Process for Handling Corrections, Retractions & Editorial Expressions of Concern

This journal follows COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) flowcharts and guidelines for all post-publication corrections.

Definitions and triggers

Action Trigger Example
Correction Minor, honest error that does not invalidate conclusions Typo in data table, misspelled author name, missing funding statement
Expression of Concern Reasonable doubt about integrity without proven misconduct Investigation ongoing at institution; raw data requested but not yet provided
Retraction Major error or intentional misconduct Fabricated data, duplicate publication, unethical research (no consent/IRB), coerced authorship

Step-by-step process

Step 1 – Notification
Any person (reader, author, editor, reviewer) can email:

publisher@sadradanesh.com

Step 2 – Acknowledgment and case number
Within 2 business days, the Director of Ethics & Compliance (Dr. Ali Saber) acknowledges receipt and assigns a unique case number.

Step 3 – Preliminary assessment (5 business days)
Ethics Manager determines if the issue is:

  • Minor → Correction process begins

  • Moderate (unclear) → Expression of Concern considered while investigating

  • Severe → Retraction investigation opens

Step 4 – Author notification
Authors receive detailed notification of the allegation. For retractions, authors have 14 calendar days to respond with evidence.

Step 5 – Decision meeting
Retraction decisions require a panel:

  • Director of Ethics & Compliance (chair)

  • Chief Scientific Editor (CSE)

  • One external legal advisor (for cases involving research misconduct allegations)

Corrections and Expressions of Concern may be decided by Ethics Manager + CSE only.

Step 6 – Final decision published (within 60 days of initial notification)

  • Correction – Issued within 7 business days of confirmed request. Correction notice linked to original article.

  • Expression of Concern – Published with direct URL link to original article. Updated as investigation progresses.

  • Retraction – Retraction notice explains reason (with COPE classification). Original article remains but is watermarked “RETRACTED” on all metadata platforms (Crossref, PubMed, journal website). HTML and PDF versions are replaced with the retraction notice.

Appeal process

Authors may appeal a retraction within 30 days. Appeals must provide new evidence not previously considered. The Chief Scientific Editor (without the original Ethics Manager) reviews the appeal. Decision is final.

Policy URL

The full policy with COPE flowchart and downloadable forms is available at:  https://publicationethics.org/

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