Correction & Retraction Policy

Transparent procedures for correcting the scholarly record and addressing concerns about the reliability, integrity, or ethical status of published articles.

1. Policy Statement

The Journal of Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Communications (JOCSAIC) is committed to maintaining the accuracy, transparency, and integrity of the scholarly record. When errors or credible concerns arise after publication, the journal will assess the available evidence and determine an appropriate response.

Depending on the circumstances, the response may include a correction, an Expression of Concern, a retraction, or another appropriate editorial action. Decisions will be based on the nature and significance of the issue, its effect on the article, and the evidence available.

2. Guiding Principles

3. Corrections

A correction may be issued when an error in a published article requires formal amendment but does not necessarily invalidate the overall findings or conclusions. The editor will assess the nature, extent, and impact of the error before deciding on the appropriate action.

Examples may include:

• Errors in author names, affiliations, or other publication metadata.
• Typographical, numerical, or labeling errors that materially affect interpretation.
• Incorrect figure captions, table labels, references, or other article information.
• Omissions or inaccuracies that can be corrected without undermining the overall reliability of the article.

A correction notice should identify the affected article, describe the correction, and explain the change as appropriate. The original article and correction notice should be linked where technically possible.

4. Expressions of Concern

JOCSAIC may publish an Expression of Concern when credible questions arise about an article's reliability or ethical status, but the available evidence is not yet sufficient for a final decision or an investigation remains unresolved.

The notice should explain the general nature of the concern to the extent appropriate, without making unsupported allegations. Where possible, the notice should be linked to the affected article. The journal may update its response when additional reliable information becomes available.

5. Retractions

Retraction may be considered when the reliability or integrity of a published article is seriously compromised. A retraction is intended to correct the scholarly record and alert readers that the article should not be relied upon in whole or in part, as explained in the retraction notice.

Possible grounds for retraction may include:

• Reliable evidence that research findings are substantially unreliable because of serious error, data fabrication, or data falsification.
• Plagiarism or substantial unattributed reuse that materially compromises the article.
• Duplicate or redundant publication that violates publication requirements and materially affects the scholarly record.
• Serious ethical violations involving research participants, approvals, consent, or other relevant safeguards.
• Manipulation of data, images, authorship, peer review, or other processes that undermines the integrity of the publication.
• Other circumstances in which retraction is justified to protect the integrity of the scholarly record.

Retraction is not automatically a finding of intentional misconduct. The decision should reflect the evidence, the nature of the problem, and the applicable editorial procedure.

6. Requests and Reports

Concerns or requests for correction may be submitted by authors, readers, reviewers, editors, institutions, or other parties with relevant information.

A report should include, where available:

• The article title, DOI or article URL, and publication details.
• A clear description of the suspected error or concern.
• Relevant evidence, supporting documents, or references.
• The requested action and an explanation of why it may be appropriate.
• The reporter's contact information, where they are willing to provide it.

Reports should be submitted through the journal's official editorial contact channel. The journal may request additional information where necessary to assess the concern.

7. Editorial Assessment Procedure

Depending on the nature of the concern, JOCSAIC may follow the stages below. The process may be adapted to protect confidential information, address urgent risks, and comply with applicable requirements.

The journal will seek to handle concerns fairly and confidentially to the extent reasonably possible. Relevant parties should have an appropriate opportunity to respond, while urgent measures may be taken when necessary to protect readers or the scholarly record.

8. Responsibilities of Authors

• Notify the journal promptly when a significant error is identified in a published article.
• Provide accurate information and cooperate reasonably with editorial inquiries.
• Explain the nature and significance of the error or concern and provide supporting evidence where available.
• Work with the editor on an appropriate correction or other response when warranted.
• Disclose relevant information about overlapping publications, research ethics, data integrity, or other matters affecting the article.

9. Editorial Independence and Conflicts of Interest

Decisions concerning corrections, Expressions of Concern, and retractions should be based on evidence and the integrity of the scholarly record. Financial, commercial, institutional, or personal interests must not improperly determine the outcome. Editors with relevant conflicts should recuse themselves from the decision where appropriate.

10. Publication and Linking of Notices

When an editorial notice is issued, the journal should identify the affected article and clearly explain the nature of the action. Where technically possible, the notice should be published as a separate, citable record and linked to the original article.

• Preserve the original article's publication history and bibliographic information where appropriate.
• Clearly label corrections, Expressions of Concern, and retraction notices.
• Maintain links between the notice and the affected article where technically possible.
• Update relevant metadata and identifiers when supported by the journal's publishing platform and applicable registration services.
• Avoid silently removing or replacing an article in a manner that conceals a material change to the scholarly record, except where removal is legally required or otherwise justified.

11. Alignment with COPE Guidance

JOCSAIC refers to relevant guidance from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) when developing and reviewing procedures for corrections, Expressions of Concern, retractions, and other publication integrity issues.

Editorial actions should be transparent, evidence-based, proportionate, and consistent with the journal's commitment to responsible scholarly publishing.

12. Related Journal Policies

This policy should be read together with the following JOCSAIC policies and procedures:

• Publication Ethics
• Plagiarism Policy
• Allegation of Research Misconduct
• Peer Review Process
• Author Guidelines

Note: Confirm that each linked URL matches the actual static-page path configured in OJS before publication.

Protecting the Scholarly Record

JOCSAIC is committed to addressing significant publication errors and ethical concerns through fair, transparent, and evidence-based editorial procedures.