Retraction, Correction and Withdrawal Policy

Last Updated: August 2026

DScholar Press International maintains the integrity of the scholarly record through formal protocols for modifying, correcting, or retracting published literature. Actions taken to address errors, ethical breaches, or data invalidity are guided by international publishing standards to guarantee permanent record stability and accountability.

1. Post-Publication Corrections

When errors are identified in published works, the press evaluates whether the issue affects the scientific validity or interpretation of the research. Corrections are issued under two formal categories:

  • Corrigendum: Issued when a significant error or omission is introduced by the author(s) that affects scientific accuracy, calculation results, or author attribution without invalidating the core findings.
  • Erratum: Issued when a significant administrative or typesetting error is introduced by the publisher during production that alters meaning or key technical details.

All corrections are published as distinct, bi-directionally linked notices attached to the original publication landing page and assigned an independent DOI. The original PDF is updated with an appended correction notice to maintain full historical transparency.

2. Expressions of Concern

The press issues a formal Expression of Concern if:

  • Inconclusive or ongoing investigations into research or publication misconduct are underway regarding a published work.
  • There is evidence that an investigation by an author's institution or research body is inconclusive, delayed, or impartial.
  • Well-founded concerns exist regarding the reliability of findings, but conclusive evidence for a retraction is not yet established.

3. Manuscript Retractions

A publication will be retracted if a formal investigation confirms any of the following conditions:

  • The findings are unreliable due to clear scientific error, data fabrication, calculation manipulation, or falsification.
  • The manuscript contains severe uncredited text overlap, self-plagiarism, or unauthorized figure reuse.
  • The research was published previously elsewhere without proper permission, citation, or editorial justification.
  • Unethical research practices, copyright violations, or failure to disclose major conflicts of interest are established.

Retraction notices clearly state the reasons for retraction, name the initiating party, and link directly to the retracted item. Retracted documents remain accessible in the public domain marked with a prominent watermark to preserve the historical research record, except in rare legal or privacy contexts where content removal is mandated.

4. Manuscript Withdrawal Protocols

Authors may request manuscript withdrawal prior to publication under defined operational conditions:

  • Pre-Acceptance Withdrawal: Manuscripts may be withdrawn during peer review by submitting an official written request signed by all co-authors to publisher@dscholarpress.com.
  • Post-Acceptance Withdrawal: Withdrawal requests submitted after formal acceptance, typesetting, or DOI registration are granted only under exceptional technical or legal circumstances, as administrative resources have been expended.

5. Submitting Correction or Retraction Inquiries

To report errors, request corrections, or present evidence regarding a published work, contact the editorial office directly at publisher@dscholarpress.com.