UNIT I: PHILOSOPHY AND ETHICS

Introduction to Philosophy
Philosophy (from Greek philosophia, meaning "love of wisdom") is the systematic
study of fundamental questions about life, existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and
language. It seeks to understand the nature of reality and human experience through critical
thinking, rational argument, and logical analysis.
Main Objectives of Philosophy
 To question and understand the world and our place in it.
 To analyze concepts and beliefs.
 To develop a well-reasoned worldview.
 To cultivate clarity in thinking and expression.
Major Branches of Philosophy
1. Metaphysics
o Study of reality and existence.
o Key questions: What is real? What is the nature of being?
2. Epistemology
o Study of knowledge and belief.
o Key questions: What can we know? How do we know it?
3. Ethics (Moral Philosophy)
o Study of right and wrong, moral values, and human conduct.
o Key questions: What is a good life? What is the right thing to do?
4. Logic
o Study of valid reasoning and argument.
o Helps distinguish good arguments from bad ones.
5. Aesthetics
o Study of beauty, art, and taste.
o Key questions: What is beauty? What makes art meaningful?
6. Political Philosophy
o Study of justice, rights, government, and the role of individuals in society.

Historical Overview of Philosophy

1. Ancient Philosophy – Socrates, Plato, Aristotle (Greece); Confucius, Laozi (China);
thinkers in Indian traditions (e.g., Vedas, Upanishads).

1
 2. Medieval Philosophy – Focus on religion and metaphysics (e.g., St. Augustine,
Thomas Aquinas).
3. Modern Philosophy – Emphasis on reason and science (e.g., Descartes, Locke,
Kant).
4. Contemporary Philosophy – Includes analytic and continental traditions; deals with
language, mind, society, and technology.
Ethics with Respect to Science and Research refers to a set of moral principles and
professional standards that guide the conduct of scientific inquiry and the behavior of
researchers. These principles ensure that research is carried out responsibly, with integrity,
and in ways that respect the rights and dignity of all involved.

Core Ethical Principles in Scientific Research

1. Honesty
o Report data, results, methods, and procedures truthfully.
o Avoid fabrication, falsification, or misrepresentation of research data.
2. Integrity
o Maintain consistency and trustworthiness in research practices.
o Adhere to promises and agreements, and act with sincerity.
3. Objectivity
o Avoid bias in experimental design, data analysis, interpretation, and peer
review.
o Disclose personal or financial interests that may affect research.
4. Respect for Intellectual Property
o Acknowledge and cite the work of others appropriately.
o Do not plagiarize or use others' data or findings without permission.
5. Confidentiality
o Protect sensitive information, especially when dealing with human
participants.
o Ensure anonymity where required.
6. Responsible Publication
o Publish findings to advance knowledge, not to boost personal career prospects.
o Avoid duplicate or redundant publication.
o

2
 7. Social Responsibility
o Strive to benefit society and avoid harm.
o Consider the broader impact of your research.
8. Non-maleficence and Beneficence
o Ensure no harm is done to research subjects.
o Aim to do good through research outcomes.
9. Respect for Subjects (Human or Animal)
o Obtain informed consent.
o Ensure humane treatment of animals.
o Avoid coercion or exploitation of vulnerable populations.
10. Compliance with Legal and Institutional Requirements
 Follow relevant laws, policies, and institutional guidelines.

Misconduct in Research
Some common unethical practices include:
 Fabrication: Making up data or results.
 Falsification: Manipulating research materials, equipment, or processes.
 Plagiarism: Using someone else's work or ideas without giving credit.
 Ghostwriting: Writing for someone else without proper acknowledgment.
Ethics Committees and Review Boards
 Research involving humans or animals must be reviewed by Ethical Review Boards
(e.g., Institutional Review Boards - IRBs).
 These bodies assess whether research proposals adhere to ethical standards and
protect participants' rights.
Importance of Ethics in Science and Research
 Builds public trust in scientific findings.
 Ensures credibility and reliability of research results.
 Promotes collaborative work based on mutual respect and honesty.
 Protects researchers and participants from legal and moral consequences.

3
1. Definition of Ethics
Ethics is the branch of philosophy that deals with morality, values, and principles that
govern the behavior of individuals and societies.
It is concerned with what is right or wrong, good or bad, and what individuals ought to do
in various situations.
Key Definitions:
 Aristotle: "Ethics is a practical science that deals with human conduct."
 Oxford Dictionary: "Ethics is the moral principles that govern a person’s behavior or
the conducting of an activity."
2. Nature of Ethics
The nature of ethics includes the following aspects:
 Normative: Ethics is prescriptive—it tells us how we ought to act.
 Philosophical: It involves rational analysis and critical thinking.
 Universal: Ethical principles apply across cultures and time periods, though they may
vary in form.
 Human-centered: Ethics focuses on human behavior and decision-making.
 Concerned with values: Ethics examines values like justice, honesty, freedom, and
responsibility.
3. Scope of Ethics
The scope of ethics is wide and touches almost every field of life:
 Personal Ethics: How an individual behaves in personal life (e.g., honesty, integrity).
 Professional Ethics: Ethics in professions like medicine, business, law, education
(e.g., doctor-patient confidentiality).
 Social Ethics: Ethics in society and public life (e.g., justice, equality, human rights).
 Bioethics: Ethical issues in biology and medicine (e.g., euthanasia, genetic
engineering).
 Environmental Ethics: Duties towards the environment and non-human life.
4. Concept of Ethics
The concept of ethics revolves around:
 Moral principles that define what is right and wrong.
 Guiding human behavior through reasoning rather than coercion.
 Helping individuals and societies make better moral choices.
 Creating standards for evaluating actions and character.

