Corrections and Retractions

Corrections, Retractions, and Complaints

Informatics and Digital Expert (INDEX) is committed to maintaining the integrity of the scholarly record. When errors or misconduct are identified in a published article, the journal acts in accordance with the COPE flowcharts and the COPE Retraction Guidelines. Published articles are never silently altered or removed.

Corrections

  • Erratum is published when the journal introduced an error during editing or production that affects the accuracy of the article.
  • Corrigendum is published when the authors identify an honest error that does not invalidate the article's findings, such as an incorrect figure, affiliation, or reference.
  • The correction notice is published in the next issue, is linked to the original article, and states what was changed and why. The original PDF is replaced by a corrected version marked with the date of correction.

Expression of concern

If an investigation into possible misconduct is ongoing, or the evidence is inconclusive, the editors may publish an expression of concern to alert readers while the matter is examined.

Retraction

An article is retracted when the editors have clear evidence that its findings are unreliable because of misconduct (fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, undisclosed use of AI to generate data or references) or honest error; when it constitutes redundant publication; when it reports unethical research; or when the peer review process was compromised. The retraction notice is published, is linked to the article, states the reason for the retraction and who initiated it, and the article remains online with a clear "RETRACTED" watermark. Retractions are reported to the indexing services that carry the journal.

Procedure

  1. Concerns about a published article may be raised by anyone through the Contact page. The Editor-in-Chief acknowledges receipt within 7 working days.
  2. The editors examine the evidence and, where appropriate, ask the authors for an explanation. The authors' institution may be contacted if the allegation involves misconduct.
  3. The Editor-in-Chief decides on the appropriate action (no action, correction, expression of concern, or retraction) and informs the parties involved. The whole process is normally completed within 60 days.

Complaints and appeals

Complaints about editorial decisions, the conduct of editors or reviewers, or delays in the editorial process should be sent to the Editor-in-Chief through the Contact page. Complaints concerning the Editor-in-Chief are handled by the Head of LPPM Universitas Perjuangan Tasikmalaya. Appeals against editorial decisions follow the procedure described in the Peer Review Process. Every complaint is answered in writing.

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