Retraction policy

  1. Introduction

The journal Estado & comunes is committed to maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the scholarly record it publishes. However, we recognize the obligation to correct errors when they are detected, whether resulting from unintentional oversight or research misconduct. Correction and retraction are exceptional measures applied to amend the article's content and alert readers to such situations.

This policy is governed by the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), specifically its Retraction Guidelines.

 

  1. Correction of Errors

A correction (erratum) will be issued when minor errors are identified that do not affect the content, methodology, conclusions, or validity of the published research.

Grounds for a Correction

  • Minor typographical or grammatical errors.
  • Errors in the title, abstract, and keywords.
  • Errors in author affiliation, ORCID, or email address.
  • Minor omissions in the journal's layout or visual elements (tables, maps, images).
  • Errors in citations or references that do not alter the interpretation of the work, including the bibliography.

Process

  • Any reader, author, or reviewer can notify the Editor of a potential error.
  • The Editor, with the evaluation and support of the Editorial Team, will assess whether the error warrants a correction.
  • A "Correction" notice will be published in a subsequent issue of the journal, clearly linked to the original article (and vice versa). The online version of the article will be corrected, with a note indicating the date and nature of the correction.

 

  1. Article Retraction

Retraction is a mechanism to alert readers to articles that contain unreliable content, data, or conclusions, whether due to good-faith error or misconduct. The objective is transparency, not punishment.

Grounds for Retraction

  • Falsified or Fabricated Data: Clear evidence that the findings are unreliable, either due to misconduct (fabrication) or deliberate miscalculation (manipulation).
  • Plagiarism: Appropriation of ideas, processes, results, or words from other persons without giving appropriate credit, to a degree that exceeds acceptable limits.
  • Self-Plagiarism or Duplicate Publication: Publication of the same article, or substantially similar data, in more than one journal or book without proper cross-reference, justification, or permission from the publisher.
  • Significant Errors: Methodological or analytical errors that invalidate the article's conclusions and cannot be addressed by a correction.
  • Undeclared Conflicts of Interest that, if known, would have affected the interpretation of the work or the editor's recommendations.
  • Unjustified Authorship: Inclusion of individuals who do not meet authorship criteria (honorary authorship) or exclusion of those who do.

Investigation and Decision Process

  1. Notification: The Editor receives a complaint or identifies a potential fault.
  2. Initial Assessment: The Editor and the IAEN's Editorial Council evaluate the available evidence to determine if the accusation has merit.
  3. Notification to the Author: The corresponding author is informed of the accusation and is requested to provide a response with evidence supporting their work.
  4. Investigation: A fair and confidential investigation is conducted. The peer reviewers, the authors' affiliated institutions, and any other relevant sources may be consulted.
  5. Resolution: The IAEN's Editorial Council, based on the evidence, makes a final decision. The retraction may be total or partial (if only a portion of the article is flawed).

Format of the Retraction Notice

Every retraction notice will be:

  • Published in a subsequent issue of the journal and electronically linked to the retracted article.
  • Clearly labeled as "Retraction" in the title.
  • Include the names of the authors and the title of the retracted article.
  • Specify the reason for the retraction in a clear and objective manner.
  • Identify who is retracting the article (the Editor, the IAEN).
  • Made available in open access to ensure maximum visibility.

 

  1. Status of a Retracted Article

A fully retracted article will remain available online in its electronic version but will be prominently watermarked with "RETRACTED" on the first page and in its metadata. It will not be removed to preserve the integrity of the academic record and prevent misunderstandings.

 

  1. Expression of Concern

In situations where an investigation is underway and the results may be delayed, the Editor may publish an "Expression of Concern" within the article. This alerts readers that the credibility of the article is in doubt but a definitive conclusion has not yet been reached. Once the investigation is finalized, the Expression of Concern will be replaced by either a retraction or a vindication, as appropriate.

 

  1. Confidentiality and Neutrality

Throughout the investigation process, the Editor of Estado & comunes will maintain the confidentiality of all involved parties and will act with the utmost neutrality and rigor, guaranteeing the author's right to a defense.