4
5. Branches of Ethics
Ethics is generally divided into three main branches, and a few applied branches:
A. Normative Ethics
 Studies moral standards that regulate right and wrong conduct.
 Asks: What ought I to do?
 Examples:
o Deontology (duty-based ethics – Kant)
o Utilitarianism (consequence-based ethics – Mill, Bentham)
o Virtue Ethics (character-based ethics – Aristotle)
B. Meta-Ethics
 Examines the nature, origin, and meaning of moral concepts.
 Asks: What is "good"? Is morality subjective or objective?
 Concerns language, logic, and foundations of moral values.
C. Applied Ethics
 Deals with specific moral issues in real-world contexts.
 Examples:
o Medical Ethics (e.g., abortion, organ donation)
o Business Ethics (e.g., corporate social responsibility)
o Environmental Ethics
o Media and AI Ethics
D. Descriptive Ethics (sometimes included)
 Describes people’s actual moral behavior and beliefs.
 Based on observation, not judgment (used in sociology, anthropology).

Ethics: Definition, Moral Philosophy, Nature of Moral Judgments and

Reactions
1. Definition of Ethics
Ethics is a branch of philosophy that deals with the systematic study of morality, including
the principles of right and wrong, good and bad, justice and virtue.
Ethics = “The science of moral duty” – Immanuel Kant
It provides frameworks for evaluating human actions and deciding how one ought to behave
in personal, professional, and social contexts.

5
2. Moral Philosophy (Ethics as Moral Philosophy)
Moral Philosophy is another term for ethics, and it refers to the philosophical study of
morality. It explores:
 The origin and justification of moral values.
 The nature of good and evil.
 What makes actions right or wrong, and why we should act ethically.
Key areas of Moral Philosophy:
1. Normative Ethics – How should one act? (e.g., Utilitarianism, Deontology)
2. Meta-Ethics – What do we mean by “good” or “right”?
3. Applied Ethics – How do we apply moral principles in real-life situations?
Moral philosophy asks fundamental questions like:
 What is the good life?
 Are moral values absolute or relative?
 Is morality based on reason, emotion, or culture?

3. Nature of Moral Judgments

Moral judgments are decisions or evaluations about whether an action, intention, or
character is morally right or wrong.
Characteristics of Moral Judgments:
1. Prescriptive: They tell us what ought to be done, not just describe facts.
o Example: “You should tell the truth” (not just “He told the truth”).
2. Universal: They apply to all similar situations, not just to one case.
o If lying is wrong in one case, it’s wrong in all similar cases.
3. Based on Reason: Moral judgments are not arbitrary; they are supported by reasoning
and justification.
o Example: Stealing is wrong because it violates property rights and harms
others.
4. Linked to Emotions and Conscience: Although based on reason, they often evoke
feelings like guilt, shame, or pride.
5. Impartial: Moral judgments require us to consider the interests of others, not just our
own.

6
4. Nature of Moral Reactions
Moral reactions are emotional and psychological responses to moral judgments or situations.
Common Moral Reactions:
 Guilt: Felt when one acts against their own moral standards.
 Shame: A reaction to being morally judged by others.
 Anger or Indignation: Often felt in response to perceived injustice or wrongdoings.
 Pride: When one acts in a way that aligns with their moral values.
 Empathy and Compassion: Reactions to the suffering or needs of others, often
motivating moral action.

UNIT II: SCIENTIFIC CONDUCT

Ethics with Respect to Science and Research refers to a set of moral principles and
professional standards that guide the conduct of scientific inquiry and the behavior of
researchers. These principles ensure that research is carried out responsibly, with integrity,
and in ways that respect the rights and dignity of all involved.

Core Ethical Principles in Scientific Research

1. Honesty
o Report data, results, methods, and procedures truthfully.
o Avoid fabrication, falsification, or misrepresentation of research data.
2. Integrity
o Maintain consistency and trustworthiness in research practices.
o Adhere to promises and agreements, and act with sincerity.
3. Objectivity
o Avoid bias in experimental design, data analysis, interpretation, and peer
review.
o Disclose personal or financial interests that may affect research.
4. Respect for Intellectual Property
o Acknowledge and cite the work of others appropriately.
o Do not plagiarize or use others' data or findings without permission.
5. Confidentiality

7
 o Protect sensitive information, especially when dealing with human
participants.
o Ensure anonymity where required.
6. Responsible Publication
o Publish findings to advance knowledge, not to boost personal career prospects.
o Avoid duplicate or redundant publication.
7. Social Responsibility
o Strive to benefit society and avoid harm.
o Consider the broader impact of your research.
8. Non-maleficence and Beneficence
o Ensure no harm is done to research subjects.
o Aim to do good through research outcomes.
9. Respect for Subjects (Human or Animal)
o Obtain informed consent.
o Ensure humane treatment of animals.
o Avoid coercion or exploitation of vulnerable populations.
10. Compliance with Legal and Institutional Requirements
 Follow relevant laws, policies, and institutional guidelines.

