Correction and Retraction

  1. Policy Statement

RAMATEKNO is committed to maintaining the accuracy, transparency, and integrity of the scholarly record. The journal recognizes that errors or concerns may arise after an article has been published. When such issues are identified, the editorial team will assess the available evidence and take appropriate action to ensure that the published research record remains reliable.

Corrections and retractions will be handled in accordance with the journal's publication ethics policies and relevant guidance from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

  1. Corrections

A correction may be issued when an error is identified in a published article and the error can be addressed without requiring the article to be retracted.

Corrections may concern, but are not limited to:

  1. Errors in author names, affiliations, or other publication metadata.
  2. Typographical, formatting, or editorial errors that affect the clarity of the article.
  3. Errors in figures, tables, equations, or other content that require clarification or amendment.
  4. Factual or analytical errors that can be corrected without invalidating the overall findings or conclusions.

The editorial team will assess the nature and significance of the error before deciding whether a formal correction is necessary. Corrections will clearly identify the affected article, describe the error, and provide the corrected information.

Published corrections will be linked to the original article to maintain transparency and ensure that readers can identify the changes.

  1. Retractions

A retraction may be issued when the findings or integrity of a published article are seriously compromised. Retraction is intended to correct the scholarly record and alert readers that the article should no longer be considered reliable in whole or in substantial part.

Grounds for retraction may include:

  1. Fabrication or falsification of research data.
  2. Plagiarism or substantial unattributed use of others' work.
  3. Serious errors that invalidate the main findings or conclusions.
  4. Duplicate or redundant publication that violates the journal's publication ethics policies.
  5. Unethical research practices or serious violations of research ethics.
  6. Evidence that the publication process was compromised by serious misconduct.
  7. Other substantiated circumstances that make the article's findings unreliable.

The journal will assess each case individually. Retraction will not be based solely on the existence of a disagreement over scientific interpretation or on an allegation that has not been adequately substantiated.

  1. Expression of Concern

An expression of concern may be published when credible evidence raises significant questions about the reliability or integrity of an article, but the investigation has not yet reached a definitive conclusion.

This notice informs readers of the unresolved concerns while allowing the journal or relevant institution to continue investigating the matter. The notice may be updated or followed by a correction or retraction when further evidence becomes available.

  1. Investigation and Decision-Making

Concerns about a published article may be raised by authors, readers, reviewers, institutions, or other relevant parties.

Upon receiving a report, the editorial team will:

  1. Conduct a preliminary assessment of the concern and supporting evidence.
  2. Request explanations, data, or relevant documentation from the authors when appropriate.
  3. Consult independent experts or the authors' affiliated institutions when necessary.
  4. Evaluate the evidence objectively and provide relevant parties with a fair opportunity to respond.
  5. Determine the appropriate editorial action based on the findings of the assessment or investigation.

The Editor-in-Chief is responsible for the final editorial decision, subject to the journal's applicable editorial procedures.

  1. Publication and Accessibility of Notices

All formal corrections, retraction notices, and expressions of concern will clearly identify the affected article and explain the reason for the editorial action.

Where technically possible, notices will be published separately, linked to the original article, and made freely accessible. The original article's publication history will be preserved to maintain transparency.

Retracted articles will be clearly marked as retracted. The journal will retain the article in the scholarly record where appropriate, rather than silently removing it, except where removal is required by law or other exceptional circumstances.

  1. Responsibilities of Authors and Editors

Authors are expected to notify the editorial team promptly if they discover significant errors in their published work. They should cooperate with reasonable requests for clarification, data, or supporting documentation.

The editorial team is responsible for assessing reported concerns fairly, documenting editorial decisions, and communicating the outcome to relevant parties when appropriate.

All parties involved in the process must maintain professional conduct and respect confidentiality to the extent reasonably possible.

  1. Policy Implementation

RAMATEKNO applies this policy to all articles published in the journal. Decisions regarding corrections, expressions of concern, and retractions will be proportionate to the nature and severity of the issue and consistent with the journal's commitment to publication ethics and research integrity.