POST-PUBLICATION DISCUSSION POLICY

Post-Publication Discussion Policy

  1. Purpose

Jurnal SIMETRIK (Sipil, Mesin, Listrik) recognizes that scholarly discussion may continue after an article has been published. Post-publication discussion provides an opportunity for researchers, academics, engineers, practitioners, and readers to comment on published articles, clarify research findings, raise methodological questions, and contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge.

The journal encourages constructive, evidence-based, and respectful academic dialogue to promote research integrity, transparency, and the continuous improvement of scholarly knowledge.

  1. Scope of Post-Publication Discussion

Post-publication discussion may address matters including, but not limited to:

  • The interpretation and implications of published research findings.
  • The validity of research methods, data analysis, and conclusions.
  • Theoretical, conceptual, or methodological contributions of published articles.
  • Relevant new evidence or developments that may affect the interpretation of previously published findings.
  • Potential errors, inconsistencies, or limitations identified after publication.
  • Concerns regarding research ethics, plagiarism, data integrity, or other forms of publication misconduct.

Discussions should be relevant to the journal's scope, particularly civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and related fields.

  1. Submission of Comments and Responses

Readers who wish to comment on a published article may submit a written communication to the editorial team of Jurnal SIMETRIK through the journal's official communication channels.

Submissions should clearly identify the article being discussed, preferably including its title, author names, publication details, and DOI. The comments must present a clear argument supported by relevant evidence, references, or technical explanations.

Authors of the original article may be invited to respond to substantive comments or criticisms. The journal seeks to provide a fair opportunity for scientific discussion between the commenting authors and the authors of the original publication.

  1. Editorial Assessment

All post-publication comments and responses are subject to editorial assessment before being accepted for publication or otherwise formally disseminated by the journal.

The editorial team will assess submissions based on the following criteria:

  1. Relevance: The discussion must relate directly to a previously published article or a significant issue concerning its findings.
  2. Scientific Merit: The submission must provide a meaningful scientific argument, technical clarification, or evidence-based observation.
  3. Accuracy: Claims must be supported by appropriate evidence and reliable references.
  4. Originality: The submission must offer a substantive contribution rather than merely repeat existing information.
  5. Professional Conduct: The language must be respectful, objective, and free from personal attacks or defamatory statements.

The editor may request revisions, invite an expert opinion, or decline submissions that do not meet the journal's standards.

  1. Responses from Original Authors

When a post-publication comment raises substantive scientific questions or criticisms, the editorial team may invite the original authors to provide a response.

Responses should address the issues raised directly, provide relevant supporting evidence where appropriate, and maintain a professional and respectful tone.

The journal aims to ensure that published discussions fairly represent the scientific arguments of the parties involved. However, publication of a response is subject to editorial evaluation and does not guarantee agreement between the parties.

  1. Research Integrity and Ethical Concerns

Post-publication discussion may identify concerns regarding the accuracy, reliability, or ethical integrity of a published article.

When such concerns arise, the editorial team will assess the available information and may request clarification from the authors, consult independent experts, or contact the relevant institution when appropriate.

If an investigation establishes that corrective action is necessary, the journal may publish a correction, an expression of concern, or a retraction, depending on the nature and severity of the issue.

All concerns will be handled fairly, objectively, and confidentially to the extent reasonably possible.

  1. Publication of Post-Publication Discussions

Where appropriate, accepted comments and author responses may be published as separate scholarly communications or linked to the original article on the journal's website.

The journal will provide relevant bibliographic information and cross-references to help readers identify the relationship between the discussion and the original publication.

Any published discussion must comply with the journal's editorial policies, publication ethics requirements, and applicable copyright and licensing provisions.

  1. Responsibilities of Participants

Commenting authors and readers are expected to provide accurate information, support their arguments with evidence, disclose relevant conflicts of interest, and communicate respectfully.

Original authors are encouraged to respond constructively to legitimate scientific questions and criticisms concerning their published work.

Editors are responsible for evaluating post-publication submissions impartially, protecting the integrity of the scholarly record, and determining appropriate editorial action.

  1. Final Policy Statement

Jurnal SIMETRIK is committed to fostering an open, constructive, and responsible academic environment in which published research can be critically examined and further developed.

Post-publication discussion is considered an important component of scholarly communication. Through fair editorial assessment and transparent handling of scientific concerns, the journal seeks to strengthen research quality, encourage academic collaboration, and maintain public trust in the published scientific record.

This policy may be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect developments in scholarly publishing and research integrity standards.