Corrections, Retractions & Appeals

Corrections

A Correction — issued as an Erratum when the error originates with the authors, or a Corrigendum when the error is the responsibility of the editors or publisher — is published when a published article contains a factual error that materially affects the accuracy or interpretation of the findings, but does not invalidate the overall conclusions of the research. Corrections are published as standalone notices that are linked bidirectionally to the original article. The original article is updated to include a prominent link to the correction notice. Minor typographic or formatting errors that do not affect the scientific content may be corrected in the article without a formal correction notice.

Expressions of Concern

An Expression of Concern is issued when there are credible but unresolved questions about the reliability or integrity of the research — for example, when an investigation by an institution or funding body is ongoing, or when the editorial team has received information that raises questions but cannot be independently verified. An Expression of Concern does not constitute a finding of misconduct; it alerts the readership to a concern that is under investigation. The article remains accessible pending resolution of the investigation.

Retractions

A Retraction is issued when published findings are determined to be substantially unreliable due to honest error or confirmed misconduct, when the research constitutes a fundamental ethical violation, or when the results have been published elsewhere without proper disclosure (duplicate publication). Retracted articles are not removed from the journal. They remain permanently accessible and fully indexed, clearly marked "RETRACTED" in the article title, abstract, and PDF, to preserve the integrity of the scholarly record. The retraction notice clearly states the reason for retraction, identifies the responsible parties where appropriate, and is linked bidirectionally to the original article by DOI.

Appeals

Authors who believe an editorial decision — including a rejection — was made in error, or that the peer review process was compromised, have the right to submit a formal appeal. Appeals must be submitted in writing to the Editorial Office at editor.jshe@spectrumscholarlypress.com within 30 days of receiving the decision notification. The appeal letter must clearly state the specific grounds for the appeal, provide a comprehensive point-by-point response to every reviewer and editor comment, and include any new evidence that supports reconsideration. Appeals that are based solely on disagreement with reviewers' scientific opinions, without presenting new evidence or identifying procedural errors, are unlikely to be upheld. The Editor-in-Chief reviews all appeals. Where a conflict of interest exists with the EiC, an independent senior editor is appointed to handle the appeal. All appeal decisions are final.