The journal’s policy on retracting published articles is based on the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) Retraction Guidelines.

Retraction of an article is a mechanism for correcting published information and warning readers that the article has such significant flaws that the data presented in it and/or the conclusions made in it cannot be relied upon. Such unreliability of an article may result from a bona fide mistake or intentional misconduct.

The retraction of an article may be initiated by its author (any of the co-authors), a reader of the journal, a member of the editorial board, or another authorized person.

The retraction of an article may be initiated on the following grounds:
● plagiarism – using material borrowed from another author’s work without citing the source or with a reference that does not clearly identify the borrowed material
● self-plagiarism – publication by an author of their previously published scientific findings as new scientific findings
● falsification (modification) and/or fabrication (invention) of data on which the research is based
● naming as the author (co-author) of the article a person who did not participate in the creation of the article
● significant mistakes that affect the reliability of research results or their interpretation
● ethics violations in conducting research
● undisclosed conflict of interest that affects the interpretation of research results, their impartiality, and reliability
● unethical use of AI technologies in preparing an article.

The person initiating the retraction shall submit a written application justifying the retraction to the journal’s email address. The application shall include references to sources of information and be accompanied by evidence confirming the grounds for retraction of the article.

If the application is submitted by the author (all co-authors), the decision on retraction is made by the editor-in-chief alone within 5 working days from the date of receipt of the application.

If the application is submitted by one of the co-authors or a third party, within 5 working days from the date of receipt of the application, the editor-in-chief sends a copy of the application to the author (co-authors) of the article, asks the author (co-authors) to provide explanations on the merits of the application, and sets up a commission consisting of three independent experts to consider the application.

Within 20 working days, the commission comprehensively analyzes the application and materials provided by the applicant and author (co-authors) and, by a majority vote, recommends either rejecting the request to retract the article or retracting the article.

After that, within 3 working days, the editor-in-chief makes a final decision and informs the author (co-authors) of the article.

In case of article retraction, an official notice of retraction, its grounds, and date are posted on the journal’s website. The electronic version of the article is marked “Retracted article,” and the date of retraction is indicated.

The editorial board recommends that retracted articles be cited with caution, taking into account the reasons for retraction, and noting in the research that the relevant article has been retracted.