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Chapter 1: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY & INTELLECTUAL

PROPERTY RIGHTS

Chapter 1: Literature Review and Technical Reading, New and Existing Knowledge, Analysis
and Synthesis of Prior Art, Bibliographic Databases, Web of Science, Google and Google
Scholar, Effective Search: The Way Forward Introduction to Technical Reading
Conceptualizing Research, Critical and Creative Reading, Taking Notes While Reading,
Reading Mathematics and Algorithms, Reading a Datasheet.
C h a p t e r 2 : Attributions and Citations: Giving Credit Wherever Due, Citations: Functions
and Attributes, Impact of Title and Keywords on Citations, Knowledge Flow through Citation,
Citing Datasets, Styles for Citations, Acknowledgments and Attributions, What Should Be
Acknowledged, Acknowledgments in, Books Dissertations, Dedication or Acknowledgments.

Literature Review and Technical Reading

The primary goal of a literature review is to:

Identify the research problem. This includes understanding the current state of knowledge on
the topic, identifying gaps in knowledge, and determining the research questions that need to
be answered.

Advocate a specific approach. This involves evaluating the different approaches that have been
taken to study the problem, and selecting the approach that is most likely to be successful.

Evaluate the choice of methods. This includes assessing the validity and reliability of the
methods that have been used, and determining whether they are appropriate for the research
problem.

Demonstrate the need for new research. This involves showing that the existing research is not
sufficient to answer the research questions, and that new research is needed to make progress.

The quality of a literature review can be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Breadth and depth of coverage. The literature review should cover a wide range of relevant
sources, and provide a deep understanding of the research problem.

Clarity and rigor. The literature review should be written in a clear and concise style, and should
use rigorous analytical methods.

Consistency. The literature review should be consistent with the research problem, approach,
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and methods.

Effective analysis. The literature review should provide a critical analysis of the existing
research, and should identify the key findings and gaps in knowledge.

New and Existing Knowledge

The interpretation of new knowledge heavily depends on the researcher's background and
perception, which can range from indifference to excitement. The significance of new
knowledge is often established by identifying existing problems in the field and demonstrating
the gaps in the current understanding.

Existing knowledge is essential for highlighting the existence of a problem and its importance.
Researchers use the context, significance, originality, and tools from existing literature to build
a case for their work. This knowledge is gathered through extensive reading and literature
review, spanning both foundational textbooks and recent research papers.

Textbooks provide established knowledge and foundational background, while research papers
focus on presenting new, cutting-edge information. Research papers assume prior knowledge
and can be challenging to understand without a solid foundation. Researchers often need to refer
to various sources to interpret the content of research papers effectively.

A thorough literature review is crucial to demonstrate how a research piece builds upon existing
work. It provides a strong foundation for advancing knowledge, identifying gaps, and
suggesting new research directions. A good literature survey is concept-focused rather than
author-focused.

Components of a Comprehensive Literature Review:

1. Summarize existing knowledge from the state of the art.

2. Detail key concepts, factors, parameters, and relationships.
3. Discuss complementary approaches to the topic.
4. Highlight inconsistencies, shortcomings, and contradictory results.
5. Justify the need for further research in the field.
Steps to Conduct an Effective Literature Survey:
1. Identify major topics or concepts relevant to the research subject.
2. Categorize relevant sources (articles, patents, websites, data, etc.) under
respective concepts.

When encountering important information, researchers often highlight, underline, or mark it for

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future reference. However, to truly integrate this knowledge, it's essential to write about it in
one's own words, connecting it with the existing foundation.

Building a strong knowledge foundation requires continuous reading, learning, and writing. By
crafting and reshaping newly acquired information to fit into the existing framework,
researchers ensure a robust understanding of the topic.

New and existing knowledge play crucial roles in research. Understanding the significance of
existing knowledge, effectively reviewing the literature, and integrating new findings into the
foundation are essential steps for researchers seeking to contribute meaningfully to their field.
A comprehensive literature survey not only informs the researcher but also serves as a
cornerstone for future advancements.

Analysis and Synthesis of Prior Art Bibliographic

After collecting relevant sources, researchers engage in breaking down and synthesizing each
article's content to construct a cohesive literature review. This process involves understanding
the articles' hypotheses, models, experimental conditions, and drawing connections between
different pieces of information. The goal is to identify unsolved issues, flaws in existing models,
and propose novel ideas.

Steps in Analyzing Literature [Table 2.1]:

1. Understanding the Hypothesis: Grasp the central research question or hypothesis of

each article. This helps establish the context and purpose of the research.
2. Understanding Models and Experimental Conditions: Delve into the models and
experimental setups used in the articles. This understanding helps in comparing and
contrasting findings and methodologies.
3. Making Connections: Identify common themes, similarities, and differences across the
articles. This step involves synthesizing the information to derive meaningful insights.
4. Comparing and Contrasting: Compare various pieces of information, methodologies,
and results across different sources. This comparison can reveal trends, contradictions,
or gaps in the existing knowledge.
5. Finding Strong Points and Loopholes: Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each
article. Identify areas where the research is robust and where there might be limitations
or areas that need further investigation.

