Updating Published Scientific Papers
Umm Al-Qura University Journals assume full responsibility for correcting any substantive scientific errors or addressing ethical concerns that may emerge in published papers, underscoring our dedication to transparency with researchers and readers alike. To this end, Umm Al-Qura University Journals have established clear guidelines governing updates to published research articles.
Direct Updates
A direct update refers to making immediate amendments to a published paper under specific circumstances outlined in the Corrections Guide of Umm Al-Qura University Journals. If the Editorial Board deems the request justified, the manuscript is reviewed and republished on the journal’s website. Furthermore, relevant indexing databases are formally notified to update their archived records accordingly.
Corrections Policy
Umm Al-Qura University Journals classify corrections into two categories: minor and major.
Minor Corrections: These include amendments that do not affect the scientific validity or findings of the work, but nonetheless require an update to the Version of Record (VoR). Such changes are incorporated into the article PDF without issuing a separate correction notice.
Major Corrections: These pertain to errors or issues that impact the interpretation of findings or the scientific integrity of the paper. Upon editorial approval, the revised version is published on the journal's website, accompanied by a formal correction notice published in the current issue to alert readers to substantive revisions and provide an updated version for reference.
For further details, please refer to the Corrections Guide of Umm Al-Qura University Journals.
Author Name Change Policy
Umm Al-Qura University Journals do not accept requests to modify author names following the publication of the scientific paper.
Retraction Policy
In certain circumstances, it may be necessary to retract a paper from the scholarly record. This occurs in cases of pervasive inadvertent errors, serious ethical breaches, data fabrication or falsification, plagiarism, or other factors that compromise the credibility and integrity of the scientific content.
Umm Al-Qura University Journals strictly adhere to the guidelines established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) in this regard.
When a retraction decision is finalized, the original publication is watermarked with the designation “Retracted”; however, it remains accessible on the journal website for archival and reference purposes. Due to their unreliability, retracted papers must not be cited or relied upon in subsequent research. The retracted document retains author names and affiliations to preserve metadata continuity across abstracting and indexing databases. Additionally, a formal retraction notice is published in the current issue of the journal. A partial retraction may be issued if only specific findings are demonstrated to be invalid.
A scientific paper will not be entirely removed from the journal website or indexing databases except under rare and critical circumstances, including:
Receipt of a binding court or governmental order mandating content removal.
The paper contains content that violates privacy or legal rights that cannot be remedied via editorial notices.
Severe legal liabilities arising from the execution or publication of the research.
The content of the paper—even post-retraction—poses an imminent threat to public safety.
In such instances, a removal notice stating the rationale for deletion is published, while fundamental metadata (such as title and author names) remains accessible.
Members of the Editorial Board are requested to download and complete the "Article Retraction Form" when initiating or executing a retraction procedure, in accordance with the journal's corrections and retractions policy.
Editor's Notes and Editorial Expressions of Concern
Editor’s Note: An Editor's Note is issued as a brief announcement notifying readers that the journal has initiated an editorial inquiry regarding a published paper following substantiated concerns or inquiries that warrant formal investigation. This note is published exclusively in the HTML version of the article and is not indexed in secondary databases.
Editorial Expression of Concern: When complex or unresolved issues arise, or if investigations into potential research misconduct remain inconclusive or ongoing, the journal or Editor-in-Chief may issue an Editorial Expression of Concern. This statement outlines the nature of the concerns and delineates current or impending actions, thereby upholding scholarly transparency throughout the investigative process.
Comments and Replies
Readers who identify methodological or analytical concerns regarding a published paper may contact the Editorial Board to submit a formal Comment for potential publication. Comments are succinct communications designed to publicly raise scholarly questions concerning specific aspects of the original article.
Upon successfully passing peer review, the original authors are invited to submit an academic Reply addressing the points raised. If the criticisms are sustained and the authors cannot provide a satisfactory response, the journal may issue a formal correction or retract the article. If the authors fail to reply within the allotted deadline or decline to respond, the Comment may be published alongside an editorial note indicating that no response was received.
Both Comments and Replies are subject to scholarly peer review and must adhere to the following standards:
Comments must remain strictly focused on substantive scientific aspects of the original paper without introducing unrelated subject matter.
Replies must directly, clearly, and constructively address each issue raised without evasion.
Both parties must maintain an objective, professional, and respectful tone appropriate for scholarly discourse.
Comments must never incorporate personal critiques against the authors nor rehash previously settled disputes. To ensure a concise and focused scholarly dialogue, only one round of Comment and Reply is permitted between the same parties.
Communication Protocol for Inquiries Regarding Published Papers
Umm Al-Qura University Journals are committed to upholding the highest standards of publication ethics in partnership with authors and editorial board members, guided by the principles established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).
All submitted manuscripts are required to adhere to these benchmarks. Should any ethical or scholarly breach be substantiated, the journal assumes full responsibility for investigating the matter and enacting all necessary measures to safeguard the credibility and integrity of the scholarly record.
If you have observations or concerns regarding a published scientific paper, please download the "Notification of Concern Form for Published Papers," complete it meticulously, and submit it to the Editorial Board at: dsrsj@uqu.edu.sa
Article Retraction Procedures
Umm Al-Qura University Journals adhere to a formal protocol for retracting published articles in strict compliance with COPE guidelines and internal editorial policies. Retraction proceedings are initiated only upon established, justifiable grounds, such as substantive invalidating errors, ethical infractions, or publication malpractice.
1. Initiation of Retraction
A retraction process may be formally initiated by any of the following parties:
The author(s) of the scientific paper.
An Editorial Board Member or the Editorial Board as a collective body.
The Publisher, upon detecting critical irregularities within the work.
Requests must be formally submitted and accompanied by a detailed justification alongside pertinent supporting documentation.
2. Submission of the Retraction Form
The initiating party must download the “Article Retraction Form,” complete all required sections, and send it via email to: dsrsj@uqu.edu.sa
Editorial Board members may also utilize this form to officially request a retraction or commence the requisite proceedings.
3. Editorial Board Evaluation
The Editor-in-Chief, in consultation with relevant Editorial Board members (and external expert reviewers or institutional oversight bodies where warranted), shall:
Examine the validity of the submitted rationale.
Verify all presented evidence.
Determine whether the case necessitates an erratum/corrigendum or a formal retraction.
In cases involving potential ethical misconduct, the journal reserves the right to contact the authors' home institution or an independent investigative body.
4. Determination and Author Notification
If a retraction is ratified, the corresponding author is formally notified in writing of the editorial decision.
5. Publication of the Retraction Notice
A formal retraction notice is published within the journal, detailing:
The title of the retracted paper.
The specific rationale for the retraction.
The party initiating or requesting the retraction.
A direct bidirectional link to the original article, clearly watermarked as “Retracted”.
This notice is made freely accessible to all readers and indexed in conjunction with the original scholarly record.
6. Post-Retraction Archiving
The retracted article remains a permanent part of the scholarly record and is prominently labeled as “Retracted” across all published formats (HTML, PDF, and bibliographic metadata) to maintain institutional transparency and academic accountability.