Correction and Retraction Policy

Ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and ethical standards of published research is of paramount importance to the National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology (NJPPP). In line with our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of scholarly communication, NJPPP recognizes that post-publication issues may occasionally arise. This Correction and Retraction Policy provides a transparent and systematic framework for addressing such issues to preserve the reliability and credibility of the scientific record.

1. Post-Publication Issues

NJPPP acknowledges that despite rigorous editorial and peer-review processes, errors or ethical concerns may be identified after publication. These may include inaccuracies, omissions, data concerns, or ethical violations. All reported concerns are handled with fairness, confidentiality, and transparency.

2. Investigation Process

• NJPPP is committed to upholding research integrity and will conduct thorough investigations into any concerns raised by readers, authors, reviewers, or institutions.

• Authors will be given an opportunity to respond to and address the concerns raised during the investigation.

• The editorial team may request access to original, unprocessed data or supporting documentation to verify claims.

• When appropriate, the editor may seek advice from independent experts or members of the Editorial Board to ensure an objective assessment.

3. Outcomes Based on the Severity of the Issue

Depending on the nature and gravity of the issue, NJPPP may take one of several actions:

• Before Publication (Pre-publication/Production Stage):
  If serious concerns are identified while the manuscript is under review or in production, it may be declined and returned to the author for clarification or withdrawal.

• After Publication:
  Depending on the findings of the investigation, NJPPP may issue one of the following notices or actions.

4. Possible Outcomes for Published Articles

a. Erratum

An erratum is published when significant errors introduced during the publishing process (e.g., typographical mistakes, layout errors, or incorrect figure placement) affect the integrity of the article, author reputation, or the scientific record. The erratum specifies the correction and links directly to the original article.

b. Corrigendum

A corrigendum is published when an error is identified by the author(s) after publication. The correction is made following consultation among the authors and the editorial team. Corrigenda are typically issued for substantive author errors, such as incorrect author details or data inaccuracies.

c. Addendum (Correction or Supplementary Information)

An addendum is a peer-reviewed notice that provides additional information or clarification to a published article. Addenda are rarely issued and only considered when the additional content is essential for the reader’s full understanding of the research.

d. Editor’s Note or Expression of Concern

An editor’s note or expression of concern may be issued when substantial issues are raised but an investigation is still ongoing or inconclusive.
Once the investigation concludes, the journal will publish a follow-up notice clarifying the outcome (e.g., correction, retraction, or no action required).

e. Retraction

A retraction is issued when serious issues are confirmed that invalidate the reliability or ethical integrity of the published work. Retractions are handled in accordance with COPE guidelines (see below). The original article remains accessible for the scholarly record but is clearly marked as “Retracted.”

f. Correction Notice for Updated Articles

When a corrected version of an article is issued:

• A clear correction notice is appended at the end of the updated version, detailing the nature and date of all changes.

• Previous electronic versions are marked as outdated and linked to the revised version to maintain transparency.

5. Retraction Policy

NJPPP follows the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) Retraction Guidelines when retracting published articles.
A retraction may be issued when:

• The findings are unreliable due to major errors, miscalculations, data fabrication, falsification, or image manipulation.

• The article contains plagiarized material or significant overlap with previously published work without proper attribution or justification.

• The findings have been published elsewhere (redundant or duplicate publication).

• The article includes material or data published without necessary permissions or authorization.

• Copyright infringement, libel, or privacy violations are identified.

• The study involves unethical research practices, including improper treatment of human or animal subjects.

• The article was accepted or published based on a compromised or manipulated peer-review process.

• The author(s) failed to disclose a major competing interest that could have influenced the interpretation of findings or editorial decisions.

6. Retraction Process

• NJPPP will collaborate with the author(s), editor(s), and relevant institutions to ensure a fair and transparent retraction process.

• A formal retraction notice will be published, clearly identifying the retracted article and stating the reason(s) for retraction.

• The PDF of the retracted article will remain available online but will be watermarked with “RETRACTED.”

• Metadata for the retracted article will be retained to maintain the scholarly record.

• The retraction notice will appear in the next available print and/or online issue of the journal.

• Full article removal will occur only for legal reasons (e.g., court orders, privacy violations, defamation), in which case metadata will remain accessible.

7. Cases Where Retraction Will Not Be Considered

NJPPP does not retract articles when:

• Authorship disputes arise but the scientific validity of the content is not questioned.

• The main findings remain reliable and errors are minor or correctable via erratum or corrigendum.

• The evidence from the investigation is inconclusive.

• Undisclosed conflicts of interest are deemed unlikely to have influenced the study’s integrity or conclusions.

8. Commitment to Integrity and Transparency

NJPPP is committed to preserving the integrity of the scholarly record.
All corrections, expressions of concern, and retractions are issued in a transparent manner and remain permanently accessible to readers.
By maintaining this policy, NJPPP ensures accountability, reinforces trust in scientific communication, and supports the responsible dissemination of research.