Retraction Guidelines

Introduction

X-Disciplinarity upholds the highest standards of publication ethics and research integrity. These Retraction Guidelines provide a transparent framework for editors, authors, reviewers, and readers on when and how retraction may be considered.

The policy is designed in reference to international best practices, including those of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). The goal of retraction is to correct the scientific record and ensure the reliability of the literature — not to penalize authors.

 

  1. Purpose and Principles

Retraction serves as a critical mechanism for preserving the credibility of scholarly communication.

All retraction decisions are based on verifiable evidence and carried out with fairness, transparency, and timeliness.

The primary objective is to maintain the accuracy and trustworthiness of the published record.

 

  1. Grounds for Retraction

A retraction may be initiated when the editorial team has lost confidence in the reliability or ethical standing of a published article. Typical reasons include, but are not limited to:

  1. Data or Image Integrity: Evidence of major error, fabrication, falsification, or image manipulation.
  2. Academic Misconduct: Proven plagiarism, paper-mill activity, or false authorship.
  3. Redundant or Overlapping Publication: Duplicate or undisclosed simultaneous submission.
  4. Ethical or Legal Violations: Unethical research (e.g., without consent or approval), copyright infringement, privacy breach, or defamation.
  5. Compromised Peer Review: Fake peer review, reviewer identity fraud, or citation manipulation.
  6. Undisclosed Conflicts of Interest: Omission of competing interests that may have influenced conclusions.

 

  1. Retraction Procedure

Step 1 – Identification and Preliminary Review

Reports may come from readers, reviewers, authors, or editorial checks.

The Editor-in-Chief assesses the validity and seriousness of the allegation. Minor issues may result in a Correction rather than a retraction.

Step 2 – Formal Investigation

A case team—typically the EiC, relevant associate editors, and a publishing ethics manager—is convened.

All authors are notified and invited to respond within a defined period (normally 2–4 weeks). Additional evidence may be requested from institutions or experts.

Step 3 – Decision and Adjudication

After reviewing all materials, the case team recommends one of the following: No Action, Correction, Expression of Concern, or Retraction.

The final decision rests with the EiC to ensure editorial independence.

Step 4 – Notification and Communication

Authors receive the final decision and a draft retraction notice before publication.

In confirmed cases of misconduct, the decision is also shared with relevant institutions.

Retraction may proceed regardless of author response once sufficient evidence is established.

Step 5 – Publication and Marking

A clear retraction notice is published and linked to the original article.

All versions (HTML, PDF) are permanently watermarked “RETRACTED”, and metadata is updated.

Retraction information is submitted to indexing databases such as Crossref for synchronization.

Step 6 – Documentation and Archiving

All materials, communications, and evidence are securely archived for record-keeping and compliance purposes.

 

  1. Retraction Notice Format

Each retraction notice will include:

  • Complete citation: title, all authors, DOI, and link to the original article.
  • Objective explanation: a concise, factual statement of the reason for retraction.
  • Responsible party: identification of whether the retraction is issued by the journal or publisher.
  • Permanent open access: the notice remains freely accessible to all readers.

 

  1. Responsibilities of Authors and Readers
  • Authors are responsible for the integrity of their work and must promptly contact the editorial office if a significant error or concern arises.
  • Readers are encouraged to report potential issues in good faith to [email protected] and/or [email protected], providing supporting information and evidence.

 

  1. Commitment to Integrity

A rigorous and transparent retraction policy is fundamental to the trustworthiness of academic publishing.

X-Disciplinarity Journal remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of editorial ethics and research integrity, working closely with the global academic community to preserve the accuracy of the scholarly record.

 

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Last updated: October 2025

These guidelines are reviewed annually to remain consistent with international publication ethics standards.