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Critical Evaluation of Sources:

Authority: Assess the author's credentials and affiliation. Consider the publisher of the
information. Academic or reputable sources carry more weight.

Accuracy: Compare the information presented with what is already known about the topic.
Does the information align with credible sources? Look for citations and references that support
the claims made.

Scope: Determine if the source matches the appropriate comprehension or research level.
Ensure that the content is relevant to your research goals.

Currency: Consider the publication date. Depending on the field, currency may be crucial to
ensure you're working with up-to-date information.

Objectivity: Evaluate the objectivity of the source. Is the information presented without bias?
Look for balanced viewpoints and comprehensive analyses.

Purpose: Understand the purpose of the source. Is it a research paper, review article, or opinion
piece? Different types of sources serve different purposes.

An effective literature survey involves a meticulous process of breaking down and synthesizing
information from various sources. Researchers must understand the hypotheses, models, and
experimental conditions, while also comparing and contrasting findings. Critical evaluation of
sources based on criteria such as authority, accuracy, scope, currency, objectivity, and purpose
ensure that the gathered information is reliable and relevant. This comprehensive approach not
only enhances the quality of the literature review but also contributes to the development of
novel ideas and research directions.

Bibliographic Databases

Bibliographic databases serve as essential resources for researchers by offering access to

citation-related information and abstracts of scholarly research articles. These databases
provide a valuable tool for searching and retrieving relevant literature, aiding in the exploration
of new ideas and addressing research problems.

Benefits of Bibliographic Databases:

1. Abstracting and Indexing Services: Bibliographic databases act as abstracting and

indexing services, compiling essential details about research articles. They include
information such as citations, abstracts, authors, affiliations, and keywords.
2. Access to Scholarly Literature: These databases facilitate access to a wide range of

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scholarly research articles, helping researchers stay informed about the latest
developments in their field.
3. Search Capabilities: Researchers can perform advanced searches using keywords,
authors, publication years, and other criteria to find relevant articles quickly.
4. Comprehensive Coverage: Bibliographic databases cover a vast array of disciplines and
subjects, providing a comprehensive repository of research materials.
5. Quality Research: Simultaneous searches across multiple databases help researchers
avoid overreliance on a single source and mitigate limitations associated with individual
databases.

Challenges and Solutions:

1. Database Limitations: Relying solely on one database can result in biased or incomplete
results. Researchers might encounter limitations in terms of coverage, access, or search
capabilities.
2. Intrinsic Shortcomings: Each database may have its own limitations, such as biased
indexing, incomplete coverage of certain fields, or inconsistencies in abstract quality.

Selecting Databases for Research:

1. Identification of Relevance: Researchers should quickly identify which databases are

suitable for exploring their ideas or addressing specific research problems.
2. Diverse Selection: To ensure comprehensive coverage, researchers can choose a
combination of databases that cater to their research area.
3. Cross-Database Searches: Researchers should perform simultaneous searches across
multiple databases to enhance the breadth and quality of their research findings.

Bibliographic databases play a vital role in modern research, enabling researchers to access,
search, and retrieve scholarly articles efficiently. By utilizing multiple databases and
conducting simultaneous searches, researchers can overcome limitations and biases associated
with individual sources, thereby enhancing the quality and comprehensiveness of their
research. These databases are integral to the process of exploring new ideas, addressing
research problems, and building on existing knowledge.

Web of Science

Web of Science, formerly known as ISI or Thomson Reuters, is a comprehensive platform

encompassing multiple databases and specialized tools for scholarly research. It provides
researchers with access to a wide range of scholarly materials, making it an invaluable resource
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for academic exploration.

Key Features and Usage:

1. Search Capabilities: Web of Science offers an extensive search functionality, allowing

researchers to explore scholarly materials within specific topics of interest. The search
can be refined using various fields such as title, topic, author, address, and more.
2. Sorting and Refining: Researchers can sort search results by factors such as the number
of citations or publication date. The "Refine Results" panel on the left enables
narrowing down results using keywords, phrases in quotation marks, material type (e.g.,
peer-reviewed journal articles), date, language, and more.
3. Enhanced Search Strategies: The platform encourages effective search strategies by
suggesting actions such as putting quotes around phrases, adding more keywords, and
considering alternate word endings. Researchers are also advised to break down search
concepts and use the "OR" operator to connect alternate search terms.
4. Cited Reference Search: A unique feature is the "Cited Reference Search," enabling
researchers to trace articles that have cited a previously published paper. This option
provides insights into how ideas have been applied, improved, or extended over time.
5. Structured and Informed Results: The platform ensures efficient utilization of time by
narrowing and refining search results. Researchers can broaden or narrow down results
based on their needs using built-in fields.

6. Access to Detailed Information: Clicking on search results provides a wealth of

information about the paper, including the title, authors, journal type, volume, issue
number, publication year, abstract, and keywords. This information helps researchers
decide whether to acquire the full version of the paper.