Fabrication and Plagiarism (FFP)

In the context of research and academic ethics, FFP refers to the three most serious types of
scientific misconduct:

FFP: Fabrication, Falsification, and Plagiarism

These unethical practices undermine the credibility of research and violate the core values of
honesty, transparency, and accountability.
1. Fabrication
Definition:
Fabrication is making up data, results, or information and recording or reporting them as if
they were real.
Example: Inventing survey responses or lab results that were never actually obtained.
Consequences:
 Misleads the scientific community and public.

8
  Wastes time and resources.
 Can lead to incorrect conclusions and harmful outcomes (especially in medicine,
engineering, etc.).
2. Falsification
Definition:
Falsification is manipulating research materials, equipment, processes, or data such that
the results are not accurately represented.
Example: Altering images in experiments or changing data values to achieve desired results.
Consequences:
 Distorts the integrity of the research.
 Damages trust in science.
 Can lead to policy or treatment errors based on false findings.

3. Plagiarism
Definition:
Plagiarism is the act of using someone else’s ideas, words, data, or work without proper
credit or permission, and presenting them as your own.
Example: Copying text from a published article without citation, or submitting someone
else’s project as your own.
Types of Plagiarism:
 Direct plagiarism (word-for-word copying)
 Self-plagiarism (reusing one's own work without disclosure)
 Mosaic plagiarism (patching together texts from different sources)
 Accidental plagiarism (due to careless citation or paraphrasing)
Consequences:
 Academic penalties (failing grades, suspension, or expulsion)
 Legal consequences (copyright violations)
 Reputation damage (loss of credibility and job opportunities)
Misconduct Definition Example
Fabrication Making up data or results Faking lab data
Manipulating research materials or
Falsification Changing data values or images
processes

Plagiarism Copying others’ work without credit Using a paragraph from a source without

9
Misconduct Definition Example
citing

Redundant Publications: Duplicate and Overlapping Publications

Redundant publication is an unethical practice in academic and scientific
publishing where the same data, results, or substantial parts of a manuscript are
published more than once without proper justification or acknowledgment.
It includes both duplicate and overlapping publications and is considered a violation of
research integrity.

1. Duplicate Publications
Definition
Publishing identical or nearly identical content in more than one journal or
conference without full cross-reference or permission.
Same title, abstract, data, conclusions—published in two places.
Example
 An author submits the same article to two journals and gets it published in both
without disclosure.
2. Overlapping Publications
Definition
Publishing substantially similar content (data, methodology, results, or discussion)
in multiple publications with some variations in wording or format, often to give the illusion
of new work.
⚠Not exactly the same, but large parts overlap (e.g., tables, results, paragraphs).
Example
 A study is published, and then a second paper using the same data set is submitted
with slight rewording or different analysis focus, but without disclosing the overlap.
How to Avoid Redundant Publications
1. Disclose previous submissions or related publications to the editor.
2. Reference earlier work if using the same data or findings.
3. Seek permission before reusing content (especially figures or data).
4. Combine results into a single comprehensive publication when appropriate.

10
 5. Use clear language to distinguish new contributions from prior work.
Type Definition Key Issue

Duplicate Same content published twice without Directly misleads and inflates
Publication citation/disclosure output

Overlapping Similar content with minor changes Self-plagiarism;

Publication published multiple times misrepresentation of novelty

Selective Reporting
Definition
Selective reporting refers to the unethical practice of presenting only a portion of
the research data, typically those that support a desired conclusion, while withholding or
ignoring data that contradict it.
“Cherry-picking” results to create a biased impression of the research.
Examples:
 Reporting only statistically significant results.
 Omitting negative or inconclusive findings.
 Highlighting favorable outcomes in abstracts while ignoring limitations.

2. Misrepresentation of Data
Definition
Misrepresentation of data is the act of deliberately distorting, altering, or
presenting data inaccurately to mislead others about the findings of a study.
Manipulating tables, graphs, or statistical outcomes to support a false conclusion.
Examples:
 Modifying data points to fit a hypothesis.
 Altering images (e.g., gel electrophoresis or microscope images).
 Mislabeling variables or omitting control groups.
 Misleading graphical representations (e.g., using distorted axes or proportions).

Consequences of Selective Reporting & Misrepresentation

 Retraction of published work.

