RESEARCH METHODOLOGY & INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

RIGHTS
Course Code: 21RMI56

Module-2
Text book referred: Dipankar Deb, Rajeeb Dey, Valentina E. Balas “Engineering
Research Methodology”, ISSN 1868-4394 ISSN 1868-4408 (electronic), Intelligent
Systems Reference Library, ISBN 978-981-13-2946-3 ISBN 978-981-13-2947-0 (eBook),
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-2947-0

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. 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, 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 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.

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 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 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 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:
http://ieeexplore.ieee.org 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.
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, 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.
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.
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. 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
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 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.
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.
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 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.
Datasheets serve as indispensable resources for electronic component information,
aiding researchers in circuit design, debugging, and integration. Properly reading and
comprehending datasheets allow researchers to make informed decisions, optimize
circuit performance, and enhance overall efficiency. The skill of reading technical
documents extends beyond datasheets, encompassing a range of specialized
documents in different engineering fields.

Attributions and Citations: Giving Credit Wherever Due

Academic writing is governed by established rules and conventions, with a crucial
emphasis on proper attribution, referencing, and acknowledgment of the
contributions of others. These practices ensure the integrity of scholarly work and
uphold ethical standards.
Citing:
• Citing involves integrating quotes, references, and ideas from other authors'
works into one's own text.
• 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.
Referencing:
• Referencing is the act of listing complete publication details of cited works in a
reference list or bibliography.
• It provides readers with comprehensive information about the sources and
helps them locate the cited works.
• Correct referencing also demonstrates the researcher's familiarity with relevant
literature.
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, or mentors.
• Acknowledgment is personal, often containing expressions of appreciation
beyond the research itself.
Attribution:
 • Attribution involves correctly attributing ideas, concepts, and findings to their
original authors.
• It is a fundamental principle in avoiding plagiarism and maintaining academic
honesty.
• Proper attribution demonstrates respect for intellectual property and the
intellectual lineage of research.
Differences:
• Citing: Quoting or referring to specific content within the text.
• Referencing: Providing complete publication details for cited works in a
separate section.
• Acknowledgment: Expressing gratitude to individuals or organizations that
contributed to the research.
• Attribution: Correctly attributing ideas and work to their original creators.
Importance:
• Integrity: Proper citing, referencing, and acknowledgment ensure research
integrity and avoid plagiarism.
• Ethical Responsibility: Researchers have an ethical duty to acknowledge the
intellectual property of others.
• Transparency: Readers can verify claims, explore sources, and delve into
relevant literature.
• Scholarly Communication: Effective citation and referencing contribute to clear
and effective scholarly communication.
Legal Implications:
• Failure to cite properly can lead to accusations of plagiarism and intellectual
property infringement.
• Inaccurate or inadequate attribution may result in legal challenges from
original authors or entities.
In academic writing, adhering to rules of citing, referencing, acknowledgment, and
proper attribution is vital to maintain scholarly integrity and ethical standards. These
practices facilitate transparent communication, enable readers to verify information,
and uphold the contributions of both the researcher and the original authors.
Citations: Functions and Attributes
Citations, referencing, and ethical citation practices are vital components of academic
writing, ensuring the proper acknowledgment of sources and the integrity of research.
They play a pivotal role in maintaining ethical standards and facilitating the
dissemination of knowledge.
Citations and their Importance:
• Citations credit authors and allow readers to trace the source for verification.