Web of Science is a powerful tool that empowers researchers to navigate scholarly literature
effectively. Its diverse databases, specialized tools, and search features allow for precise
exploration of topics of interest. By offering features such as cited reference searches and
detailed result information, Web of Science facilitates informed decision- making and efficient
utilization of research time. This platform is an invaluable asset for researchers seeking to
access, analyze, and contribute to scholarly knowledge.

Google and Google Scholar

Google and Google Scholar are valuable starting points for research due to their accessibility
and potential to find freely available information. However, both platforms come with
limitations and challenges, leading researchers to seek alternative strategies for obtaining

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relevant and accurate sources of information.

Google's Limitations:

1. "Black Box" Nature: Google searches the entire internet without quality control, making
it difficult to determine the reliability and source of results.
2. Limited Search Functionality: Google offers limited search and refinement options,
potentially leading to overwhelming or irrelevant results.

Google Scholar's Limitations:

1. Mixed Scholarly Content: Some results may appear scholarly but lack
credibility upon closer examination.
2. Incomplete Coverage: Not all publishers make their content available to Google
Scholar.
3. Limited Search Capabilities: Google Scholar provides fewer search options for
refining results.

Search Operators for Improved Results:

1. OR Operator: Broadens searches by capturing synonyms or variant spellings.

Example: Synchronous OR asynchronous captures results with either term.
2. Brackets/Parentheses: Group OR'd synonyms of a concept while combining them
with another. Example: RAM (synchronous OR asynchronous).
3. Quotation Marks: Narrows searches by finding words together as a phrase.
Example: "Texas Instruments" narrows results to that specific phrase.
4. Site Operator: Limits searches to a specific domain or website. Example: site:
[Link] focuses on results from that site.
5. Filetype Operator: Filters results based on a specific file extension. Example: filetype:
pdf narrows results to PDF documents.
6. Search Tools Button: Provides additional options like date limitation.

Seeking Scholarly Resources:

1. Academic Databases: Databases offer specialized search capabilities and better quality
control. They provide access to journal articles, conference proceedings, and scholarly
resources.
2. Advantages of Databases: Databases offer more relevant, focused results due to better
quality control and search functionality.

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3. Database Selection: Choose databases based on subject area, date coverage, and
publication type.
4. Search Techniques Consistency: While database interfaces vary, the core search
techniques remain consistent.

While Google and Google Scholar are valuable initial search tools, researchers must be aware
of their limitations and refine their search strategies accordingly. Utilizing search operators and
tools can improve search results. However, for in-depth and credible scholarly research,
academic databases offer more focused and reliable resources. Researchers should select
appropriate databases based on their subject area, ensuring better control and accuracy in their
search for information.

Effective Search: The Way Forward

Scholarly publications are authored by researchers in specific fields, undergo peer review, and
target experts and students in the field. While engineering researchers often refer to scholarly
journals and peer-reviewed sources, useful content can also be found in popular publications
for broader readership. A comprehensive search involves using various search tools and
considering the type and availability of information.

Diverse Sources and Considerations:

1. Scholarly vs. Popular Publications: Scholarly publications are formal, peer- reviewed,
and aimed at experts, while popular publications are informal and cater to a broader
audience.
2. Multiple Sources Needed: No single source provides all required information;
researchers must explore various sources.
3. Availability and Timing: Not all information is online; scholarly information may take
time to publish, and current news may not have scholarly coverage.
4. Iterative Process: Searching involves experimenting with keywords, evaluating results,
modifying searches, and analyzing citations and references.

Research Process Steps:

1. Literature Survey: Engage in an iterative process of searching, evaluating, and

modifying searches to identify relevant sources.
2. Critical Reading: Thoroughly read and observe salient points in selected
sources, making notes and summarizing findings.
3. Comparison and Contrast: Compare and contrast findings to identify patterns, trends,
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and inconsistencies.

4. Continuous Process: Literature survey is ongoing, as new literature appears and

understanding grows, leading to new connections and related problems.
Importance of Skill Development:

1. Reading Math-Heavy Articles: Developing the skill to understand complex, math-

heavy articles is essential. This skill is honed through reading and seeking help.
2. Gradual Skill Growth: Graduates develop the skill over time through reading,
coursework, and seeking guidance.

Maintaining Focus and Active Engagement:

1. Purpose of Literature Survey: Extensive searches should be purposeful, as time can be

wasted without active reading and idea development.
2. Continuous Engagement: Literature survey is ongoing, with new connections and
evolving problems leading to further searches.

Synopsis and Doctoral Committee Approval:

1. Ph.D. Scholar's Task: A Ph.D. scholar undertakes an extensive literature survey during
the synopsis writing stage.
2. Source Exploration: Archived journals and bibliographies are initial sources, leading to
further exploration.

Conducting an effective literature survey is an integral part of the research process. Researchers
navigate diverse sources, differentiate between scholarly and popular publications, and engage
in iterative searching and critical reading. Skill development, continuous engagement, and
purposeful focus are key to successful literature survey and research endeavors. The process is
cyclical and essential for building a strong foundation, making connections, and identifying
challenges in the research area.

Introduction to Technical Reading

Staying updated with research outcomes is crucial for active researchers. However, the
abundance of literature can be overwhelming. A strategic and efficient approach to reading
research papers is essential for effective research.

