Corrections, retractions and record updates
How JPBS corrects the scholarly record while preserving its history.
Principle
The published record should remain accurate, transparent and citable. Updates are linked to the affected article and explain what changed without silently replacing the historical record.
Corrections
A correction is considered when an error affects interpretation, attribution, data presentation or another material part of the article but the central findings remain reliable. Minor typographical changes that do not affect meaning may be corrected in place with an audit record.
Retractions
Retraction may be appropriate when findings are unreliable because of error or misconduct, publication is redundant without proper disclosure, research is unethical, or authorship or peer review was manipulated. A retraction notice states the reason and who initiated it to the extent fairness, evidence and law permit.
Expressions of concern
The journal may publish an expression of concern when credible serious issues exist but an investigation is incomplete, disputed or unlikely to conclude promptly. It is reviewed when further evidence becomes available.
Process
The journal gathers the article record, contacts affected authors, considers evidence and may consult institutions, funders, reviewers or experts. Urgent risks may justify an interim notice. Failure to respond does not prevent proportionate action based on available evidence.
Versioning and indexing
Notices receive a durable public record and are linked bidirectionally to the article. The journal communicates material updates to relevant indexing or preservation services when those integrations are active; it does not claim that a third party has updated its record until confirmed.