I am issuing this statement to provide clarity and transparency regarding the retraction of a study in which I served as the lead author. This retraction was necessitated by irregularities identified within the peer review process.
A thorough investigation determined that these irregularities resulted from actions taken independently by certain co-authors, without my knowledge or involvement. As the first author, I maintain a firm commitment to the highest standards of research ethics and deeply regret any impact this incident may have had on the scientific community and the integrity of the academic record.
I remain dedicated to transparency and accountability in all my scholarly endeavors. My current and future research activities continue to be guided by a rigorous commitment to research integrity.