Strategies for Reading Research Papers:

1. Selective Reading: Not all papers are worth reading in-depth. An initial skimming helps
decide whether a paper is worth further exploration.

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2. Skimming Process:

a. Read the title and keywords: Determine if the paper is interesting and relevant.

b. Read the abstract: Gain an overview of the paper's content and relevance.

c. Jump to conclusions: Assess if the paper aligns with your research goals.

d. Review figures, tables, and captions: Quickly understand the key results.

3. In-Depth Reading:

a. Introduction: Understand the background and purpose of the study.

b. Results and Discussion: Focus on the core findings and their interpretation.

c. Experimental Setup/Modeling: Read if interested in detailed methodology.

4. Consider Author Reputation: Evaluate not only the content but also the reputation
of the authors who produced the knowledge.
5. Staying Updated: Continuously search for relevant literature and remain up-to- date with
developments in the field.

Research Projects:

a. Small Projects: Advisor might provide specific papers to read.

b. Large Projects: Develop a personal strategy for finding and reading relevant literature.

Importance of Strategy:

1. Efficient Time Utilization: Avoid reading irrelevant papers by skimming and selecting
wisely.
2. Focused Learning: Delve deeper into sections crucial for understanding, such as
Introduction and Results/Discussion.
3. Research Relevance: Ensure alignment between the paper's content and your research
goals.

Navigating the vast landscape of research literature requires a strategic and purposeful approach.
Skimming, selective reading, and focusing on key sections enable researchers to efficiently
identify relevant papers and gain insights from them. As research is a continuous process,
staying updated and adapting reading strategies to different project sizes is vital for successful
exploration of new knowledge.

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Conceptualizing Research

Research objectives must center on new knowledge and gain recognition from the research
community. While originality and significance are key, a solvable approach is crucial.
Conceptualizing research involves aligning a significant problem, necessary knowledge, and
applicable methods, which requires expertise in the field.

Characteristics of a Good Research Objective:

1. Novelty and Significance: Research objectives should contribute new insights and be
recognized as valuable by peers.
2. Feasibility: Objectives should be achievable within available resources and
methodologies.

Conceptualizing Research at Different Levels:

1. Ph.D. Level and Higher:

a. Expertise Requirement: Developing a research objective demands expertise at the edge of

knowledge.

b. Immersion in Literature: Continuously reading and understanding existing literature is

crucial for combining problem significance, existing knowledge, and potential methods.

2. Smaller Scope Projects (Master’s Thesis):

a. Expert Guidance: Researcher may lack the time to become an expert. Supervisor's expertise
helps formulate research objectives.

b. Efficient Literature Navigation: Established researchers guide towards essential literature

for a focused understanding.

Balancing Building and Knowledge Creation:

 Engineer's Perspective: Engineers often prefer tangible outcomes. However, research's

primary goal is new knowledge creation.
 Building vs. Knowledge: Even unique creations can be labeled as lacking research value
if they are intuitive and expected from competent engineers.

Effective research objectives require a deep understanding of the problem's significance,

relevant knowledge, and applicable methodologies. Developing such objectives demands
immersion in existing literature and becoming an expert at the edge of knowledge. While larger
research projects demand individual expertise, smaller projects benefit from expert guidance.

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Balancing tangible outcomes with knowledge creation is essential to ensure the research's true
value is realized and recognized.

Critical and Creative Reading

Reading research papers is a process that involves critical evaluation, skepticism, and a
willingness to question assumptions. A reader should actively engage with the content,
assessing the validity of arguments, considering alternative solutions, and evaluating the data
presented.

Critical Reading:

 Questioning Assumptions: Challenge assumptions made by the authors. Are they

reasonable, and do they align with the problem being addressed?
 Alternative Solutions: Consider if there are simpler or more effective solutions that
were overlooked.
 Limitations and Missing Links: Identify both stated and ignored limitations of the
proposed solution. Determine if any essential connections or steps are missing.
 Assumptions and Logic: Assess the logical flow of the paper and the soundness of
assumptions made.
 Data Evaluation: Scrutinize the data presented. Is it relevant and interpreted correctly?
Could alternative datasets provide stronger support?

Judgmental and Creative Approaches:

 Judgmental Approach: Employ a judgmental mindset to critically identify errors

and inconsistencies in the paper.
 Boldness in Judgment: Be willing to make bold judgments about the paper's content,
assumptions, and conclusions.
 Flexibility in Judgment: Be open to revising judgments based on new insights gained
from careful reading.

Creative Reading:

 Positive Approach: Creatively explore the paper's content to discover new ideas,
applications, or generalizations that may have been missed by the authors.
 Extending Work: Look for opportunities to extend the research by identifying potential
areas for further investigation.
 Practical Challenges: Consider if modifications to the proposed solution could

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introduce practical challenges or lead to valuable new research directions.

Challenges in Critical and Creative Reading:

 Critical vs. Creative: Critical reading aims to identify errors, while creative reading
involves seeking new opportunities and insights.
 Relative Difficulty: Creative reading can be more challenging than critical
reading, requiring a proactive and open-minded approach.

