Errata and Retraction Policy

The COPE (here) and Council of Science Editors (here) guidelines are followed for correcting articles. Based on these sources, there are three methods for proofreading scientific literature:

1. Errata - refers to amendments or changes to parts of the article. Corrections can be in the title of the article, names of the authors and typographical or diagramming errors;
2. Retraction - refers to partial corrections of the article due to methodological errors, incorrect data analysis, scientific misconduct, or non-reproducible research. There is also the possibility of removing the article completely from the Journal page;
3. Expression of concern - refers to the publication of a notice by the editor when there is concern about the reliability of an article, but insufficient information is available to justify a retraction.

The editors will review all communications pointing out problems in a publication, whether minor or significant. Requests for corrections should be sent to e-mail: . If the editors confirm the allegations, they may consider asking authors to correct occasional errors or mistakes, or they may consider retracting a publication, based on the COPE (here) and Council of Science Editors (here) guidelines for correcting articles.

Editors may consider retracting a publication when:

1. a) Authors refuse to correct errors or mistakes when requested by the editors;

1. b) There is clear evidence that the research findings are unreliable, whether as a result of robust error, invention (e.g. of information) or falsification (e.g. manipulation of images);
2. c) There is plagiarism, self-plagiarism or redundant publication;
3. d) Research findings have been previously published elsewhere and there is no citation, communication of fact to editors, permission to republish or justification;
4. e) Contains information or materials without authorization for use;
5. f) Copyright has been infringed or there is some other relevant legal issue (eg use of images without permission);
6. g) Presents unethical research;
7. h) It was published solely on the basis of a compromised or manipulated peer review;
8. i) The authors did not report a relevant conflict of interest that, in the editors' perspective, would have unduly affected the interpretations of the manuscript or the recommendations of the editors and reviewers.

 

Editors will not consider retracting a publication when:

1. a) There is dispute over the authorship of the publication, but there is no reason to doubt the validity of the research findings;

1. b) The main research findings are still reliable, and a correction can correct eventual errors;
2. c) The editors have inconclusive evidence to support the retraction or are awaiting additional information, such as that from institutional research;
3. d) Authors' conflicts of interest were communicated to the Journal after publication, but from the editors' perspective they did not influence the article's interpretations or conclusions.

The request and writing of the correction must be made by the author responsible for the article. If there is disagreement between the authors about what is being corrected, the Journal editor becomes responsible for writing the correction. The errata, retraction or expression of concern will be published as soon as possible, with the article remaining on the Journal page with the respective correction indication.