The process for handling cases requiring corrections, retractions, and editorial expressions of concern
Corrections, Authorship Changes, Retractions, and Misconduct Management
The Journal of Experimental and Clinical Anatomy (JECA) is committed to preserving the accuracy, integrity, and trustworthiness of the scholarly record. Where concerns arise regarding the conduct, reporting, authorship, or publication of a manuscript or published article, JECA will take appropriate action in accordance with established editorial procedures and the guidance of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).
JECA addresses concerns relating to, but not limited to:
- duplicate or redundant publication;
- plagiarism;
- fabricated or falsified data;
- image manipulation;
- undisclosed conflicts of interest;
- unethical research involving humans or animals;
- authorship disputes or unauthorized authorship changes;
- reviewer misconduct, including misuse of confidential material;
- editorial misconduct or complaints concerning editorial handling;
- significant post-publication errors requiring correction or retraction.
In handling such matters, JECA follows COPE guidance and may consult relevant editorial, ethical, institutional, or legal authorities where necessary.
1. Management of Suspected Misconduct
When concerns are raised about a submitted or published manuscript, JECA will assess the matter carefully and confidentially. Depending on the nature and seriousness of the concern, the journal may:
- request clarification or supporting documentation from the authors;
- refer the matter to the handling editor, Editor-in-Chief, or Editorial Board;
- seek additional expert opinion;
- contact the authors’ institution, ethics committee, funder, or other relevant authority;
- suspend review or publication while the matter is investigated;
- reject the manuscript;
- publish a correction, expression of concern, retraction, or other notice where appropriate.
JECA aims to address all concerns fairly, impartially, and in a timely manner, while maintaining due process and confidentiality.
2. Corrections
JECA will publish a Correction, Erratum, or Corrigendum where necessary to amend errors in a published article that affect the accuracy, clarity, metadata, or scholarly record but do not invalidate the main findings of the work.
Examples may include:
- typographical or production errors;
- errors in author details or affiliations;
- mislabeled figures or tables;
- omissions in acknowledgements, funding statements, or disclosures;
- factual inaccuracies that do not undermine the overall validity of the article.
Any correction will be linked to the original article and will clearly describe the nature of the change.
Minor stylistic changes that do not affect the meaning, integrity, or discoverability of the article may not require a formal published correction.
3. Authorship Changes
Requests to add, remove, or rearrange authors after submission or after publication are treated seriously and will be considered only where justified.
Any request for a change in authorship must be submitted by the corresponding author and must include:
- a clear written explanation for the proposed change; and
- written confirmation of agreement from all listed authors, including any author being added or removed.
JECA may request additional documentation where necessary and reserves the right to decline changes where authorship integrity is uncertain or disputed.
If an authorship dispute cannot be resolved by the authors, JECA may suspend editorial action until the matter has been resolved by the relevant institution(s) or other appropriate authority.
The journal is not responsible for adjudicating underlying disputes of authorship ownership but may require institutional clarification before proceeding.
4. Retractions
A Retraction is issued where a published article is found to be seriously flawed or ethically compromised such that its findings, data, or conclusions can no longer be relied upon.
Retraction may be considered in cases including, but not limited to:
- major error that invalidates the results or conclusions;
- data fabrication or falsification;
- plagiarism;
- duplicate or redundant publication;
- unethical research;
- unauthorized use of data or materials;
- serious undisclosed conflicts of interest that undermine the integrity of the work.
Retractions may be initiated by the authors, editors, publisher, or institution, depending on the circumstances.
A retraction notice will:
- be clearly identified as a retraction;
- be linked to the original article;
- state the reason for the retraction;
- indicate who is issuing the retraction, where appropriate.
The original article will normally remain accessible as part of the scholarly record but will be clearly marked as retracted, unless legal or ethical considerations require removal.
5. Expressions of Concern
Where serious concerns have been raised about a published article but the available evidence is inconclusive or an investigation is ongoing, JECA may publish an Expression of Concern.
This may be used where:
- there is reason to believe misconduct may have occurred;
- an institutional investigation is pending or inconclusive;
- the journal has evidence of potential unreliability but not yet sufficient grounds for retraction.
Expressions of concern will be updated, replaced, or removed as appropriate once the matter is resolved.
6. Removal of Content
JECA will remove published content only in exceptional circumstances, such as where material is found to be unlawful, defamatory, in violation of privacy rights, subject to court order, or otherwise legally required to be removed.
Where content is removed, JECA will retain the bibliographic record where possible and publish a notice indicating that the content has been removed and the reason for removal, to the extent legally permissible.
7. Process for Post-Publication Changes
Requests for corrections, authorship changes, or retractions should be submitted to the editorial office with sufficient detail and supporting documentation.
The journal may require:
- an explanatory letter;
- agreement from all authors;
- supporting evidence from the institution or ethics committee;
- documentation relevant to the correction or ethical concern.
All post-publication changes are subject to editorial review and approval. JECA reserves the right to determine the most appropriate course of action in accordance with the seriousness of the issue and best publishing practice.
8. Editorial Oversight
Matters involving corrections, authorship changes, retractions, or alleged misconduct may be reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief, handling editors, and where necessary the Editorial Board or relevant ethics advisers.
The journal may consult COPE flowcharts and guidance when determining the appropriate response.
Editorial decisions will be made on the basis of the available evidence, the seriousness of the issue, and the need to maintain the integrity of the scholarly record.
9. Matters Not Explicitly Covered
For issues relating to research integrity, publication ethics, and post-publication corrections not specifically addressed in this policy, JECA will follow accepted international best practice and relevant COPE guidance.
10. Contact
Concerns regarding corrections, authorship changes, retractions, or suspected misconduct should be directed to:
Editor
Journal of Experimental and Clinical Anatomy (JECA)
Email: jecajournal@gmail.com