Reading research papers is a multi-faceted process that involves both critical evaluation and
creative exploration. Approaching papers with skepticism, questioning assumptions, and
assessing data accuracy are integral to critical reading. Creative reading involves looking
beyond the presented content to uncover potential extensions, applications, and research
directions. Developing the skills for both critical and creative reading enhances a researcher's
ability to engage deeply with research papers and contribute meaningfully to the field.

Taking Notes While Reading

Strong reading skills are fundamental for effective research writing. The transition from reading
to writing is facilitated by the practice of taking notes during and after the reading process.
Note-taking helps researchers remember and utilize valuable information, ensuring a smoother
transition from reading to writing.

Importance of Note-Taking:

 Preservation of Knowledge: Taking notes prevents valuable insights from being

forgotten over time.
 Highlighting Key Content: Important concepts, definitions, and explanations are
marked for later reference.
 Capturing Questions and Criticisms: Queries and criticisms are documented, aiding
critical analysis and potential research directions.
 Enhancing Recall: Notes help in quickly revisiting and recalling content during the
writing phase.

Methods of Note-Taking:

 Marginal Annotations: Researchers often jot down notes in the margins of paper
copies or digitally using specialized tools.
 Content Highlighting: Key concepts, definitions, and noteworthy passages are
highlighted for quick reference.
 Questions and Critiques: Noting questions, concerns, and critiques helps engage
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deeply with the material.

 Summary Sentences: Concluding the reading with a few sentences
summarizing the paper's contributions is a beneficial practice.

Evaluating Contributions and Comparative Analysis:

 Assessing Technical Merit: A thorough reading culminates in understanding the paper's

contributions.
 Comparative Perspective: Evaluating the paper's content in relation to existing works in
the same area provides context and insights.

Types of Contributions:

a. New Ideas: Identifying novel concepts or methodologies introduced in the paper.

b. Application of Existing Ideas: Analyzing how established ideas are implemented in new
experiments or applications.

c. Synthesis of Existing Ideas: Recognizing the integration of different existing concepts

under an original framework.

Interplay with Existing Literature:

 Contextual Understanding: The type of contribution a paper makes becomes clearer

when viewed in comparison with related literature.
 Identifying Gaps and Innovations: Reading multiple papers in the same area helps
identify research gaps and potential areas for innovation.

Effective note-taking during the reading process enhances a researcher's ability to transition
from reading to writing. Noting key content, questions, and criticisms aids in maintaining the
integrity of the knowledge acquired. Summarizing a paper's contributions and assessing its
technical merit are important skills that flourish with experience and engagement with existing
literature. By honing these skills, researchers optimize their reading efforts to produce well-
informed and impactful research writing.

Reading Mathematics and Algorithms

Mathematics serves as the foundational framework for the advancement and growth of
engineering research and practice. It plays a pivotal role in deriving proofs, developing
algorithms, and creating the theoretical underpinning of technical papers. While mathematical
content may appear daunting, diligent reading and understanding of mathematical derivations
are essential for comprehending the core of any technical research paper.
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Importance of Mathematical Derivations and Proofs:

 Core of Technical Papers: Mathematical derivations and proofs form the heart of
technical papers, providing the foundation for novel concepts and innovations.
 In-depth Understanding: Meticulous reading of mathematical content enhances the
researcher's grasp of the problem, solution, and underlying principles.
 Sound Understanding: In-depth comprehension of proofs and algorithms after
identifying paper relevance fosters a solid grasp of the authors' attempted solution.

Selective Skimming of Technical Sections:

 Relevance Consideration: Skim technical sections that reiterate known concepts

or seem too advanced for the current research stage.
 Delayed Understanding: Postpone deep comprehension of specialized sections that
might not be immediately relevant.
 Later Exploration: Bookmark sections that appear too intricate or detailed for later
exploration once foundational knowledge is consolidated.

Implementation of Algorithms:

 Verification and Validation: Implementation of complex algorithms using

programming languages helps identify errors and validate their functionality.
 Real-World Application: Practical implementation reveals the feasibility of algorithms
and uncovers potential issues that might not be apparent in theory.

Importance of Quick Coding:

 Algorithm Verification: Rapid coding and implementation can validate the

correctness of algorithms.
 Practical Application: Practical coding unveils real-world challenges and
discrepancies that may not be evident from theory alone.

Mathematics is the backbone of engineering research, providing the basis for proofs,
algorithms, and theoretical frameworks. Thorough reading and understanding of mathematical
content, along with selective skimming of technical sections, ensure comprehensive
comprehension of research papers. Practical implementation of algorithms through coding
serves as a vital step to verify their correctness and applicability. By embracing mathematical
rigor and practical coding, researchers can effectively bridge theory and practice, contributing
to the advancement of engineering knowledge and innovation.

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Reading a Datasheet

In various engineering fields, researchers encounter diverse types of documents that are crucial
for understanding, designing, and incorporating specific components or parts. Datasheets,
particularly in electronics, serve as instruction manuals for electronic components and play a
pivotal role in circuit design, debugging, and integration.

