Journal of Modern Medical Science (JMMS)
Open Access | Bi-Annual | Double-Blind Peer Review
- Purpose of Retraction
The Retraction Policy of the Journal of Modern Medical Science (JMMS) exists to safeguard the integrity of the scholarly record. Retraction is a corrective mechanism used when a published article is found to contain significant errors or ethical breaches that invalidate its findings or undermine trust in its content.
Retraction is not a punitive action. It is a formal method of correcting the literature while maintaining transparency for readers, researchers, and indexing services.
- Guiding Principles
Retraction decisions are guided by:
- Preservation of scientific integrity
- Transparency in communication
- Fair and impartial investigation
- Proportional response to misconduct or error
- Protection of research participants and public safety
The journal acts responsibly to ensure that retraction decisions are evidence-based and procedurally fair.
- Grounds for Retraction
An article may be retracted when one or more of the following conditions are confirmed:
3.1 Research Misconduct
- Fabrication of data
- Falsification or manipulation of results
- Image manipulation intended to mislead
- Plagiarism (including self-plagiarism of substantial portions)
- Unauthorized data use
- Manipulation of the peer review process
3.2 Major Scientific Error
- Serious methodological flaws discovered post-publication
- Miscalculation or statistical error invalidating conclusions
- Data inconsistencies rendering findings unreliable
- Discovery that key results cannot be reproduced due to underlying error
3.3 Ethical Violations
- Absence of ethical approval for required human/animal research
- Lack of informed consent
- Breach of participant confidentiality
- Undisclosed conflicts of interest affecting validity
3.4 Redundant or Duplicate Publication
- Substantial duplication of previously published work
- Unauthorized republication of identical data
3.5 Legal or Public Safety Concerns
- Defamation
- Copyright infringement
- Content posing risk to public health if left uncorrected
- Distinction Between Retraction, Correction, and Expression of Concern
JMMS differentiates between:
- Correction (Erratum/Corrigendum): Used when minor errors do not invalidate the overall findings.
- Expression of Concern: Issued when an investigation is ongoing and there is reason to alert readers.
- Retraction: Issued when findings are unreliable or ethical breaches are confirmed.
The response is proportionate to the severity of the issue.
- Retraction Procedure
5.1 Initial Notification
Concerns may be raised by:
- Reviewers
- Readers
- Authors
- Editorial board members
- Institutions
All allegations are treated confidentially.
5.2 Preliminary Assessment
The Editor-in-Chief conducts an initial evaluation to determine whether the concern appears credible and substantive.
5.3 Author Communication
Authors are informed in writing and invited to respond within a specified timeframe. They are given the opportunity to provide:
- Clarification
- Supporting data
- Institutional findings
5.4 Investigation
If necessary, the journal may:
- Request raw data or original images
- Consult independent experts
- Contact the authors’ institution or ethics committee
Investigations are conducted impartially and without presumption of guilt.
5.5 Decision
Based on evidence, the Editor-in-Chief, in consultation with relevant editorial members, will decide whether to:
- Issue correction
- Publish expression of concern
- Retract the article
The decision is documented internally.
- Retraction Notice
If retraction is warranted:
- The original article remains accessible to preserve the scholarly record.
- Each page of the article is clearly marked as “Retracted.”
- A formal retraction notice is published.
The retraction notice will:
- Identify the article title, authors, and citation details.
- Clearly state the reason for retraction.
- Indicate whether the retraction is author-initiated or editor-initiated.
- Avoid defamatory or accusatory language.
The notice will be linked to the original article.
- Author-Initiated Retraction
Authors may request retraction when:
- Significant errors are discovered post-publication.
- Ethical concerns are identified by the authors themselves.
Author-initiated retractions are viewed as responsible corrective actions when conducted transparently.
- Editor-Initiated Retraction
The journal may retract an article without author agreement when:
- Evidence of misconduct is conclusive.
- Authors fail to respond to serious concerns.
- Institutional investigations confirm wrongdoing.
Due process is maintained, and documentation is preserved.
- Institutional Involvement
When misconduct is suspected, the journal may notify:
- The corresponding author’s institution
- Funding agencies
- Regulatory authorities
The journal does not replace institutional investigation but cooperates when appropriate.
- Impact on Indexing and Archiving
Retraction notices are:
- Linked to indexing databases
- Preserved permanently
- Clearly labeled in digital archives
The integrity of bibliographic records is maintained.
- Timing of Retraction
Retraction may occur:
- Immediately upon confirmation of serious misconduct.
- After institutional findings are available.
- At any time after publication if reliable evidence emerges.
- There is no time limitation for retraction if integrity is compromised.
- Appeals Process
Authors may appeal a retraction decision by submitting a reasoned written explanation with supporting documentation. Appeals are reviewed independently. The final decision after appeal review is binding.
- Commitment to Transparency
JMMS commits to:
- Transparent reporting of retraction reasons
- Respectful communication
- Avoidance of unnecessary reputational harm
- Correction of the literature in a proportionate manner
Retraction is implemented to protect readers and maintain public trust in scientific publication.
- Conclusion
The Retraction Policy of JMMS reflects the journal’s commitment to academic honesty, ethical responsibility, and preservation of the scientific record. Retractions are handled with seriousness, fairness, and procedural rigor to ensure that published research remains trustworthy and credible.
