Editor Note to article entitled “Chaotic image encryption algorithm with improved bonobo optimizer and DNA coding for enhanced security” [Heliyon 10 (2024) e25257]

An investigation conducted on behalf of the journal by Elsevier's Research Integrity & Publishing Ethics team has determined that the authors were requested by one of the reviewers to insert irrelevant references to their paper during the peer-review process. As these citations were requested by an individual who could influence the decision to accept the article, the authors are not considered at fault for the addition of these citations. The Editors have determined that some of the citations added to the paper do not offer a balanced reflection of the literature.