Corrections, Retractions and Expressions of Concern Policy

Renaissance of Universal Mind · RUM PUBLISHING GROUP MCHJ

1. Purpose and reporting errors

The purpose is to preserve a reliable scholarly record. Authors and readers should send specific errors, article links and supporting evidence to the editorial office. Corrections may be needed after publication even without misconduct; an honest error must be distinguished from deliberate manipulation. The response depends on its effect on interpretation and reliability.

2. Minor and major corrections; erratum and corrigendum

A minor typographical or layout correction does not change scientific meaning. A major correction addresses an important error while the main findings remain reliable and requires a clear linked notice. Corrigendum commonly denotes an author-originated error and erratum a production error; the notice must explain the actual change regardless of label. Substantive changes must not be hidden in a replacement PDF.

3. When retraction is considered

Retraction may be appropriate for unreliable findings caused by major error, fabrication or falsification; plagiarism; undisclosed redundant publication; unethical research; or manipulation that undermines the validity of the publication. A minor error or an authorship dispute alone is not sufficient when the work remains reliable. Grounds must be supported by evidence and explained to readers.

4. Expressions of concern and editorial decisions

An expression of concern may be used for a serious unresolved question while a fair investigation is pending or reliable findings cannot yet be obtained. Editors seek author explanations and, when needed, independent or institutional advice. Authors should be told the proposed grounds and given an opportunity to respond. Author disagreement does not prevent a justified editorial action; any disagreement should be described fairly.

5. Linking, DOI and metadata

A formal notice should identify the original title, authors and article URL, and DOI where a valid DOI exists; explain the reason and responsible issuing party; and be linked in both directions. An existing valid DOI is retained, not reused for an unrelated article. Relevant OJS and deposited metadata should be updated where technically supported. These are handling requirements, not a claim that every legacy DOI or external deposit is already correct.

6. Availability of the scholarly record

A retracted article should normally remain accessible with an unmistakable retraction label and a linked notice. Removal of full text is exceptional, for example where disclosure would cause a serious privacy or safety harm, and must be explained appropriately. Preserve the history of material changes and update an expression of concern when the investigation concludes.

Related policies and information

• Publication Ethics and Malpractice Statement
• Anti-Plagiarism and Similarity Screening Policy
• Peer Review Policy
• Authorship and Contributorship Policy
• Conflict of Interest Policy
• Complaints and Appeals Policy
• Research and Publication Misconduct Policy
• Generative AI and AI-Assisted Technologies Policy
• Open Access and Self-Archiving Policy
• Copyright and Licensing Policy
• Publication Fees and APC
• Digital Preservation and Archiving Policy
• Editorial Board and Editorial Independence
• Author guidelines
• Contact

Editorial office: editor@rum-journal.com.