Importance of Datasheets:

 Instruction Manuals for Components: Datasheets provide comprehensive details about

electronic components, including their functionalities, specifications, and usage
instructions.
 Design and Debugging: Researchers utilize datasheets to design circuits, debug existing
circuits, and ensure proper component integration.
 Performance Analysis: Datasheets offer insights into component performance under
varying conditions, enabling researchers to optimize circuit design.

Reading Datasheets:

 Initial Skimming: Begin with an initial skimming to assess the relevance of the
datasheet to the research task at hand.
 Functional Block Diagram: Review the functional block diagram to understand the
internal functions and connections of the component.
 Pinout and Physical Layout: Examine the pinout to identify the physical location of
pins, ensuring correct placement in the circuit.
 Graphs and Performance Data: Study graphs depicting performance against variables
like supply voltage and temperature. Note safe operating regions for reliable
functioning.
 Truth Tables: Understand truth tables detailing input-output relationships, aiding in
configuring the component correctly.
 Timing Diagrams: Analyze timing diagrams to grasp data transmission and reception
speed and patterns.
 Package Dimensions: Note accurate package dimensions, which are vital for proper
PCB layout.

Benefits of Reading Datasheets:

 Efficiency and Time Savings: Thoroughly reading a component's datasheet provides

insights that can lead to shortcuts and efficient solutions, saving time in the long run.
 Informed Decision-Making: When choosing components for a research project, detailed
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knowledge from datasheets helps researchers make informed decisions.

 Circuit Reliability: Properly understanding datasheets ensures that components are used
within specified parameters, enhancing circuit reliability.

Importance Beyond Datasheets:

 Field-Specific Documents: Researchers in different engineering branches encounter

various specialized documents that are essential for their work.
 Broad Reading Skills: The ability to read and understand technical documents beyond
research papers or books is crucial for comprehensive research.

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Chapter 3: Attributions and Citations

3.1 Introduction: Academic writing is governed by established rules

and conventions, with a crucial emphasis on proper attribution,
referencing, and acknowledgement of the contributions of others.
These practices ensure the integrity of scholarly work and uphold
ethical standards.
 Meaning of Citation:

- It identifies for the reader the source for an idea, information, or

image that is referred to in a work.
- The primary purpose of citing is to provide evidence, support
arguments, and give context to the reader.
- Proper citation allows readers to trace back to the original source and
verify the information. Citing should be clear, accurate, and relevant
to the context.
- Citing always Quoting or referring to specific content within the text.

 Meaning of Reference:

- It is the listing of the full publication details of a published work that

is cited to give background information to the readers

- It provides readers with comprehensive information about the

sources and helps them locate the cited works.

- In research papers reference is a list in a separate section at the end of

the paper.

 Meaning of Acknowledgment:

- Acknowledgment acknowledges contributions and support

received in the research process.

- It expresses gratitude to individuals or entities that aided in the

research, such as funding agencies, colleagues, mentors etc.

- Acknowledgment is personal, often containing expressions of

appreciation beyond the research itself.

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 Meaning of Attribution:

- Attribution in research refers to the proper acknowledgement and

credit given to sources of information, ideas, or work that have been
used in the research process.
- It is a fundamental aspect of academic integrity to show respect for
the intellectual work of those who came before.

 Importance of Citations:

o Integrity: Proper citing, referencing, and acknowledgement

ensure research integrity and avoid plagiarism.

o Ethical Responsibility: Researchers have an ethical duty to

acknowledge the intellectual property of others.

o Transparency: Readers can verify claims, explore sources, and

delve into relevant literature.

o Scholarly Communication: Effective citation and referencing

contribute to clear and effective scholarly communication.
 Legal Implications:

o Failure to cite properly can lead to accusations of plagiarism and

intellectual property infringement.

o Inaccurate or inadequate attribution may result in legal challenges

from original authors or entities.

3.2 Citations: Functions and Attributes

o Citations (references) credit others for their work, while allowing the
readers to trace the source publication if needed.
o Citations help the readers verify the quality and importance of the
new work and justification of the findings.
o Citations are the currency that authors would wish to
accumulate and the technical community gives them credit for these
contributions.
o It applies to all forms of written sources in the form of texts, images,
sounds, etc.

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 Functions and significance of Citation: There are THREE main

functions are

1. Verification function:

- Citations enable readers to validate claims and verify information.

- Intentional or unintentional distortion can be identified through

citations.

2. Acknowledgment Function:

- Researchers receive credit through citations, influencing their

reputation.

- Citations play a role in obtaining research funding and career

advancement.

3. Documentation Function:

- Citations document the progress and evolution of scientific

concepts over time.
-- - -- - -- - - -- - -- - -- - - -- - - -- - -- - - -- - - - - -- - - -- - -- - - -- - - -- - -- - -- - -- - - -- - - -- - -- - -- - - -- - -- - - -- - - -- - -- - -- - -- - - -- - - -- - -- - - -- - -- - -- - - - -- - - -- - -- - - -- - -- - -- - - -- - - -- - -- - -

 Citation Pitfalls to Avoid: There are certain cases when references

do not fulfil the actual goal of citations and acknowledgements, and
thus do not benefit the reader. They are
(i) Spurious citations (iii) Self-citations

(ii) Biased citations (iv) Coercive citations

(i) Spurious citations

o Fake or bogus citations are also called spurious citations.

o Including unnecessary citations adds no value and wastes readers' time.

o In other words, these citations are not genuinely relevant to the

content of the work, and their inclusion may be intentional or
unintentional.
o It refers to references or citations within a document that are either
inaccurately attributed, misleading, or falsely presented as support
for particular claims.

