Research

Journal of Ayurveda Case Reports

Research By Ayush


Besides this, publications also complement teaching activities, public health and clinical practices. Important reasons to start writing by many professionals is to satisfy job requirements, get promotions in academic positions, professional accreditations, improving prospects of succeeding in research grant applications, become an expert in a particular field etc. Publication in reputed journals give recognition for individuals in their respective fields. Among researchers, the adage Publish or Perish is a reminder of the importance of publication.1 Further, it is also said that A scientific experiment, never completes until the results are published and all such original experiments are must to be published. The fundamental aim of this is not only to authenticate the science but also to add some new leads to the existing knowledge. It makes clear that a scientist not only DO research, but must WRITE the results. During the past couple of few decades, rapid expansion of technology has been witnessed, thus revamp in the publication sector has also been noticed. Professionals of different sectors, clinicians, researchers, policy makers etc. started using the technology, communicating research increasingly with greater ease and speed. Technology has facilitated different aspects of the publication process. Recent criteria for career advancement, promotions for teachers and mandatory publications for MD and PhD students have been forcing them towards publishing articles. There is also a significant rise in the number of journals, most of which are paid journals. The competition between journals for publishing papers, fast track publishing systems, advertising for papers, e-journals have created favourable conditions for those who lack hard working and scientific writing skills and are still making desperate attempts for publications. Such authors and journals which didn’t have sufficient quality are becoming responsible for turning journalism into a professional market. Considering the need, University Grants Commission (UGC) has established a Consortium for Academic and Research Ethics (CARE) aiming at strengthening quality research publications. UGC-CARE is a blend of Statutory Councils/ Academies/ Government bodies in Social Sciences, Humanities, Arts and Fine Arts, Science, Medical, Agriculture, Engineering and the Association of Indian Universities as on January 1, 2019. Central Council for Indian Medicine (CCIM), being a member of UGC-CARE is taking efforts to identify and enlist standard journals for AYUSH publications that appeared through its communication No 18-12/2018-Conference dated 07.01.2019. Though these efforts of CCIM are laudable; a few areas still need to be concerned while identifying standard journals for AYUSH publications. A few areas of concern through the available list are as below: 1. Beall’s List of Predatory Journals / Publishers doesn’t exist in current times (the latest update is done on 9th January 2017). Thus, it is better avoiding this clause from the communication.2 2. Well defined criteria to enlist standard journals is to be prepared and followed stringently. Efforts are also needed to define to understand ‘National’, 

‘International’, ‘Local’ journals etc. Mere presence of a word (such as ‘International’) doesn’t confer it with a higher quality. Journals and PATRIKAs that don't meet the stipulated standards shouldn’t be given a space into the list. 3. Creditable journals being published regularly should be given a place in the list. Issues of International Journal of Ayurveda Research (IJAR), one of the enlisted journals are not observed during the last couple of years. Similarly, credentials of Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Siddha (JRAS) also need verification. Latest volume of the journal appears to belong to 2009.3 Preferably, such journals should be avoided to be enlisted for the time being. 4. More precisely, rather than enlisting approved journals; can the authority focus on identifying credible indexing agencies (like PubMed etc.) and accept all such journals being published in them. This will avoid confusion. Currently, many academic institutions are following the Approved List of Journals prepared by UGC for the purpose of Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) and Direct Recruitment of academic staff.4 These regulatory measures are aimed to improve the quality of research. As representatives of CCIM is an active UGC-CARE member,5 they should be vigilant in preparing such a standard list of journals. This approved Journals List should be dynamic in nature and at regular intervals it should be amended. On the other facet of this aspect; there is a need to analyse availability of quantum journals that support and accept AYUSH research as such. To meet their requirements; the quality of AYUSH research needs to be improved. Research and good writing skills are to be inculcated in AYUSH students and faculties. A focus in this dimension is very much essential and a need of the time.





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