Procedure for Administering Corrections, Retractions, and Editorial Expressions of Concern

APMC is dedicated to maintaining the precision and integrity of the published content. In instances necessitating corrections, retractions, or Editorial Expressions of Concern, the subsequent procedures will be implemented for peer-reviewed research articles, reviews, and specific non-peer-reviewed articles:

 

Author Correction: A rectification provided to rectify substantial errors made by the author(s) that impact the scientific integrity, publishing record, or the reputation of the authors or the journal.

 

Author Name Modification: Authors who alter their name (due to factors such as gender transition or religious conversion) may petition for the amendment of their name and other pertinent biographical information. These modifications can be done silently, without public awareness, or with a formal Author Correction notice.

 

Publisher Correction: This correction is published when a substantial error by the journal compromises the scientific integrity of the article or the publication's record.

An addendum is released when substantial new information emerges post-publication, essential for a comprehensive understanding of the article.

This notification alerts readers that an inquiry has commenced regarding issues expressed in the article. Editor’s Notes are posted online in the HTML version and are not indexed.

Editorial Expression of Concern: A notification from the editors indicating significant issues about the article's integrity. This is generally issued during prolonged inquiries into research integrity, usually succeeded by a correction or retraction upon the investigation's conclusion.

Retraction: A publication may be withdrawn if significant errors are identified that compromise its integrity due to deficiencies in research, analysis, or reporting. Retractions may also transpire upon the discovery of ethical infractions. The original article is designated as retracted; nevertheless, the PDF is still accessible, and a retraction statement is associated with the original publication. Retraction notices may sometimes include a declaration of agreement or disagreement from the authors.

Upon making corrections, both the original article (in PDF and HTML formats) will be revised, accompanied by explicit links to the correction notice. If the original article cannot be updated (e.g., in cases of older publications), links to the correction notice will be provided, and the amendment will be clearly stated.

Elimination of Disseminated Material

In rare cases, APMC reserves the right to remove content from its sites. This may transpire under the following conditions:

  • The content is libelous, infringes on intellectual property, violates private rights, or is otherwise prohibited.

 

  • A judicial or governmental mandate necessitates the elimination of the content.

 

  • The content presents a significant, imminent health hazard if implemented.

 

Content may be removed permanently or temporarily, with bibliographic metadata (title, authors) retained, along with a statement explaining the removal.

 

Addressing Post-Publication Issues

We are committed to maintaining the integrity of the scientific record and addressing concerns expressed by writers and readers. Authors are welcome to react to any issues raised, and we may request original, unprocessed data and contact specialists to resolve concerns. Based on the issue's nature, the subsequent steps may be implemented:

  • If the manuscript remains under review, it may be declined and sent back to the author.
  • Should the article be published, the response will vary based on the gravity of the issue. A correction or amendment may be promulgated. An Editor's Note or Editorial Expression of Concern may be issued, succeeded by a subsequent notification upon the conclusion of the investigation.
  • The article can be retracted. If significant issues are detected, the author's institution may be informed.

 

Although we strive to swiftly rectify the record, investigations may require time owing to the intricacy of the issues, the necessity for original data, and consultations with specialists. Our major purpose is to promote transparency and safeguard the integrity of the scientific record, rather than sanction individuals. In cases where institutional investigations have been conducted, we may refer readers to publicly available reports.