The journal is committed to maintaining the accuracy and integrity of the scholarly record. When errors or problems are identified in a published article, the journal will act promptly and transparently in line with the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

Correction

A correction (erratum or corrigendum) will be published when an error does not invalidate the findings or conclusions of the article but affects its accuracy, for example, errors in author names or affiliations, references, citations, tables, figures, or other minor factual details. Corrections may be initiated by the authors or by the editors. The correction notice will state clearly what was changed and will be linked to the original article. Where appropriate, the original article will be updated and marked accordingly.

Expression of Concern

If there are credible concerns about an article but an investigation is ongoing or inconclusive, the editors may publish an expression of concern, which will be linked to the original article.

Retraction

An article may be retracted when:

• its findings or arguments are unreliable because of serious error or fabrication or falsification of data or sources;
• it contains plagiarism or substantial unattributed use of others’ work;
• it has been published previously or submitted simultaneously elsewhere without disclosure;
• it involves unethical research or lacks required ethical approval or informed consent; or
• authorship, peer review, or other aspects of the publication process have been seriously compromised.

Retractions may be initiated by the editors or requested by the authors. The retraction notice will state the reason for retraction and who initiated it, and will be linked to the original article. The article will remain accessible but will be clearly marked as retracted. It will not be removed from the record unless required by legal or other exceptional reasons.

Authors who discover a significant error in their own published work are expected to notify the editorial office promptly and cooperate in publishing a correction or retraction.