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Writing and Publishing Article &
Plagiarism
1
Dr. R S Mehta, MSND, BPKIHS
“There is no way to get experience except through experience.”
2Dr. R S Mehta, MSND, BPKIHS
Why write and publish research papers?
Ideally – to share research findings and discoveries
with the hope of improving healthcare.Practically –
to get fundingto get promotedto get a jobto keep your job!
3Dr. R S Mehta, MSND, BPKIHS
“Scientists are rated by what they finish, not by what they attempt”
4Dr. R S Mehta, MSND, BPKIHS
Getting a paper published
Competition for space in journals
Rejection rates vary AJP = 50% JBC = 65% NEJM, Science, Nature = 90%
5Dr. R S Mehta, MSND, BPKIHS
Major reasons for rejection
Confirmatory (not novel) Poor experimental design
- Poor controls - Hypothesis not adequately tested
Inappropriate for journal Poorly written
6Dr. R S Mehta, MSND, BPKIHS
Tips1. Know the journal, its editors, and why you
submitted the paper there
2. Pay close attention to spelling, grammar, and punctuation
3. Make sure references are comprehensive and accurate
4. Avoid careless mistakes
5. Read and conform to “Instructions for Authors”7Dr. R S Mehta, MSND, BPKIHS
Publish or perish
8Dr. R S Mehta, MSND, BPKIHS
Publish and perish“The Seven Deadly Sins”
1. Data manipulation, falsification
2. Duplicate manuscripts
3. Redundant publication (unnecessary/useless)
4. Plagiarism
5. Author conflicts of interest
6. Animal use concerns
7. Humans use concerns 9Dr. R S Mehta, MSND, BPKIHS
What makes a good research paper?
Good science Good writing Publication in good journals
10Dr. R S Mehta, MSND, BPKIHS
What constitutes good science?
Novel – new and not resembling something formerly known or used (can be novel but not important)
Mechanistic – testing a hypothesis - determining the fundamental processes involved in or responsible for an action, reaction, or other natural phenomenon
Descriptive – describes how are things are but does not test how things work – hypotheses are not tested.
11Dr. R S Mehta, MSND, BPKIHS
What constitutes a good journal?
Impact factor – average number of times published papers are cited up to two years after publication.
Immediacy Index – average number of times published papers are cited during year of publication.
12Dr. R S Mehta, MSND, BPKIHS
Journal Citation Report, 2003
Journal Impact Factor Immediacy Index
Nature 30.979 06.679 Science 29.162 05.589
Hypertens 05.630 00.838 AJ P Heart 03.658 00.675 Physiol Rev 36.831 03.727
Am J Math 00.962 00.122 Ann Math 01.505 00.564
5907 journals
AM J MATH 0002-9327 002353 00.962 00.122 AM J MATH 0002-9327 002353 00.962 00.122
13Dr. R S Mehta, MSND, BPKIHS
Parts of a manuscript
TitleAbstractIntroductionMethodsResultsDiscussionAcknowledgementsReferences
14Dr. R S Mehta, MSND, BPKIHS
Write in what order?
TitleAbstractIntroductionMethodsResultsDiscussionAcknowledgementsReferences
15Dr. R S Mehta, MSND, BPKIHS
Methods and materials Best to begin writing when experiments still in progress. Should be detailed enough so results can be repeated by others. Reference published methods where appropriate. Include animal/human use approval information. Use descriptive subheadings
Animals Surgical procedures Histochemistry
16Dr. R S Mehta, MSND, BPKIHS
Results
Briefly repeating protocols can be effective
Tables and figures must be straight forward and concise
Present main findings referring to tables/figures.
Do not speculate or over discuss results.
17Dr. R S Mehta, MSND, BPKIHS
Introduction
Build case for why study is important/necessary
Provide brief background
State hypothesis / central question
Give a one sentence summary of findings
18Dr. R S Mehta, MSND, BPKIHS
Discussion
First answer question posed in introduction
Relate your conclusion to existing knowledge
Discuss weaknesses and discrepancies
Explain what is new without exaggerating
Do not repeat results
Conclusion/summary, perspectives, implications
19Dr. R S Mehta, MSND, BPKIHS
References
Relevant and recent
Be highly selective
Read the references
Do not misquote
Use correct style for journal20Dr. R S Mehta, MSND, BPKIHS
Abstract Critical part of paper
State main objective
Summarize most important results
State major conclusions and significance
Avoid acronyms
Write and rewrite until flawless21Dr. R S Mehta, MSND, BPKIHS
Title
Will determine whether paper gets read Avoid long title (see journal rules) Avoid abbreviations Title format:
“The effects of heat on ice”“Heat melts ice”“The role of heat in melting ice”
22Dr. R S Mehta, MSND, BPKIHS
Words and expressions to avoid
Jargon Preferred usea considerable amount of muchon account of becausea number of several Referred to as calledIn a number of cases someHas the capacity to canIt is clear that clearlyIt is apparent that apparentlyEmploy useFabricate make
Day, RA. “How to write and publish a scientific paper,” 5th edition, Oryx Press, 1998. 23Dr. R S Mehta, MSND, BPKIHS
Revise, revise and revise
All authors should participate
Review order of data presentation
Polish the writing style
Double check references
Look for typos
Double check spelling
24Dr. R S Mehta, MSND, BPKIHS
Develop a good writing style
Read well written articlesTry to get good writers to reviewLearn from editing changes
25Dr. R S Mehta, MSND, BPKIHS
Abstract
• Descriptive/unstructured or informative or structured.
• Word limit: 100-400, average 250• Headings:
- Background/Objective - Methodology- Results- Conclusion
Report Writing…• One idea per sentences only• Not more than 20 words per sentences• Not more than 5 sentences per paragraph• Not more than 3 paragraph per heading• Do not use that or which more than one
per sentences• Check spelling and grammar• Acknowledge: original source
RULES FOR MAKING A TABLE
1. Should be self explanatory2. Should always have table number & title3. Names of the variables (units) must be
mentioned4. Choice of row and column 5. Number should always add to the group
total
1. Percentages should be rounded to make total 100.0
2. Number of digits after the decimal place(output)
3. Table and text could co-exist on the same page
4. For binary variable, one category and the total can be given
5. For quantitative variable, specify (mean, SD, median, range, etc.)
RULES FOR MAKING A TABLE (contd.)
RULES FOR MAKING A DIAGRAM
1. As simple as possible and self-explanatory2. Mostly to show important points3. Table followed by a diagram, not advisable4. Must specify: names of variables, units,
legends5. Like tables, graph and text can be on the
same page6. Golden rule is that it should speak by itself
Submission
1. Read instructions carefully2. Fill out all necessary forms
Copyright transferConflict of interest
3. Write cover letter (suggest reviewers)4. Confirm receipt after 6 weeks
31Dr. R S Mehta, MSND, BPKIHS
Process of Research Publication
Completion of research
Preparation of manuscript
Submission of manuscript
Assignment and review
Decision
Revision
Resubmission
Re-reviewAcceptance
Publication
Rejection
Rejection32Dr. R S Mehta, MSND, BPKIHS
Responding to reviewers
1. Carefully prepare your responsesEach comment should be addressedEach change should be statedBe enthusiastic
2. Reviewer may be wrong3. Be tactful – thank the reviewers4. Do not respond to reviewers while upset5. Never call the editor6. Get help from other authors
33Dr. R S Mehta, MSND, BPKIHS
Remember:
Every paper will get published somewhere!
34Dr. R S Mehta, MSND, BPKIHS
Thank You
35
Dr. RS Mehta, MSND, BPKIHS