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(ii) Biased citations

o When authors cite the work of their friends or colleagues, even

if there is no significant connection between the two works, it can
be considered biased.
o Similarly, when authors fail to cite work of genuine significance
because they do not want to give credit to certain individuals, it is
also biased behaviour.
o Furthermore, neglecting to cite prior work that contradicts the
current work's conclusions or data is also considered biased.
(iii) Self-citations

o Self-citation occurs when an author includes references to their own

previously published work within a new document or publication.
o This practice is a common and accepted part of scholarly writing,
and it serves several purposes. It is in an attempt to inflate an
individual's citation count.
o Self-citation of prior papers is natural because the latest paper is
often part of a larger research project which is ongoing.

(iv) Coercive citations

o Coercive citations, also known as forced citations or inappropriate

citations, occur when an author is compelled or pressured to include
references to specific works, often against their scholarly integrity.
o These citations are added due to external factors such as the influence
of colleagues, superiors, reviewers, or other individuals with power
or authority.

3.2 Impact of Title and Keywords on Citations: Both play significant and
crucial roles in attracting attention to a research paper and influencing its
visibility and accessibility within the academic community.

 Title's Importance and Impact on Citations

- The title is a key factor in attracting readers and conveying the paper's
subject.

- A well-crafted title is informative and attention-grabbing, and aids in

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marketing the paper.

- The title influences the paper's visibility during literature searches and
contributes to its traceability.
- The download count and citation of a research paper might be
influenced by title. Title Characteristics and Citation Rates: Three different
aspects provide a particular behaviour to the title:
1. Title length

2. Title types

3. Keyword in title

1. Title length:

- Longer titles tend to have a positive impact on the number of citations.

- Title often includes methodological details or results, attracting more

attention.

1. Title type:

- Question-type titles may attract more downloads but are poorly cited.

- Titles containing a reference to a specific geographical region may

result in lower citation rates.
- Descriptive or declarative titles are generally more effective in
earnering citations.
- Additionally, review articles and original articles usually receive more
citations.

2. Keywords in title:

- Titles with at least two keywords increase the chances of discovery,

reading, and citation.
Keywords in titles assist in categorizing the research and directing
it to the relevant audience.

Keywords and their Role:

o Keywords provide essential information about the paper's content.
o Search engines, indexing services, and digital libraries use keywords to
categorize research topics. Keywords ensure the paper reaches the relevant

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audience and enhances visibility.

o Keywords are often included in the abstract, title, and body of the paper.

Impact of Keywords in Citations:

o Using the maximum allowable keywords increases the likelihood of the paper
being found.

o Overuse of new keywords should be avoided to maintain familiarity within the

research community.
o Search engines, journals, digital libraries, and indexing services use keywords
for the categorization of the research topic and direct to the readers.
o It is recommended to limit the use of new keywords in research articles to
improve visibility among the research community.
o Conclusion: The citation rate of research papers is influenced by a multitude
of factors, including the paper's title and keywords. Crafting an informative
and attention-grabbing title, incorporating relevant keywords, and following
established trends in title characteristics can positively impact the visibility,
readership, and ultimately the citation count of a research paper.

3.3 Knowledge Flow Through Citation

o In engineering research, knowledge flow is primarily in the form of
books, theses, articles, patents, and reports.
o Citing a source is important for the transmission of knowledge from
previous work to an innovation.
o Knowledge flow happens between co-authors during research
collaboration, among other researchers through their paper citation
network, and also between institutions, departments and research
fields.
 Citation Network and Knowledge Flow:
o Figure 3.1 shows the relationship between citations, knowledge flow,
and elements such as researchers, papers, journal publications or
conferences, and institutions.
o When one paper A is cited by another paper B, then knowledge flows
through citation networks across institutions and researchers.

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Fig. 3.1 Citation-based knowledge flow

 Role of Collaboration in Knowledge Flow

o Figure 3.2 shows a relationship between co-authorship and different
types of citations. Three articles (X, Y, and Z) and five references (X1,
X2, X3, Y1, and Y2) of article X and Y, respectively, are considered.
o A, B, and C are authors of article X, and D, E, F, G, and also A are
authors of article Y. Article Z has two authors H and E.
References X1, X2, X3, Y1, and Y2 have authors (A, P), (H, R), (D), (Q, B,
F), and (R), respectively.

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Fig. 3.2 Co-authorship network

Based on the co-authorship citation network, references X1 and Y1 are

considered self-citation, reference X3 is a level-1 co-author citation because
the author of article Y is a direct collaborator of author A, reference X2 is a
level-1 co-author network because author A is a collaborator of E who
collaborated with H.

