Correction and Retraction

Mathema is committed to maintaining the accuracy, integrity, and reliability of the scholarly record. Corrections and retractions are handled in accordance with established publication ethics principles and applicable editorial standards. Mathema may publish a correction, expression of concern, or retraction when necessary to address errors or concerns affecting the reliability, interpretation, or ethical integrity of a published article.

1. Corrections

A correction may be issued when an error is identified in a published article and the error can be corrected without invalidating the main findings, conclusions, or scholarly contribution of the work. Corrections may include, but are not limited to:

  • Errors in author names, affiliations, or other publication metadata.
  • Typographical, formatting, or editorial errors that affect the clarity or accuracy of the article.
  • Errors in tables, figures, equations, references, or data presentation that can be corrected without undermining the main conclusions.
  • Other factual inaccuracies that require a formal correction to preserve the accuracy of the scholarly record.

Corrections are evaluated by the editorial team. When approved, a correction notice will be published and linked to the original article, where appropriate. The notice will clearly describe the error and the corresponding correction.

2. Retractions

A retraction may be issued when the reliability or integrity of a published article is seriously compromised. Retraction is considered when the concerns cannot be adequately resolved through a correction or another appropriate editorial action. Grounds for retraction may include:

  • Clear evidence that the findings are unreliable because of major errors, fabricated data, or falsified results.
  • Plagiarism or substantial unattributed use of another person's work.
  • Duplicate or redundant publication that violates Mathema's publication policies.
  • Evidence of research misconduct or serious violations of research ethics.
  • Publication based on research conducted without required ethical approval or consent, where applicable and where the breach materially affects the validity or ethical acceptability of the work.
  • Manipulation of the peer-review process or other serious publication-integrity violations.
  • Other circumstances in which retraction is necessary to protect the integrity of the scholarly record.

A retraction does not necessarily imply that the authors acted intentionally or were responsible for the problem. Mathema will assess the available evidence and the circumstances of each case before making a decision.

3. Expressions of Concern

An expression of concern may be published when credible allegations or evidence raise significant questions about an article, but the investigation is incomplete or the available evidence is insufficient to make a final decision. The notice informs readers of the concern while the matter is being examined. Mathema may subsequently publish a correction, a retraction, or another appropriate editorial notice, depending on the outcome.

4. Reporting Errors or Publication Concerns

Authors, readers, reviewers, editors, and other interested parties may notify Mathema of a suspected error, ethical concern, or issue affecting a published article. Reports should include sufficient information to identify the article and explain the nature of the concern. Supporting documentation or evidence should be provided where available.

Reports should be submitted to Mathema's editorial office through the contact details provided on Mathema's website. Mathema will acknowledge and assess reports as appropriate and may request additional information before proceeding.

5. Investigation and Editorial Decision

When a concern is raised, the editorial team will conduct an initial assessment to determine whether further investigation is warranted. Mathema may contact the corresponding author, other authors, reviewers, relevant institutions, or other parties as necessary. In handling a case, Mathema will:

  • Assess the concern objectively and review the available evidence.
  • Provide the authors with an appropriate opportunity to respond, where feasible and appropriate.
  • Seek independent expert advice when necessary.
  • Maintain confidentiality during the investigation to the extent reasonably possible.
  • Make an editorial decision based on the evidence, the seriousness of the issue, and relevant publication ethics principles.

Mathema may consult the authors' institutions or other relevant bodies when the matter requires investigation beyond Mathema's authority. Mathema's editorial decision will not depend solely on whether the authors agree with the proposed action.

6. Publication and Visibility of Notices

Correction, retraction, and expression-of-concern notices will be clearly identified and published in a manner that enables readers to understand the nature of the issue. Notices should include the relevant article title, author information, publication details, and an explanation of the reason for the editorial action, subject to applicable confidentiality and legal requirements.

Mathema will preserve the publication record and maintain a clear link between the notice and the original article. A retracted article will generally remain accessible with a clear retraction notice or watermark, rather than being silently removed, except where removal is required by law or other exceptional circumstances.

7. Responsibilities of Authors

Authors are responsible for the accuracy and integrity of their submitted and published work. If authors discover a significant error or inaccuracy in their published article, they should promptly notify Mathema and cooperate with the editorial team in assessing and resolving the issue.

Authors are expected to provide relevant information, respond to reasonable editorial inquiries, and cooperate with any correction or retraction process. Requests for correction or retraction will be assessed on their merits and are not automatically approved.

8. Editorial Independence and Record Integrity

Decisions concerning corrections, expressions of concern, and retractions are made independently by Mathema's editorial team based on the evidence and applicable publication ethics standards. These decisions are not influenced by commercial interests, institutional pressure, personal relationships, or the potential impact on Mathema's reputation. Mathema aims to ensure that all editorial actions are transparent, proportionate, and directed toward preserving the integrity of the scholarly record.