Retraction Citation Network Analysis of Iranian Computer Scientists

This study examines the retraction citation network of Iranian computer scientists, focusing on retracted publications in Computer Science, Data Science, and Electrical Engineering from 2008 to 2024. Using data from Retraction Watch and citation information from OpenAlex, we analyze 169 retracted papers to identify trends, self-citation practices, and the persistence of citations to retracted works. Key findings reveal that deliberate misconduct is the primary cause of retractions, with significant variations in retraction time lags over the years. Network analysis highlights clusters of interconnected retracted articles and identifies self-citation patterns among authors, underscoring the continued influence of flawed research. The study emphasizes the need for improved post-retraction management and research integrity policies to mitigate the impact of retracted publications on academic discourse. This work contributes to understanding retraction dynamics in a specific regional and disciplinary context, offering insights for fostering a more ethical scientific ecosystem.