3.3.1 Citing Datasets

o In modern engineering research, data plays a crucial role in substantiating

claims, providing experimental evidence, and enabling scientific
advancement.
o Citing datasets involves giving proper credit to the creators or providers
of a dataset when you use it in your research, analysis, or any other work.
o Citations to datasets should include enough information so that a reader can
find the same dataset again in the future.
o Examples:
1. Historical Data, Sotavento (Wind Farm), Corunna, Spain (July 2016):
[Accessed:4 Oct, 2016] Retrieved from
[Link]

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2. Deb, D (2016). [Personnel survey]. Unpublished raw data.

 Styles for Citations: The most common styles for citation used by
engineers are as follows:
1. ASCE style (American Society of Civil Engineers)
2. IEEE style (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)
3. ASME style (The Association of Mechanical Engineers)

1. ASCE style (American Society of Civil Engineers)

(a) Reference list: This part is to be placed in the bibliography or
references at the end of the article or report. A template with an example
for the same is given below:

(b) In-text citation for journals or books: The following part is to be placed
right after the reference to the source of the citation assignment:

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2. IEEE style (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers): IEEE style is standard
for all IEEE journals and magazines, and is frequently used for papers and articles
in the fields of electrical engineering and computer science. The IEEE style
requires endnotes and that references be cited numerically in the text. The
template example is shown below
[1] A. Rezi and Allam, “Techniques in array processing using transformations,” in Control
and Dynamic Systems, Vol. 69, Multidimensional Systems, C. T. Leondes, Ed. San Diego:
Academic Press, 1995, pp. 133–180.

3.4 Acknowledgments and Attributions: Acknowledgments and attributions are

also very important in the publications of journal or conference papers.
 Acknowledgments

o Classification of acknowledgement into SIX different categories like

moral, financial, editorial, institutional or technical, and conceptual
support.
o In engineering research, acknowledgements are meant for participating
technicians, students, funding agencies, grant numbers, institutions, or
anyone who provides scientific inputs.
3.4.1 What Should Be Acknowledged?***

 Acknowledgments in engineering research play a crucial role in giving credit

where it's due and maintaining ethical research practices. Authors must
recognize various contributions and support that enable their research efforts.
 Types of Contributions to Acknowledge:

1. Quotation:

o Direct quotations are rarely used in technical writing

o Direct quotations must be enclosed in quotation marks and

attributed properly

o Indirect quotations (paraphrasing) should be acknowledged with name

and date
2. Scientific and Technical Guidance:

o Acknowledge individuals who provided scientific or technical

guidance.

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o Include those who engaged in discussions or shared valuable

information.

3. Assistants, Students, and Technicians:

o Acknowledge those who contributed experimentally and theoretically.

Mention individuals who assisted in conducting experiments / theoretical
analyses.

4. Funding Agencies:

o Acknowledge funding agencies and grant numbers if the research was

supported by grants and provide full details of the funding program.

5. Facilitie and Organizations:

o Acknowledge centres or organizations that provide services or facilities.

o If not formally affiliated, acknowledge external support received.

6. Presentation Elsewhere:

o If results were presented elsewhere (journals, meetings,

symposia), acknowledge them appropriately.

o Provide citations for abstracts or relevant gatherings.

 Ethical and Professional Importance:

o Acknowledgments demonstrate integrity and ethical behaviour in research.
o Encourages continued collaboration from individuals who contributed.

 Compliance and Funding Requirements:

o Funding agencies often require acknowledgement of their
support in publications
o Ensure compliance with funding terms and conditions for proper
acknowledgement.

o Failure to acknowledge funding might lead to discontinuation of

funding or future ineligibility.
 Professional Impact and Collaboration:
o Acknowledgment is no longer just an expression of gratitude; it's a
professional impact indicator.

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o Proper acknowledgement strengthens colleagues' careers and builds.

 Conclusion: Acknowledge contributions, support, and funding

appropriately in engineering research. Proper acknowledgement
demonstrates ethical conduct, encourages collaboration, and complies with
funding requirements. By attributing ideas and contributions, authors
uphold research integrity and foster a culture of ethical and transparent
scientific communication.

An example of acknowledgement of a grant received is as follows:

 Acknowledgments in Books/Dissertations

o A page of acknowledgements is usually included at the beginning of a

thesis/ dissertation immediately following the table of contents.
o These acknowledgements are longer than the one or two-sentence
statements in journal papers or articles in conference proceedings.
o The following are often acknowledged in these types of
acknowledgements: main supervisor, second supervisor, peers in the
lab, other academic staff in the department, technical or support staff
in the department, colleagues from other departments, other
institutions, or organizations, former students, family and friends.

Dedication or Acknowledgments?

o Dedication is rarely used in a written document, meetings or a patent. used only

for larger documents like books, thesis, or dissertations.
o A dedication is to whomever the author would like it to be dedicated to,
whether it is the author’s mother, the best friend, the pet dog, or the god
Almighty. And yes, it is possible to dedicate something to someone while also
mentioning them in the acknowledgements.
o For example, one may dedicate a book to one’s spouse, but acknowledge them
for being the moral support and putting up with when one gets very stressed.

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