Retraction Procedure for Published Articles

The scientific journal “Art and Design” adheres to high standards of publication ethics and is guided by the recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

  1. General Provisions

The editorial board exercises careful control over the reliability of published materials, the identification of violations, and the transparency of the scientific process.

The editorial board is attentive to issues of academic integrity, in particular, the prevention of plagiarism, duplication of publications, data falsification, and any other forms of violations. In case of suspicion, the editorial board conducts an appropriate investigation and makes a decision depending on the seriousness of the violation detected.

The journal ensures the maintenance of the accuracy and integrity of the scientific record through the timely corrections, reporting problems, and retracting publications if necessary.

Resubmission and duplication of publications are prohibited

The journal accepts only original manuscripts that are not under consideration by other journals.

Violation of this principle may include:

  • simultaneous submission of the same manuscript to multiple journals;
  • submission of several manuscripts that substantially duplicate the same research;
  • partial, paraphrased, or full reproduction of previously published materials.

Any confirmed duplication is considered a serious breach and will result in immediate rejection and possible sanctions.

Inadmissible citation practices

The editorial board rejects manuscripts that show an artificial increase in the number of citations in favour of the author or other researchers or manipulative citations in order to support a particular journal or a specific series of publications. Such actions are considered an abuse of academic practice.

Falsification and fabrication of data are prohibited

Falsified experimental results, altered or fabricated images, as well as any other forms of data misrepresentation will result in the immediate rejection of the manuscript. Sanctions are applied in accordance with the recommendations of the COPE.

In cases where errors, inaccuracies, or breaches of academic integrity are identified in submitted or already published materials, the editorial board takes appropriate action depending on the nature and severity of the issue. The aim is to ensure the reliability of scientific information rather than to penalise authors.

  1. Correction

If errors are found in a published article that do not significantly affect the results and conclusions of the study, the editorial board may publish a correction (correction, erratum or corrigendum).

A correction is applied in cases of:

  • technical or editorial errors;
  • inaccuracies in data that do not change the substantive conclusions;
  • errors in references, names, affiliations, etc.

A correction:

  • is published separately or as an addition to the article;
  • is linked to the original publication;
  • contains a clear explanation of the changes made.
  1. Notification of Concern

In cases where there are reasonable suspicions about the reliability or ethics of the publication, but the verification is still ongoing, the editorial board may publish a notification of concern.

Such a notification informs readers of possible problems with the material before the investigation is completed.

  1. Retraction of Publications

An article may be retracted if significant violations are discovered that make its results unreliable or unacceptable from an ethical point of view.

Grounds for retraction may include:

  • plagiarism or self-plagiarism;
  • fabrication or falsification of data;
  • duplicate publication;
  • serious methodological errors affecting the conclusions;
  • violations of research ethics;
  • manipulation of the peer review process.

The decision to retract is made by the editorial board following an investigation and, where necessary, consultation with experts or relevant institutions.

A retracted article:

  • is not removed from the website;
  • is clearly marked as retracted;
  • is accompanied by a notice explaining the reasons for the retraction.
  1. Initiation of Corrections or Retractions

The procedure for correction or retraction may be initiated by:

  • authors;
  • the editorial board;
  • reviewers;
  • readers or other interested parties.

All requests are considered in accordance with the complaints and appeals policy.

  1. Principles of Decision-Making

All decisions regarding corrections and retractions are made on the basis of:

  • objectivity and impartiality;
  • transparency;
  • compliance with COPE recommendations;
  • ensuring the reliability of scientific information.

The editorial board ensures that readers are properly informed about any changes made.