Corrections & Retractions

1. General Principles

Published articles represent a permanent contribution to scientific knowledge. However, errors or concerns may occasionally be identified after publication. ISTP ensures that such issues are handled fairly, transparently, and consistently while protecting the interests of authors, readers, and the scientific community.

• All concerns are investigated carefully and objectively.
• Authors are given an opportunity to respond to allegations or reported errors.
• Actions are based on evidence and ethical standards.
• Changes to published articles are documented and permanently linked to the original record.

2. Sources of Reported Concerns

Concerns regarding published articles may be raised by:

• Authors or co-authors
• Readers or researchers
• Editors or editorial board members
• Peer reviewers
• Institutions or research organizations
• Ethics committees or regulatory authorities

Reports should provide sufficient details and supporting evidence to allow appropriate investigation.

3. Investigation Process

When a concern is received, ISTP follows a structured evaluation process:

• The editorial office performs an initial assessment of the reported issue.
• The editor-in-chief or handling editor reviews the available evidence.
• Authors may be contacted for clarification or supporting information.
• External experts or institutional authorities may be consulted when necessary.
• A final decision is made based on the outcome of the investigation.

4. Corrections (Errata and Corrigenda)

A correction is issued when an error is identified in a published article but the overall scientific conclusions remain valid.

Corrections may include:

• Minor errors in text, tables, figures, or author information.
• Incorrect affiliations or metadata.
• Errors that do not affect the interpretation of the research findings.
• Necessary updates to improve accuracy and clarity.

A correction notice will:

• Clearly identify the original article.
• Describe the nature of the correction.
• Explain whether conclusions are affected.
• Be linked permanently to the original publication.

5. Retraction Policy

A retraction is issued when serious issues affect the reliability, integrity, or validity of a published article.

Articles may be considered for retraction due to:

6. Retraction Procedure

Before retracting an article, ISTP will:

• Conduct an appropriate investigation.
• Notify the authors and provide an opportunity for explanation.
• Review institutional or expert advice when necessary.
• Make a decision based on available evidence.

A retraction notice will:

• Clearly state that the article has been retracted.
• Identify the original publication.
• Explain the reason for retraction.
• Remain permanently linked to the original article.
• Ensure that the original article remains accessible with a clear retraction label.

7. Editorial Expression of Concern

An Editorial Expression of Concern may be published when there are serious concerns about a published article, but the investigation is incomplete or insufficient evidence is currently available for correction or retraction.

An expression of concern may be issued when:

• There is suspected research misconduct requiring further investigation.
• An institutional investigation is ongoing.
• The validity of findings cannot currently be confirmed.
• Significant uncertainty exists regarding the published work.

8. Removal and Replacement of Articles

In exceptional circumstances, articles may be removed from publication records when required by legal obligations, ethical concerns, or risks to individuals.

Article removal decisions are made carefully and transparently, and appropriate notices are provided to maintain the integrity of the scholarly record.

9. Author Responsibilities

Authors are expected to:

• Report discovered errors in their published work promptly.
• Cooperate with investigations.
• Provide requested information or data when necessary.
• Accept responsibility for maintaining research integrity.

10. Editorial Responsibilities

Editors and journal staff are responsible for:

• Handling concerns objectively and confidentially.
• Following ethical guidelines.
• Avoiding conflicts of interest.
• Ensuring corrections and retractions are transparent.

11. Maintaining the Scholarly Record

ISTP is committed to preserving the accuracy and reliability of published literature. Corrections, retractions, and expressions of concern are considered part of responsible scholarly publishing and are implemented to protect scientific integrity.

12. Compliance with International Standards

ISTP follows ethical recommendations and best practices from:

• Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE)
• International standards for scholarly publishing
• Research integrity organizations and institutional guidelines