1. Purpose and Basis
These specifications are formulated to standardize changes to publication status and content corrections for papers formally published by the journal (including online publication). They are established in accordance with the Regulations on Publication Administration, Provisions on the Administration of Periodical Publication, Provisions on the Administration of Online Publication Services, Provisions on the Governance of Online Information Content Ecology, and CY/T 174—2019 Academic Publishing Specification—Definition of Academic Misconduct in Periodicals, and other relevant regulations and standards.
2. Scope of Application and General Principles
These specifications apply to all papers formally published by the journal (including online publication). Changes of publication status aim to rectify the literature. All procedures are implemented by the Editorial Department, and the outcomes and supporting basis shall be disclosed to readers. Where evidence is insufficient, interim measures such as an Expression of Concern shall be adopted as the priority.
3. Retraction
3.1 Criteria for Retraction
A paper shall be retracted if it presents, but is not limited to, the following issues: academic misconduct; duplicate publication where this journal is the later publisher; unreliable research findings caused by major errors or falsified data.
3.2 Retraction Procedures
The Editorial Department shall issue a retraction statement stating the reasons for retraction and notify relevant databases to mark the paper as “Retracted”. If supporting evidence is insufficient, an erratum or an Expression of Concern may be issued instead.
4. Removal
4.1 Criteria for Removal
A paper shall be removed if it contains, but is not limited to, the following content unsuitable for online dissemination: obviously defamatory statements; violations of others’ legitimate rights and interests (requests are only accepted from the infringed party); confidential content (requests are only accepted from the classification authority); content subject to court judgment or government law enforcement; illegal or harmful information.
4.2 Removal Procedures
Removal is implemented upon review and confirmation by the Editorial Department. For infringement or confidentiality issues, requests must be submitted by the infringed party or the classification authority. Relevant databases will be notified to remove the content after completion.
5. Content Correction
Content correction applies to formally published papers, taking two forms: errata and full-text replacement. Corrections may be made for errors in text, figures, tables, author information (excluding changes to the first author’s signature and affiliation), fund projects, and references. Errata are used for minor errors that do not affect comprehension; full-text replacement is adopted for substantial errors impairing readability.
6. Expression of Concern
The journal may issue an Expression of Concern for papers involving, but not limited to, suspected academic misconduct, suspected unreliable research results, or ongoing investigations without final conclusions. The statement will be posted on CNKI node pages with a “Concern” tag in search results, while the full text of the paper remains accessible. Once a formal investigation conclusion is reached, it will be disclosed to readers and corresponding follow-up procedures will be initiated.