11
  Loss of trust in researchers and institutions.
 Harmful consequences in applied fields like healthcare, education, environment.
 Violation of ethical codes and research integrity policies.
 Legal or academic sanctions.
Practice Definition Unethical Outcome
Reporting only favorable or Bias, misrepresentation of
Selective Reporting
significant results research validity

Misrepresentation of Falsely altering, presenting, or Distorted evidence, false

Data omitting data to mislead conclusions

UNIT III: PUBLICATION ETHICS

Publication Ethics: Definition, Introduction, and Importance

Definition of Publication Ethics

Publication ethics refers to the set of principles and standards that guide the
responsible conduct of publishing scientific, academic, or scholarly work.
It ensures that the integrity, transparency, originality, and fairness of the research and
publishing process are maintained.
COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) defines it as:
“Ethical standards to ensure that authors, reviewers, editors, and publishers act with integrity
and transparency in disseminating research.”

Introduction to Publication Ethics

Publication ethics is a critical component of academic and scientific integrity. It
applies to everyone involved in the publication process:
 Authors must ensure originality, accurate data, and honest authorship.
 Reviewers must be fair, confidential, and unbiased.
 Editors must handle submissions with integrity and without discrimination.
 Publishers must promote transparency and manage ethical issues responsibly.
Publication ethics addresses and prevents issues such as:
 Plagiarism
 Fabrication and falsification

12
  Duplicate publication
 Improper authorship credit
 Conflict of interest
 Peer-review manipulation
It upholds truth and trust in scholarly communication.

Importance of Publication Ethics

1. Ensures Research Integrity
 Prevents fraud, plagiarism, and data manipulation.
 Protects the credibility of the academic community.
2. Maintains Quality and Accuracy
 Ensures that findings are reliable, reproducible, and well-documented.
 Upholds standards for peer review and reporting methods.
3. Protects the Rights of Authors and Participants
 Promotes fair authorship attribution.
 Protects the privacy and consent of study participants.
4. Promotes Fairness and Transparency
 Encourages disclosure of conflicts of interest.
 Prevents bias and favoritism in publishing and reviewing.
5. Builds Public Trust in Science
 Responsible publication supports evidence-based policy, innovation, and social
progress.
 Prevents misinformation and unethical research from influencing society.
6. Prevents Legal and Academic Penalties
 Misconduct can lead to retractions, loss of reputation, legal action, or academic
sanctions.

Aspect Details
Principles that govern ethical publishing of academic and research
Definition
work

13
Aspect Details
Applies to Authors, editors, reviewers, publishers
Addresses Issues Like Plagiarism, data fabrication, authorship disputes, conflicts of interest
Importance Ensures integrity, builds trust, maintains quality and fairness
Example Guidelines/Authorities:
 COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics)
 ICMJE (International Committee of Medical Journal Editors)
 UGC CARE and UGC Regulations on Research Misconduct

Standards Setting Initiatives and Guidelines: COPE & WAME

1. COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics)

Introduction
The Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) is a non-profit organization
founded in 1997 that provides guidance to editors, publishers, and researchers on all
aspects of publication ethics.
Motto: Promoting integrity in research publication.
Key Functions and Guidelines
 Offers ethical guidelines for editors and publishers.
 Provides flowcharts and case studies to address ethical issues (e.g., plagiarism, data
falsification).
 Advises on issues like:
o Authorship disputes
o Conflict of interest
o Redundant publications
o Peer review integrity
o Handling retractions and corrections
Major Resources
 COPE Core Practices
 Code of Conduct and Best Practice Guidelines for Journal Editors
 Retraction Guidelines
 Flowcharts for ethical decision-making

14
Who Uses COPE?
 Over 13,000+ journals and publishers are COPE members.
 Recognized worldwide in both the sciences and humanities.

2. WAME (World Association of Medical Editors)

Introduction
The World Association of Medical Editors (WAME) is a voluntary association of
editors of peer-reviewed medical journals from around the world, established in 1995.
Goal: To improve the quality and integrity of medical journal editorial practices.
Key Roles and Guidelines
 Provides ethical editorial policies for medical journals.
 Offers position statements and guidelines on:
o Authorship criteria
o Editorial independence
o Conflict of interest
o Peer review ethics
o Clinical trial reporting
Key Documents
 Recommendations for the Conduct, Reporting, Editing, and Publication of
Scholarly Work in Medical Journals
 WAME Policy Statements (e.g., duplicate publication, predatory journals,
plagiarism)
Collaboration
WAME collaborates with:
 ICMJE (International Committee of Medical Journal Editors)
 COPE
 WHO and other health bodies

Feature COPE WAME

Full Form Committee on Publication Ethics World Association of Medical Editors

15
Feature COPE WAME
Established 1997 1995
Scope All disciplines, all fields Medical journals and health sciences
Members Editors, publishers, institutions Medical journal editors
Ethics in publication, peer review, Editorial independence, transparency,
Focus Areas
authorship, retraction authorship
Resources Flowcharts, guidelines, best practices Position statements, policy guides

