Corrections, Retractions and Editorial Complaints

Bioresources and Environment (BioEnv) is committed to maintaining the accuracy, integrity and reliability of the scholarly record. The journal addresses errors, publication concerns, research misconduct and editorial complaints fairly, transparently and in accordance with established principles of responsible scholarly publishing.

BioEnv may publish corrections, retractions or expressions of concern when necessary to maintain the integrity of the published record. The journal considers each case on its merits and, where appropriate, may seek information from authors, editors, reviewers, institutions or other relevant parties before reaching a decision.

  1. Corrections

BioEnv will publish a correction when a significant error or omission affects the accuracy, clarity or completeness of a published article but does not invalidate the principal findings or conclusions.

Corrections may include, but are not limited to:

  • errors in text, tables, figures or metadata;
  • incorrect author or affiliation information;
  • errors in references or other bibliographic information;
  • errors that affect the interpretation or reproducibility of the article but do not invalidate its main findings.

Where a correction is necessary, BioEnv will publish a formal correction notice that clearly identifies the affected article and describes the correction. The original article will normally remain part of the scholarly record, with an appropriate link to the correction notice.

Minor typographical or formatting errors that do not affect the meaning, interpretation or scholarly record may be corrected without issuing a formal correction notice.

  1. Retractions

BioEnv may retract a published article when there is clear evidence that the article's findings are unreliable or that the publication process has been seriously compromised.

Grounds for retraction may include:

  • substantial errors that invalidate the findings or conclusions;
  • fabricated or falsified data, results or other research information;
  • plagiarism or substantial unattributed use of another person's work;
  • duplicate or redundant publication;
  • unethical research or failure to comply with applicable research ethics requirements;
  • serious authorship or contribution-related misconduct;
  • evidence of systematic manipulation of the peer-review or publication process; or
  • other serious breaches of research or publication integrity.

A retraction does not normally result in the removal of the article from the journal's website. The article will remain part of the scholarly record and will be clearly identified as Retracted, with a retraction notice explaining the reason for the action.

BioEnv follows the principle that retraction is intended to correct the scholarly record rather than to punish authors. Where appropriate, the journal may consult relevant institutions or other appropriate parties during the investigation.

The grounds listed above are consistent with established publication-ethics guidance, including COPE guidance on unreliable findings, redundant publication, plagiarism and unethical research. COPE Retractions Guidance

  1. Expressions of Concern

BioEnv may publish an Expression of Concern when there are credible concerns about the reliability or integrity of a published article but the available evidence is inconclusive or an investigation is still ongoing.

An Expression of Concern may be considered when:

  • allegations of research or publication misconduct require further investigation;
  • available evidence is insufficient to justify immediate retraction or correction;
  • an institutional investigation has not been completed;
  • concerns exist about the fairness or completeness of an ongoing investigation; or
  • other circumstances warrant alerting readers to a potential concern affecting the reliability of the published work.

An Expression of Concern is not a finding of misconduct and should not be regarded as a lesser form of retraction. It may subsequently be followed by a correction, retraction or removal of the concern, depending on the outcome of further investigation.

  1. Editorial Complaints

BioEnv welcomes legitimate complaints concerning the journal's editorial and publication processes. Complaints may be submitted by authors, reviewers or other relevant parties through the journal's official contact channel.

Complaints may concern, for example:

  • failure to follow the journal's stated editorial or peer-review procedures;
  • inappropriate editorial conduct;
  • conflicts of interest;
  • reviewer conduct;
  • unreasonable delays in editorial processing;
  • publication or authorship disputes; or
  • other substantive concerns regarding the journal's editorial practices.

Complaints should provide sufficient information and, where possible, relevant supporting evidence to allow the journal to assess the matter appropriately.

BioEnv will handle complaints fairly, objectively and confidentially. Complaints will be reviewed by the appropriate editor or designated editorial authority. Where a complaint concerns an editor or member of the editorial team, the matter will be referred to an appropriate independent or senior editorial authority to avoid conflicts of interest.

The journal will not disadvantage authors or reviewers for raising a legitimate complaint in good faith.

  1. Appeals of Editorial Decisions

Authors may appeal an editorial decision where they believe that a significant factual error, procedural irregularity or material misunderstanding affected the decision.

An appeal should:

  • be submitted through the journal's official communication channel;
  • clearly identify the manuscript and decision concerned;
  • explain the specific grounds for the appeal; and
  • provide relevant evidence or clarification where applicable.

Appeals should not simply repeat arguments already considered during peer review. The editor or designated editorial authority will assess whether the appeal provides substantive grounds for reconsideration.

An appeal does not guarantee reversal of the original decision. The journal's decision following appropriate reconsideration will normally be final.

  1. Handling Allegations of Research and Publication Misconduct

When BioEnv receives credible allegations concerning research or publication misconduct, the journal will assess the matter in accordance with its publication ethics principles and applicable scholarly publishing practices.

Depending on the nature and seriousness of the allegation, the journal may:

  • request clarification or documentation from the authors;
  • consult reviewers, editors or relevant subject experts;
  • contact the authors' institution or other responsible authority;
  • request additional information concerning research ethics approval, data or methodology;
  • issue a correction, Expression of Concern or retraction where warranted; or
  • take other appropriate measures to protect the integrity of the scholarly record.

The journal will maintain confidentiality during investigations to the extent reasonably possible while ensuring that appropriate action is taken when concerns are substantiated.

  1. Preservation of the Scholarly Record

BioEnv is committed to preserving the integrity and transparency of the published scholarly record.

Corrections, retractions and Expressions of Concern will be clearly identified and linked to the affected article. Where an article is retracted, the original publication will normally remain accessible with a prominent retraction status and an explanatory notice rather than being silently removed.

The journal will maintain an appropriate record of editorial actions affecting published articles.

  1. Editorial Independence and Fairness

Decisions concerning corrections, retractions, Expressions of Concern and complaints are based on scholarly and ethical considerations and are not influenced by an author's institutional affiliation, nationality, seniority, reputation or ability to pay.

BioEnv does not use corrections or retractions as a disciplinary measure. Actions are taken primarily to protect the accuracy, reliability and integrity of the scholarly record.

  1. Reference to Best-Practice Standards

BioEnv follows internationally recognised principles of responsible scholarly publishing and publication ethics. The journal takes into consideration relevant guidance from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and other appropriate scholarly publishing standards when addressing publication-ethics concerns, corrections, retractions and related matters.