Aureum Academic Journal (AAJ) is committed to maintaining the accuracy, transparency, reliability, and integrity of the scholarly record. The journal follows relevant recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

1. Grounds for Retraction

An article may be retracted when reliable evidence shows that its findings are invalid or seriously compromised by research misconduct, substantial methodological errors, or honest mistakes.

Grounds for retraction may include:

• Fabrication or falsification of research data or findings

• Plagiarism and serious copyright infringement

• Duplicate or redundant publication

• Unethical research practices

• Major methodological or analytical errors

• Serious authorship misconduct

• Manipulation of peer review

• Other serious violations of publication ethics

2. Retraction Decision Process

Retraction decisions are made by the Editor-in-Chief in consultation with appropriate editorial members or specialists.

The journal will review relevant evidence, normally contact the authors, and provide an opportunity to respond. Supporting documentation may be requested, and institutions may be contacted where an independent investigation is required.

A retraction may proceed without author agreement when sufficient evidence supports the decision.

3. Retraction Notice and Publication

A retraction notice will:

• Identify the original article, authors, publication details, and DOI.

• Explain the reasons for retraction transparently.

• Identify the retracting party.

• Be published promptly following the final decision.

• Remain permanently available.

• Be electronically linked to the original article.

• Be freely accessible to readers.

The original article will normally remain available, clearly identified as Retracted, to preserve the scholarly record.

Relevant metadata and indexing records will be updated where technically supported.

4. Corrections and Expressions of Concern

Minor errors that do not invalidate the findings may be addressed through corrections.

Expressions of Concern may be published when serious but unresolved questions affect the reliability or integrity of a publication.

5. Article Removal

Complete removal will be considered only in exceptional circumstances involving compelling legal, privacy, safety, or security concerns.

Where possible, bibliographic details and an explanatory notice will remain available.

6. Compliance with Publication Ethics

AAJ is committed to handling post-publication concerns fairly, consistently, promptly, and transparently in accordance with relevant COPE recommendations.