Authorship and Contributorship

1. Definition of Authorship
Authorship refers to the recognition of an individual’s intellectual contribution to a
research project or publication.
It implies both credit and responsibility for the content of the published work.
According to the ICMJE (International Committee of Medical Journal Editors),
authorship should be based on all four of the following criteria:
ICMJE Authorship Criteria (All 4 must be met):
1. Substantial contributions to the conception or design of the work; or the acquisition,
analysis, or interpretation of data.
2. Drafting the work or revising it critically for important intellectual content.
3. Final approval of the version to be published.
4. Agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work and ensure integrity and
accuracy.
Unethical Authorship Practices
1. Gift/Honorary Authorship
o Giving authorship to someone who did not contribute significantly.
2. Ghost Authorship
o Omitting a person who made significant contributions.
3. Guest Authorship
o Listing well-known researchers to increase chances of acceptance, regardless
of their involvement.
4. Order Manipulation

16
 o Improperly assigning order of authors, which may affect academic
recognition.
2. Contributorship
Contributorship is a more detailed and transparent model than authorship. It recognizes
specific roles each individual played in the research and writing process.
Typical Contributor Roles (as per CRediT – Contributor Roles Taxonomy):
 Conceptualization
 Data curation
 Formal analysis
 Funding acquisition
 Investigation
 Methodology
 Project administration
 Resources
 Software
 Supervision
 Validation
 Visualization
 Writing – original draft
 Writing – review & editing
Journals may require authors to declare their contributions using this model, improving
transparency and accountability.
Aspect Authorship Contributorship
Focus Overall responsibility and credit Specific contributions to different tasks
Limited to named authors on the
Recognition Recognizes all contributors
paper
Standard ICMJE 4-point criteria CRediT taxonomy (14 roles)
Authors are fully responsible for Contributors may have limited
Accountability
content accountability
Susceptible to disputes and
Ethical Risk More transparent and inclusive
manipulation

UNIT IV: PUBLICATION MISCONDUCT

17
Authorship: Conflicts, Complaints, Appeals, and Notable Frauds

1. Authorship Conflicts of Interest

What is a Conflict of Interest (COI)?
A conflict of interest occurs when an individual’s personal, financial, professional, or
academic relationships may affect or appear to affect their objectivity, judgment, or
integrity in research and publication.
Examples in Authorship:
 An author includes a senior professor (who gave no input) to gain favor (honorary
authorship).
 A reviewer recommends rejecting a rival’s paper to protect their own research
interests.
 A researcher hides funding received from a pharmaceutical company while publishing
favorable results.
How to Avoid:
 Declare COIs in the manuscript submission.
 Follow journal-specific COI disclosure forms.
 Be transparent about funding sources, affiliations, and roles.

2. Complaints and Appeals in Authorship

Authorship-related complaints often arise due to:
 Exclusion from authorship
 Disputes over authorship order
 Undisclosed contributions or ghost authorship
Ethical Handling:
 COPE and ICMJE guidelines recommend resolving disputes internally first
(among authors or institution).
 If unresolved, escalate to the journal editor or ethics committee.
 Editors must follow transparent, unbiased procedures to investigate.
Appeals:
Authors have the right to appeal editorial decisions, such as:
 Rejection of a manuscript

18
  Retraction due to misconduct
 Disputes in peer review outcomes
Appeals should be well-supported, respectful, and backed by evidence.
3. Case Examples of Research Fraud (India and Abroad)
From India
A. Dr. Rakesh Kumar (AIIMS, New Delhi)
 Published multiple research articles with fabricated data and ghost authorship.
 Papers were retracted, and the case highlighted flaws in internal review systems.
B. Anna University Plagiarism Scandal (2016)
 Several PhD theses and research articles were found to be plagiarized.
 UGC intervened, and degrees were reviewed.
C. Retraction Watch Reports
India has appeared frequently on Retraction Watch for issues like:
 Fake peer review
 Duplicate publications
 Honorary authorship

From Abroad
A. Hwang Woo-suk (South Korea)
 Claimed to have cloned human embryonic stem cells.
 Fabricated data in two major Science journal papers (2004–2005).
 Result: Global scandal; he was dismissed, and papers were retracted.
B. Diederik Stapel (Netherlands)
 Dutch social psychologist who falsified data in over 50+ papers.
 Fabricated experiments entirely.
 Led to massive reviews of psychology publication practices.
C. Andrew Wakefield (UK)
 Published a fraudulent study linking MMR vaccine to autism.
 Study retracted from The Lancet, and he lost his medical license.
 Caused global vaccine hesitancy for years.

19
Topic Key Points
Conflict of Interest Personal or financial influence affecting research integrity
Authorship Disputes over inclusion, order, or contribution; must be resolved
Complaints ethically
Appeals Authors can appeal rejections or decisions with proper justification
Fabrication, ghost authorship, plagiarism scandals (e.g., AIIMS, Anna
Fraud Cases (India)
Univ.)
Stapel (Netherlands), Wakefield (UK), Hwang (Korea) – major data
Fraud Cases (Global)
manipulation

Software Tools: Use of Plagiarism Detection Tools

Purpose of Plagiarism Detection Tools

Plagiarism detection software helps:
 Identify copied content from published works, online sources, and student
submissions.
 Promote academic honesty and research originality.
 Detect self-plagiarism, mosaic plagiarism, or unintended duplication.
 Assist educators, students, and researchers in improving the quality of their work.

