Correction and Retraction Policy

BEMO | PUBLICATION INTEGRITY

Correction and Retraction Policy

Preserving an accurate, transparent, and reliable scholarly record.

BEMO recognizes that published research may require correction, clarification, or retraction when significant errors or integrity concerns are identified. Editorial actions aim to maintain the reliability of the scholarly record rather than punish authors.

1. Corrections

A correction may be issued when an identifiable error affects part of a published article but does not invalidate its principal findings or conclusions. Examples include incorrect mathematical notation, numerical values, figures, author information, or methodological descriptions.

Corrections should identify the original article, explain the error, and provide the corrected information.

2. Retractions

Retraction may be appropriate when:

  • Major errors render the principal findings unreliable.
  • Research data or computational results have been fabricated or falsified.
  • Substantial plagiarism or redundant publication is established.
  • Peer review manipulation materially compromises publication integrity.
  • Serious ethical violations undermine the validity of the publication.

A retraction does not necessarily establish intentional misconduct.

3. Expressions of Concern

An expression of concern may be issued when substantial questions about the reliability of a published article remain unresolved and readers should be informed while further investigation is undertaken.

4. Editorial Procedure

  1. Receive and document the concern.
  2. Assess the evidence and potential impact on published findings.
  3. Invite clarification from authors and relevant parties.
  4. Consult independent experts or institutions when necessary.
  5. Determine the appropriate editorial action.
  6. Publish a transparent notice and link it to the affected article.

5. Retraction Notices and Article Records

Retraction notices should clearly identify the retracted article, state the reason for retraction, and indicate who is issuing the notice. Notices should be freely accessible and linked bidirectionally with the original article wherever technically possible.

Retracted articles should ordinarily remain accessible with prominent retraction labeling to preserve the scholarly record, unless legal, privacy, or safety considerations require restriction or removal.

6. Partial Errors and Revised Publications

Where errors affect only a limited part of the work, correction may be more appropriate than retraction. The journal will consider the effect of errors on the validity of the central conclusions before deciding on the appropriate remedy.

7. Author Disagreement and Appeals

Authors should be given an appropriate opportunity to respond. Nevertheless, editorial action may proceed when necessary to protect the scholarly record, even without unanimous author agreement.

Reasoned appeals may be submitted through the journal's official contact channel.

Publication Integrity Principle: Corrections and retractions should be transparent, evidence-based, clearly linked to the original publication, and proportionate to the problem identified.