In an effort to better serve the researchers, librarians, and others in the academic community, Discover STM Publishing Ltd (DPG) believes that clarity in the publishing record is a critical component of information distribution. Recognizing a published article as a finalized “Version of Record” establishes the expectation that it can be relied upon as accurate, complete, and citable. DPG defines this Version of Record as the initial article publication for open access journals.

It is presumed that manuscripts report on work based on honest observations.  However, occasionally information becomes available with may contradict this.  In such situations, DPG Publishing journals apply Committee on Publication Ethics guidelines on corrections, retractions and expressions of concern.

Corrections

Errors in published papers may be identified requiring publication of a correction in the form of a corrigendum or erratum.  Because articles can be read and cited as soon as they are published, any changes thereafter could potentially impact those who read and cited the earlier version. DPG provides authors with an opportunity to review article proofs prior to publication with the express goal of ensuring accuracy of the content. Publishing an erratum or corrigendum increases the likelihood readers will find out about the change and also explains the specifics of the change.

Corrigenda and Errata are published on a numbered page and will contain the original article's citation.  Cases, where these corrections are insufficient to address an error, will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis by the Editor in Chief.  Inadequacies arising from the normal course of new scientific research are not within the scope of this and will require no correction or withdrawal.

Expressions of Concern & Retractions

Where substantial doubt arises as to the honesty or integrity of a submitted or published article it is the Editor in Chief's responsibility to ensure that the matter is adequately addressed, usually by the authors' sponsoring institution.  It is not normally the Editor in Chief's responsibility to carry out the investigation or make a determination. The Editor in Chief should be promptly informed of the decision of the sponsoring institution and a retraction printed should it be determined that a fraudulent paper was published.  Alternatively, the Editor in Chief may choose to publish an expression of concern over aspects of the conduct or integrity of the work.

Retractions are published on a numbered page and contain the original article's citation.