1. Turnitin
🔹 Overview
 A widely-used commercial software in academic institutions worldwide.
 Compares text against its massive database of:
o Academic papers
o Journals and books
o Internet sources
o Student submissions (institutional repository)
Features
 Generates a Similarity Report with color-coded matches.
 Provides source tracking and match percentage.
 Allows instructors to provide feedback using integrated grading tools.

20
Pros
 Highly accurate and comprehensive.
 Trusted by universities globally.
 Integrated with Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Moodle.
2. Urkund (now known as Ouriginal)
Overview
 A Swedish plagiarism detection tool commonly used in Europe and India (especially
under UGC mandate).
 Integrated into learning platforms and email-based submission.
Features
 Analyzes documents against:
o Online sources
o Published academic material
o Previous student submissions
 Generates an analysis report showing overlap and risk levels.
Pros
 User-friendly and widely used in Indian academia.
 Supports multiple languages.
 Preferred by many public universities.

3. Open Source & Free Tools

A. PlagScan
 Freemium service with detailed reports.
 Good for small-scale checking.
 Easy to use and available online.
B. Plagiarism Checker X
 Desktop-based tool used by researchers and educators.
 Allows bulk document analysis.
 Offers side-by-side comparison.
C. Grammarly Plagiarism Checker
 Part of the premium Grammarly plan.
 Good for detecting web-based plagiarism and paraphrasing issues.

21
D. Quetext
 Free tier available with limitations.
 Highlights copied phrases and provides source links.
E. SmallSEOTools
 Simple free tool with basic detection.
 Useful for quick checks but lacks academic depth.

Tool Type Strengths Limitations

Paid Most comprehensive, accurate, Expensive, not for
Turnitin
(Institutional) academic database individuals
Urkund Paid Widely used, user-friendly, Less customizable,
(Ouriginal) (Institutional) UGC preferred subscription needed
PlagScan Freemium Good balance of features Free version has limits
Plagiarism No web database
Paid (One-time) Desktop use, bulk checks
Checker X integration
Quetext / Not reliable for academic
Free Quick and simple
SmallSEO writing
Grammarly Integrates grammar and Web-based only, not
Paid
Premium plagiarism academic-specific

UNIT V: DATABASE AND RESEARCH METRICS

Indexing Database
An indexing database is a bibliographic database that includes basic publication
information (like title, authors, abstract, keywords, etc.) of research articles from various
journals.
These databases help users search, discover, and access scholarly articles efficiently.
🎯 Purpose: To increase visibility, discoverability, and credibility of journals and articles.

22
Citation Database
A citation database includes not just bibliographic information but also citation data—it
shows who cited whom.
It allows researchers to track impact, influence, and connectivity of research across
disciplines.
🎯 Purpose: To evaluate research impact, author influence, and journal quality.

2. Major Indexing and Citation Databases

A. Web of Science (WoS)

Developed by:
Clarivate Analytics (formerly Thomson Reuters)
Features:
 Covers high-quality, peer-reviewed journals.
 Contains Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE), Social Sciences Citation Index
(SSCI), and Arts & Humanities Citation Index (AHCI).
 Provides Impact Factor through Journal Citation Reports (JCR).
 Tracks citations for authors, institutions, and countries.
Used For:
 Research evaluation
 Ranking institutions
 Identifying influential papers

B. Scopus
Developed by:
Elsevier
📌 Features:
 Indexes over 25,000 journals, including conference proceedings and book chapters.
 Covers science, technology, medicine, social sciences, and arts & humanities.
 Offers citation analysis, h-index, and author profiles.
 Used for institutional rankings (e.g., QS, THE).

23
📊 Used For:
 Evaluating researcher performance
 Analyzing trends and collaborations
 Finding top journals and researchers

C. Google Scholar
🌐 Developed by:
Google
📌 Features:
 Freely indexes a wide range of sources: journals, theses, preprints, books, etc.
 Provides citation counts and author profiles.
 Less curated; includes non-peer-reviewed content.
📊 Used For:
 Quick access to literature
 Citation tracking for free
 Academic profiles (Google Scholar Citations)
D. PubMed
🌐 Developed by:
National Library of Medicine (U.S.)
📌 Features:
 Indexes biomedical and life sciences literature.
 Free to access via MEDLINE.
 Used mainly by medical, life sciences, and health professionals.

E. UGC-CARE List (India-specific)

🌐 Developed by:
University Grants Commission (UGC), India
📌 Features:
 Curated list of approved journals for Indian researchers.
 Divided into Group I (journals verified by UGC) and Group II (WoS/Scopus-
indexed).
 Promotes quality over predatory publishing.

24
 Provides
Database Type Scope Used For
Citations?
Web of Indexing + Multidisciplinary, Impact factor, citation
✅ Yes
Science Citation curated reports
Indexing + Broad disciplinary h-index, author
Scopus ✅ Yes
Citation coverage metrics, trends
Google Free Indexing + Wide (including grey Free citation tracking,
✅ Yes
Scholar Citation literature) academic search
Subject-specific Biomedical & life ❌ No direct Health research,
PubMed
Indexing sciences citation tool literature reviews
UGC- Indexing Journals approved by Academic eligibility
❌ No
CARE (India) UGC in India

Research Metrics: Journal and Author Impact Indicators

I. Journal-Level Metrics
These metrics measure the impact and quality of journals, helping researchers choose
where to publish and libraries decide which journals to subscribe to.

