Post-Publication and Accountability Policy
The AJMS Post-Publication Policy explains how the journal protects the accuracy, integrity, and reliability of the scholarly record after publication. Concerns are assessed fairly, proportionately, and as confidentially as reasonably possible, with reference where appropriate to recognised publication-ethics guidance.
1. Corrections
A correction may be issued when an error affects accuracy, interpretation, attribution, or integrity but does not invalidate the article as a whole. Significant changes should be documented in a linked notice rather than concealed through silent editing. Minor production errors that do not affect meaning may be corrected without a formal notice where appropriate.
2. Retractions
Retraction may be appropriate when findings are unreliable because of major error or misconduct, or where plagiarism, duplicate publication, fabricated or falsified data, serious ethical non-compliance, manipulated peer review, copyright infringement, or another material integrity problem is established. The original record normally remains visible and clearly marked as retracted.
3. Expressions of Concern
AJMS may publish an Expression of Concern when serious questions remain unresolved and an investigation is incomplete, delayed, inconclusive, or dependent on information from another responsible organisation. The notice should be linked to the article and updated when the issue is resolved.
4. Withdrawal and Replacement
Withdrawal may be considered before final publication when serious errors, duplication, legal concerns, or ethical violations make continued publication inappropriate. Replacement is exceptional and should preserve a transparent connection between the original article, any retraction notice, and the corrected replacement.
5. Post-Publication Discussion, Complaints and Appeals
AJMS welcomes reasoned scholarly discussion and may consider comments, letters, clarifications, or concerns submitted to the editorial office. Complaints and appeals should identify the article or manuscript, describe the issue, state the grounds, and provide relevant supporting information.
6. Research Misconduct and Institutional Cooperation
Where a concern suggests possible misconduct, AJMS may request records, consult independent experts, review editorial and peer-review files, or contact an institution, funder, ethics body, employer, or other responsible organisation where appropriate. Outcomes may include no action, correction, Expression of Concern, retraction, withdrawal, or another proportionate notice.
7. Transparency and Version Control
Post-publication notices should be clearly identified, dated, and linked to the affected article whenever technically possible. AJMS should preserve publication history and avoid changes that could mislead readers. Crossref’s guidance on version control, corrections and retractions provides useful infrastructure-oriented best practice for maintaining linked update metadata.
