occur if such issues were missed at screening and/or substantiated user complaints were received. The content is removed in full; where lawful, the DOI resolves to a short tombstone page stating the reason (without the article text).

Process (transparent and swift)

1. Report: Submit to [email protected] or via the web form (anonymous submissions allowed; please provide facts/links/code)
2. Preliminary assessment: Within 10 business days: scope and risk
3. Author query: Up to 14 days to respond; extendable for justified reasons
4. Substantive review: Rerun of data/code, methodological assessment; ad-hoc consultants if needed
5. Decision: Correction / Revised Version / Retraction / Removal
6. Public notice: Date, reasons, links. Authors may appeal in writing; the outcome of the appeal is also published

Post-publication discussion

We support post-publication scientific discussion under each article:

Features:

Verified accounts
Author replies
Invited editorial commentaries when needed

Moderation rules: Focus on data and arguments; no personal attacks.

The history of versions and discussions is public.