• Properly citing sources is essential to avoid plagiarism and give credit where
due.
 • Citing ensures transparency and accountability in scholarly work.
Types of Materials Requiring Citation:
• Any content from external sources: texts, images, sounds, etc.
• Failure to cite may lead to inadvertent plagiarism and ethical concerns.
Function and Significance of Citation:
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.
Proper Attribution and Citation:
• Authors must provide complete details about cited sources.
• Materials that can be cited include journal papers, conference proceedings,
books, theses, websites, etc.
• Citing at the end of a sentence or paragraph with accurate details is crucial.
Functions of Citation in Academic Writing:
• In-text Citation: Used exactly where a source is quoted or paraphrased.
• References: Listing all cited sources in a separate section, providing
comprehensive information.
Use of Citation Styles:
• Citation styles dictate the order and layout of citation elements.
• Consistency within a chosen citation style is crucial for maintaining clarity and
professionalism.
Legal Implications and Ethical Concerns:
• Failure to cite may lead to accusations of plagiarism and intellectual property
infringement.
• Authors have a responsibility to give credit and avoid misrepresentation.
Citation Pitfalls to Avoid:
• Spurious Citations: Including unnecessary citations adds no value and wastes
readers' time.
• Biased Citations: Citing selectively or based on personal affiliations
compromises objectivity.
• Self-Citations: Self-citation is acceptable when relevant but can be problematic
if done excessively or irrelevantly.
 • Coercive Citations: Manipulating citations for journal impact factors
undermines ethical practices.
Maintaining the Balance:
• Authors must strike a balance between too few and too many citations.
• Giving credit whenever due, even for one's own work, ensures ethical citation
practices.
Citations, referencing, and ethical considerations are essential pillars of academic
writing. They uphold research integrity, credit original authors, and foster transparent
scholarly communication. By following proper citation practices and avoiding
common pitfalls, authors contribute to the advancement of knowledge and the
credibility of their work
Impact of Title and Keywords on Citations
The citation rate of research papers is influenced by a variety of factors, including the
significance of the journal, publication types, research area, and the impact of the
research itself. However, certain attributes of the paper, such as the title and keywords,
also play a crucial role in determining its citation count.
Title's Importance and Impact:
• The title is a key factor in attracting readers and conveying the paper's subject.
• A well-crafted title is informative, attention-grabbing, and aids in marketing the
paper.
• The title influences the paper's visibility during literature searches and
contributes to its traceability.
Title Characteristics and Citation Rates:
1. Title Length:
• Longer titles tend to have a positive impact on the number of citations.
• Longer titles often include methodological details or results, attracting more
attention.
2. Types of Titles:
• Question-type titles may attract more downloads but are poorly cited.
• Descriptive or declarative titles are generally more effective in garnering
citations.
• Titles containing a question mark or reference to a specific geographical region
may result in lower citation rates.
3. Keywords in Titles:
• 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.
Studies on Title Characteristics and Citations:
1. Stremersch et al.:
Analyzed papers published from 1990 to 2002.
Found a positive relationship between title length and citation count.
2. Sagi and Yechiam:
Discovered that highly amusing titles have fewer citations.
Pleasant titles showed no significant relation with citations.
3. Jacques and Sebire:
Analyzed titles of highly cited and least cited papers.
Strong association between title length and citation rates.
4. Jamali and Nikzad:
Articles with question-type titles are downloaded more but poorly cited.
Declarative titles are less downloaded and cited compared to descriptive titles.
5. Habibzadeh and Yadollahie:
Longer titles are associated with higher citation rates.
Longer titles often include study methodology and detailed results.
Keywords and their Role:
• Keywords provide essential information about the paper's content.
• Search engines, indexing services, and digital libraries use keywords to
categorize research topics.
• Keywords ensure the paper reaches the relevant audience and enhances
visibility.
Importance of Keywords in Citations:
• Using the maximum allowable keywords increases the likelihood of the paper
being found.
• Overuse of new keywords should be avoided to maintain familiarity within the
research community.
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.

