Correction and Retraction Policy

1. Purpose

This Policy sets out the principles and procedures by which QSJ addresses errors, corrections, retractions, and related matters to ensure the integrity and accuracy of the scholarly record. The Journal adheres to the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE).

2. General Principles

2.1 Qurina Scientific Journal (QSJ) has a duty to maintain the accuracy, completeness, and reliability of the academic record.

2.2 Corrections, retractions, or expressions of concern shall be issued when necessary, in a timely and transparent manner, and shall be permanently linked to the original article.

2.3 Editorial decisions regarding corrections and retractions will be made by the Editor-in-Chief in consultation with the Editorial Board and, where appropriate, the Publisher.

3. Corrections

3.1 Minor Errors:

§  Minor typographical or formatting errors that do not affect the interpretation or conclusions of the work may be corrected without issuing a formal notice.

3.2 Significant Errors:

§  If a published article contains a substantive error or inaccuracy that affects its interpretation, but not its overall reliability, a Correction Notice (Erratum for publisher’s error, Corrigendum for author’s error) shall be issued.

§  Correction Notices will be published promptly, clearly linked to the original article, and free of charge to readers.

4. Retractions

4.1 Retractions shall be issued when:

§  Evidence demonstrates that findings are unreliable due to misconduct (e.g., data fabrication, plagiarism, unethical research practices) or honest error (e.g., miscalculation, experimental error).

§  The work constitutes redundant or duplicate publication.

§  The research was conducted or published without appropriate ethical oversight.

4.2 Retraction Notices will:

§  Be published in the Journal, indexed, and linked to the original article.

§  State the reasons for retraction and who is retracting the article.

§  Retain the original article online, clearly watermarked as “Retracted” to preserve the scholarly record.

5. Expressions of Concern

5.1 An Expression of Concern may be issued if:

§  There is inconclusive evidence of misconduct or error.

§  An investigation is ongoing but not yet complete.

5.2 The Expression of Concern will remain linked to the article until the matter is resolved, at which point it may be replaced by a Correction or Retraction.

6. Author and Institutional Involvement

6.1 Authors will be notified and invited to respond to concerns prior to the issuance of a Correction, Retraction, or Expression of Concern.

6.2 Where misconduct is suspected, the Journal may contact the authors’ institution(s) or funding bodies to request investigation and cooperation.

7. Transparency and Accessibility

7.1 All Correction Notices, Retractions, and Expressions of Concern will be freely accessible and permanently available online.

7.2 They shall be clearly distinguished from original research articles and indexed in bibliographic databases.

8. Sanctions

8.1 In cases of proven misconduct, the Journal may impose sanctions including, but not limited to:

§  Prohibition of future submissions for a defined period.

§  Notification of authors’ institutions, funding agencies, or regulatory bodies.

§  Public disclosure of the corrective action.