A correction may be issued when an error does not invalidate the main conclusions but affects accuracy, interpretation, author information, figures, tables, references, metadata, or acknowledgements. The correction is dated, linked to the original article, and clearly describes the change.

Retraction may be appropriate when findings are unreliable due to major error or misconduct; plagiarism or redundant publication is substantial; unethical research is identified; peer review or authorship has been manipulated; or other serious integrity problems invalidate the publication. The article remains identifiable in the scholarly record and is linked to a transparent retraction notice.

An expression of concern may be issued when credible serious concerns exist but the evidence or investigation is not yet conclusive.

Authors may request withdrawal before publication with a written explanation. After acceptance, withdrawal is exceptional because editorial and production work may already have been completed. The journal will not use withdrawal fees as a substitute for editorial judgement.

In exceptional cases involving legal requirements, privacy, safety, or court orders, access to part or all of an article may be restricted while bibliographic information and an explanatory notice are retained where legally possible.