Knowledge Flow Through Citation

Knowledge flows are crucial in the research community, facilitating the creation and
dissemination of new knowledge. Various forms of communication, including verbal
exchanges, written documents, videos, audio recordings, and images, contribute to the
spread of knowledge. In the realm of engineering research, knowledge flow is primarily
observed through books, theses, articles, patents, and reports.
Importance of Citing Sources:
• Citing sources is integral to the transmission of knowledge from existing work
to new innovations.
• It is a way to acknowledge and reference the work that contributes to one's
research.
• Proper citation establishes a network of connections between research papers,
allowing the flow of knowledge from previous research to current studies.
Citation Network and Knowledge Flow:
• Knowledge flow occurs through citation networks, connecting different
elements of research.
• When one paper (A) is cited by another paper (B), knowledge is disseminated
across institutions and researchers.
• Figure 3.1 illustrates the relationship between citations, knowledge flow,
researchers, papers, journal publications, conferences, and institutions.

Fig. 3.1 Citation-based knowledge flow

Role of Collaboration in Knowledge Flow:
• Interdisciplinary research promotes collaboration among scholars.
• Collaborative research enhances the quality of work and encourages knowledge
exchange.
• Sooryamoorthy's study examined the citation impact of South African
publications, highlighting those co-authored papers received more citations
than single-author papers.
• The number of authors had a positive correlation with the number of citations.
Knowledge flow is essential in the research community and takes various forms of
communication. Properly citing sources establishes a network of knowledge
dissemination, enabling researchers to build upon existing work and contribute to the
advancement of their respective fields. Collaboration among scholars further enhances
knowledge flow, contributing to higher quality research and increased citation impact.
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. 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. Based
on co-authorship citation network, references X1 and Y1 are considered self-citation,
reference X3 is a level-1 co-author citation because author of article Y is direct
collaborator of author A, reference X2 is a level-1 co-author network because author A
is collaborator of E who collaborated with H.

Fig. 3.2 Co-authorship network

Citing Datasets
In modern engineering research, data plays a crucial role in substantiating claims,
providing experimental evidence, and enabling scientific advancement. Just as
research articles are cited, data citations also deserve proper credit and recognition for
their role in supporting research claims.
Significance of Data Citations:
• Engineering research heavily relies on data to validate hypotheses and
conclusions.
• Data citations are essential for giving credit and legal attribution to the creators
of datasets.
• Proper data citations enable other researchers to access and utilize the same
datasets for their own work.
Challenges in Data Ownership:
• Ownership of data can be complex, especially with large datasets involving
multiple contributors.
• Funding sources and agreements can complicate data ownership and usage
permissions.
Permission and Attribution:
• Researchers must obtain proper permissions to use data from specific sources.
• Data citations should include comprehensive information to enable readers to
locate and access the same dataset in the future, even if direct links become
obsolete.
Balancing General and Specific Information:
• Effective data citations strike a balance between general and specific
information.
• Citations should provide enough context for readers to confidently identify the
dataset they seek.
Adaptability of Citation Styles:
• Unlike a specific citation style that suits all types of data, flexibility is needed
due to the diverse nature of datasets.
• Data citations should be adaptable to various formats, repositories, and
sources.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of engineering research, data has become an
essential component for supporting claims and conclusions. Just as research articles
receive proper citations, data citations must offer credit and legal attribution to dataset
creators. Ensuring proper permissions, providing comprehensive information, and
maintaining flexibility in citation styles are all integral to acknowledging the vital role
of data in advancing engineering knowledge.
Examples:
1. Historical Data, Sotavento (Wind Farm), Corunna, Spain (July 2016): [Accessed:
4 Oct, 2016] Retrieved from http://www.sotaventogalicia.com/en/real-time-data/
historical
2. Deb, D (2016). [Personnel survey]. Unpublished raw data.