1. Impact Factor (IF)

 Published by: Clarivate Analytics in the Journal Citation Reports (JCR)
 Definition: The average number of citations received per paper published in the
journal during the two preceding years.
Formula:
IF = Citations in year X to articles published in (X-1 and X-2) ÷ Total articles published in
(X-1 and X-2)
 Example: IF of 5.0 means articles published in the last 2 years were cited 5 times on
average.
2. SJR (SCImago Journal Rank)
 Published by: SCImago using Scopus data

25
  Definition: Reflects both the number of citations and the prestige of the citing
journals.
Higher SJR = citations from high-impact journals.
 Useful for comparing journal quality within a field.

3. SNIP (Source Normalized Impact per Paper)

 Published by: CWTS Leiden University using Scopus data
 Definition: Measures a journal’s contextual citation impact by normalizing
differences in citation behavior across disciplines.
SNIP > 1 means the journal has above-average citation impact.

4. IPP (Impact per Publication)

 Published by: Scopus
 Definition: Similar to Impact Factor but over a three-year period. It is the ratio of
citations received in a year to documents published in the previous three years.

5. CiteScore
 Published by: Elsevier using Scopus data
 Definition: Measures average citations received per document over a four-year
window.
Formula:
CiteScore = Citations in 4 years ÷ Documents published in 4 years
 Includes all document types: articles, reviews, conference papers, etc.

II. Author-Level Metrics

These metrics evaluate the productivity, quality, and influence of an individual researcher.

1. h-index
 Definition: An author has index h if h of their papers have at least h citations each.
A researcher with an h-index of 10 has published 10 papers, each cited at least 10 times.
 Used by: Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science

2. i10-index

26
  Developed by: Google Scholar
 Definition: Number of publications with at least 10 citations each.
Example: i10-index = 15 → 15 papers have ≥10 citations each.

3. Altmetrics (Alternative Metrics)

 Definition: Measures the online attention and social impact of a research article
beyond traditional citations.
Includes:
 Mentions in social media (Twitter, Facebook)
 News articles
 Blog posts
 Policy documents
 Downloads/views
 Tools: Altmetric.com (donut score), PlumX Metrics

Metric Type Measures Published by

Impact Factor Journal-level Avg. citations over 2 years Clarivate (JCR)
SJR Journal-level Prestige-weighted citation impact SCImago (Scopus)
SNIP Journal-level Field-normalized citation impact CWTS (Scopus)
IPP Journal-level Avg. citations over 3 years Scopus
CiteScore Journal-level Avg. citations over 4 years Elsevier (Scopus)
h-index Author-level No. of papers with h or more citations Scopus, Google Scholar
i10-index Author-level No. of papers with ≥10 citations Google Scholar
Altmetrics Article-level Online/social media attention Altmetric.com, PlumX

UNIT VI: DEVELOPMENT OF E-CONDUCT & IPR

Integrated Library Management System (ILMS)

Definition
An Integrated Library Management System (ILMS) is a software-based system used to
automate, manage, and integrate all operations of a library, including:
 Acquisition of materials
 Cataloguing

27
  Circulation (issue/return)
 Serial control (journals, magazines)
 Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC)
 User management


Module Function
Ordering, purchasing, and invoicing for new books and
Acquisition
resources
Classification and metadata creation (using MARC21, Dewey
Cataloguing
Decimal, etc.)
Circulation Book issue/return, renewal, fines, user history
OPAC Searchable catalog interface for users
Serial Control Management of periodicals, journals, subscriptions
Reports & Statistics Usage reports, inventory, user activity
User Management Account creation, login management, user roles and permissions
Digital Resource
Handling e-books, digital archives, and institutional repositories
Management

Software Type Features

Most widely used ILMS; customizable, multilingual,
KOHA Open-source
supports MARC and RFID
SOUL Government- Used by many Indian universities; UGC-
(INFLIBNET) developed recommended
Libsys Commercial High-end features with support and scalability
Java-based, user-friendly, suitable for academic and
NewGenLib Open-source
public libraries
Evergreen Open-source Used mainly by public library systems
SLIM21 Commercial Designed for small to medium academic libraries

Benefit Impact

28
Software Type Features
Speeds up routine operations
Time efficiency
(issue/return, cataloging)
Reduces human errors in classification
Accuracy
and tracking
Through OPAC, users can check
User-friendly access
availability/search resources
Reduces paperwork, minimizes
Cost-effective
duplication of resources
Transparency and Tracks late returns, usage trends, and
tracking library performance
Supports e-resources, institutional
Digital integration
repositories

Digital Resources in Indian Higher Education

1. E-Journals
Definition: Digital versions of academic journals accessible online through institutional or
individual subscriptions.
Examples/Platforms:
 JSTOR, SpringerLink, ScienceDirect, IEEE Xplore, Taylor & Francis
 Access provided through e-ShodhSindhu
🔍 Used for: Literature reviews, academic research, current developments.