Styles for Citations

Citation styles differ primarily in the order, and syntax of information about
references, depending on difference in priorities attributed to concision, readability,
dates, authors, and publications. Some of the most common styles for citation (as well
as other aspects of technical writing) used by engineers are as follows:
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 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:

3. 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.
Those submitting to an IEEE publication should see guidelines for the specific
journal or magazine and may also refer to the complete IEEE editorial style
 manual. Some examples of IEEE styles of citations for different types of sources
are enumerated below:

3. ASME style (The Association of Mechanical Engineers)

Acknowledgments and Attributions

Acknowledgment section is a place to provide a brief appreciation of the contribution
of someone or an organization or funding body to the present work. If no particular
guideline is available for the intended publication, then it can be introduced at the end
of the text or as a footnote. Acknowledgment is a common practice to recognize
persons or agencies for being responsible in some form or other for completion of a
publishable research outcome. Acknowledgment displays a relationship among
people, agencies, institutions, and research. In some case, certain individuals may help
in the research work but may not deserve to be included as authors. As a sign of
gratitude, such contributions should be acknowledged. Classification of
acknowledgment into six different categories like moral, financial, editorial,
institutional or technical, and conceptual support
Acknowledgments and attributions are also very important in the publications of
journal or conference papers. Giving proper credit wherever it is due is very important
and even if the contribution is minor, it should not be neglected. A researcher should
always recognize the proprietary interest of others. Whenever possible, author shall
give name of persons who may be responsible, even if nominally, for designs,
inventions, writings, or other accomplishments. Given the importance of work
published, authorship is also important. The reward triangle theory shows a
relationship between citations, acknowledgment, and authorship. In engineering
research, acknowledgments are meant for participating technicians, students, funding
agency, grant number, institution, or anyone who provide scientific inputs, shared
unpublished results, provided equipment, or participated in discussions.

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:
• Direct quotations are rarely used in technical writing.
• Direct quotations must be enclosed in quotation marks and attributed properly.
 • Indirect quotations (paraphrasing) should be acknowledged with name and
date.
2. Scientific and Technical Guidance:
• Acknowledge individuals who provided scientific or technical guidance.
• Include those who engaged in discussions or shared valuable information.
3. Assistants, Students, and Technicians:
• Acknowledge those who contributed experimentally and theoretically.
• Mention individuals who assisted in conducting experiments or theoretical
analyses.
4. Funding Agencies:
• Acknowledge funding agencies and grant numbers if the research was
supported by grants.
• Provide full details of the funding program.
5. Facilities and Organizations:
• Acknowledge centers or organizations that provided services or facilities.
• If not formally affiliated, acknowledge external support received.
6. Presentation Elsewhere:
• If results were presented elsewhere (journals, meetings, symposia),
acknowledge appropriately.
• Provide citations for abstracts or relevant gatherings.
Ethical and Professional Importance:
• Acknowledgments demonstrate integrity and ethical behavior in research.
• Encourages continued collaboration from individuals who contributed.
Compliance and Funding Requirements:
• Funding agencies often require acknowledgment of their support in
publications.
• Ensure compliance with funding terms and conditions for proper
acknowledgment.
• Failure to acknowledge funding might lead to discontinuation of funding or
future ineligibility.
Professional Impact and Collaboration:
• Acknowledgment is no longer just an expression of gratitude; it's a professional
impact indicator.
• Proper acknowledgment strengthens colleagues' careers and builds
collaboration.
Acknowledge contributions, support, and funding appropriately in engineering
research. Proper acknowledgment 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 acknowledgment of grant received is as follows:
Acknowledgments in Books/Dissertations
A page of acknowledgments is usually included at the beginning of a thesis/
dissertation immediately following the table of contents. These acknowledgments are
longer than the one or two sentence statements in journal papers or articles in
conference proceedings. These detailed acknowledgments enable the researcher to
thank all those who have contributed in completion of the research work. Careful
thought needs to be given concerning those whose inputs are to be acknowledged and
in what order. Generally, one should express appreciation in a concise manner and
avoid emotive language. The following are often acknowledged in these types of
acknowledgments: 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?
Dedication is almost never used in a journal paper, an article in a conference
proceeding, or a patent, and it is used exclusively in larger documents like books,
thesis, or dissertations. While acknowledgments are reserved for those who helped out
with the book in some way or another (editing, moral support, etc), 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 Almighty God. And yes, it is possible to dedicate
something to someone while also mentioning them in the acknowledgments. 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 got very stressed.