2. E-Books
Definition: Digital books accessible via computers, tablets, or e-readers, often used for
academic reading.
Platforms:
 NDLI (National Digital Library of India)

29
  NPTEL e-books
 DOAB (Directory of Open Access Books)
 Institutional digital libraries
🔍 Used in: Course curriculum, reading assignments, reference work.

3. e-ShodhSindhu
Full Form: Consortium for Higher Education Electronic Resources
 Launched by Ministry of Education and managed by INFLIBNET.
 Provides access to 6,000+ e-journals, e-books, and bibliographic databases to Indian
colleges and universities.
 Integrates INDEST, UGC-INFONET, and NLIST.
4. Shodhganga
 A digital repository of Indian theses and dissertations.
 Managed by INFLIBNET under UGC guidelines.
 Universities are mandated to upload approved theses.

5. Databases
These are organized collections of academic information (articles, books, citations).
Examples:
 Scopus
 Web of Science
 PubMed
 ERIC (for education)
 J-Gate
📌 Used for: Literature review, citation analysis, research validation.

6. E-Content Development
Definition: Creation of digital instructional material including:
 Videos
 Slides
 Interactive modules
 Audio lectures
 Simulations and animations

30
Objectives:
 Support blended learning, distance education, and self-paced learning.

7. Learning Management System (LMS)

Definition: Software platform for managing and delivering educational courses and content
online.
Popular LMS in India:
 Moodle (open-source)
 Google Classroom
 Canvas
 Blackboard
Features:
 Upload lessons
 Take quizzes
 Communicate with students
 Track attendance and progress
Widely used in online learning and assessment.

8. e-PG Pathshala
 Initiative by UGC and MHRD under the National Mission on Education through
ICT (NMEICT).
 Offers high-quality e-content for postgraduate courses in 70+ subjects.
 Includes: Video lectures, reading material, MCQs, case studies.

9. CEC (Consortium for Educational Communication)

 One of the inter-university centers under UGC.
 Focus: Producing and broadcasting educational video content.
 Supports college-level education via SWAYAM and national TV (e.g., Vande
Gujarat channel).

10. SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds)
 India’s national MOOCs platform launched by MHRD.
 Offers free online courses from institutions like IITs, IIMs, IGNOU, etc.
 Covers school, undergraduate, postgraduate, and skill development levels.
31
  Certificate upon successful completion.

11. MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses)

 Free online courses available to anyone, anywhere.
 Indian MOOCs platforms: SWAYAM, NPTEL, IIMBx, NIOS MOOC
 International MOOCs: Coursera, edX, FutureLearn
🎯 Useful for lifelong learning, reskilling, and academic credits.

12. NPTEL (National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning)

 Joint initiative by IITs and IISc, supported by MHRD.
 Offers free online technical and engineering courses.
 Integrated with SWAYAM, with option for certification.
 High-quality lectures from top Indian faculty.

NMEICT (National Mission on Education through Information and

Communication Technology)
 Government initiative to enhance education using ICT tools and resources.
 Supports projects like:
o NPTEL
o e-PG Pathshala
o Virtual Labs
o SWAYAM
o FOSSEE (Free and Open Source Software for Education)

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

Definition of IPR
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) are legal rights granted to creators and inventors to
protect their original creations, inventions, and innovations. These rights provide exclusive
control over the use of their work for a certain period.
🎯 Purpose: To encourage creativity, innovation, and economic growth by safeguarding
intellectual creations.

32
Types of Intellectual Property Rights
Patent
Aspect Details
A patent is an exclusive right granted for an invention — a product or
Definition process that offers a new way of doing something or solves a technical
problem.
Term 20 years (from the filing date)
Governing Body The Indian Patent Office, under the Ministry of Commerce and
(India) Industry
Medicine formulas, mechanical devices, software algorithms (in some
Examples
cases)
Requirements Must be novel, non-obvious, and useful

Copyright
Aspect Details
Copyright protects original literary, artistic, musical, and dramatic works,
Definition
including software and cinematographic films.
Term Life of the author + 60 years
Governing
Copyright Office, under Ministry of Education
Body
Examples Books, paintings, songs, software code, films, academic papers
Key Rights Reproduction, distribution, adaptation, and public performance
Registration Optional, but helpful in legal disputes
Trademark
Aspect Details
A trademark is a recognizable sign, word, logo, symbol, or expression used to
Definition
identify and distinguish the goods or services of one seller from others.
Term 10 years (renewable indefinitely)
Governing
Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (CGPDTM)
Body
Examples Logos (Nike ✔), brand names (Amul, Tata), slogans (“Just Do It”)
Benefits Builds brand identity, prevents misuse or counterfeiting

33
Aspect Details

Geographical Indication (GI)

Aspect Details
A GI tag is used for products that have a specific geographical origin and
Definition
possess qualities, reputation, or characteristics essentially due to that place.
Term 10 years (renewable)
Governing
Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai (India)
Body
Examples
Darjeeling Tea, Kanjeevaram Saree, Banarasi Silk, Alphonso Mango
(India)
Purpose Protects traditional knowledge, ensures rural economic development

34