Personal Research Database

Full Text: 2005\Scientometrics64, 209.pdf

Abstract: Which signals are important in gaining attention in science? For a group of 1,371 scientific articles published in 17 demography journals in the years 1990-1992 we track their influence and discern which signals are important in receiving citations. Three types of signals are examined: the author’s reputation (as producer of the idea), the journal (as the broker of the idea), and the state of uncitedness (as an indication of the assessment by the scientific community of an idea). The empirical analysis points out that, first, the reputation of journals plays an overriding role in gaining attention in science. Second, in contrast to common wisdom, the state of uncitedness does not affect the future probability of being cited. And third, the reputation of a journal may help to get late recognition (so-called sleeping beauties) as well as generate ‘flash-in-the-pans’: immediately noted articles but apparently not very influential in the long run.

Keywords: Analysis, Articles, Assessment, Attention, Citations, Demographers, Economics, Indication, Journal, Journals, Points, Science, Success

? Yu, G., Wang, X.H. and Yu, D.R. (2005), The influence of publication delays on impact factors. Scientometrics, 64 (2), 235-246.

Full Text: 2005\Scientometrics64, 235.pdf

Abstract: Based on the convolution formula of the disturbed aging distribution (EGGHE & ROUSSEAU, 2000) and the transfer function model of the publishing delay process, we establish the transfer function model of the disturbed citing process. Using the model, we make simulative investigations of disturbed citation distributions and impact factors according to different average publication delays. These simulative results show that the bigger increment the average publication delays in a scientific field, the larger shift backwards of the citation distribution curves and the more fall the impact factors of journals in the field. Based on some theoretical hypotheses, it is shown that there exists theoretically an approximate inverse linear relation between the field (or discipline) average publication delay and the journal impact factor.

Keywords: Aging, Citation, Impact, Impact Factor, Impact Factors, Journal, Journal Impact, Journal Impact Factor, Journals, Model, Process, Publication, Publishing

? Burrell, Q.L. (2005), The use of the generalized Waring process in modelling informetric data. Scientometrics, 64 (3), 247-270.

Full Text: 2005\Scientometrics64, 247.pdf

Abstract: Although its use in informetrics dates back at least to 1987, data analysed in a recent paper by SHAN et al. (2004) has rekindled interest in the generalized Waring distribution (GWD). The purpose of this note is to show that for many purposes, the distribution is best motivated via a familiar informetric scenario of a population of “sources” producing “items” over time leading to a stochastic process from which the univariate, bivariate and multivariate forms of the GWD are natural consequences. Earlier work and possible future applications are highlighted. Many of the results are due to Irwin and Xekalaki while much of the material on the Waring process has been previously available in an unpublished research report by the author (Burrell, 1991).

Keywords: Accident Theory, Author, Informetrics, Interest, Markov, Modelling, Natural, Prediction, Process, Research

? Garcia, C.E. and Sanz-Menendez, L. (2005), Competition for funding as an indicator of research competitiveness. Scientometrics, 64 (3), 271-300.

Full Text: 2005\Scientometrics64, 271.pdf

Abstract: Research quality is the cornerstone of modern science, it is used in the understanding of reputational differences among scientific and academic institutions. Traditionally, scientific activity is measured by a set of indicators and well-established bibliometric techniques based on the number of academic papers published in top-ranked journals or on the number of citations of these papers. These indicators are usually critical in measuring differences in research performance, both at individual and at scientific institutional levels. In this paper, we introduce an alternative and complementary set of indicators based on the results of competition for research funding, that aims to enlarge the framework in which research performance has traditionally been measured. Theoretical support for this paper is found in the role that the search for funding plays in the researchers’ credibility cycle as well as in peer review, the basic instrument for the allocation of public R&D funds. Our method analyses the outcomes of the researchers’ struggle for funding, using data from research proposal applications and awards, as the unit of observation, and aggregating them by research institutions to rank them in relative scales of research competitiveness.

Keywords: Bibliometric Indicators, Excellence, Impact, Journals, Netherlands, Research Performance, Research Policy, Science Policy, Stands Today, University

? Marinova, D., McAleer, M. and Slottje, D. (2005), Antitrust environment and innovation. Scientometrics, 64 (3), 301-311.

Full Text: 2005\Scientometrics64, 301.pdf

Abstract: This paper examines the relationship between the antitrust environment and innovation in the US economy, where innovation is measured by patent activity. The hypothesis to be tested is whether antitrust enforcement activity, as measured by the number of civil filings of the US Department of Justice, has had a significant impact on the level of innovation in the US economy, after adjusting for other factors that have an impact on innovation, such as research and development expenditures and real economic growth. Impacts of civil antitrust case filings, criminal antitrust case filings and total US Department of Justice antitrust case filings on patent activity in the USA are estimated for the period 1953-2000. The empirical results show that civil case filings have a statistically significant impact on innovation.

? Cardona, M. and Marx, W. (2005), The disaster of the Nazi-power in science as reflected by some leading journals and scientists in physics. A bibliometric study. Scientometrics, 64 (3), 313-324.

Full Text: 2005\Scientometrics64, 313.pdf

Abstract: The dramatic consequences of the Nazi-power for science are described extensively in various articles and books. Recent progress in information systems allows a more quantitative reflection. Literature databases ranging back to the beginning of the 20th century, the ISI citation indexes ranging back to 1945 and sophisticated search systems are suitable tools for this purpose. In this study the overall break in the scientific productivity and that of selected physical journals are examined. An overview of the citation impact of some 50 leading physicists is given. The productivity before and after departure is analyzed and, in some cases, connected to biographical data.

? Muñoz-Muñoz, A.M. (2005), The scholarly transition of female academics at the University of Granada (1975-1990). Scientometrics, 64 (3), 325-350.

Full Text: 2005\Scientometrics64, 325.pdf

Abstract: An attempt is made to shed light on part of Granada University’s female academics’ past in what was a critical period in Spain’s history (1975-1982), referring of course to the political transition from dictatorship to democracy. The period studied is 1975-1990, in which an analysis is made of a section of the teaching staff, using part of the female staff as the sample due to their being the most socially affected during this period. Firstly, a study is carried out on the teaching staff, both male and female, to verify the staff situation at the university using the gender indicator. Secondly, the female teachers’ scholarly output is studied, due to the fact that areas of study are very varied, it has been considered appropriate to apply the study to monographs, scholarly publications articles and doctoral theses. Moreover, because the study intends to be as exhaustive as possible, various databases and catalogues have been consulted which collect the documental typology to be used in the analysis.

Keywords: Bibliometric Analysis, Countries, Indicators, ISI, Publications, Sci 1984-89, Sciences, Spanish Pharmacologists, Women Scientists

? Boyack, K.W., Klavans, R. and Börner, K. (2005), Mapping the backbone of science. Scientometrics, 64 (3), 351-374.

Full Text: 2005\Scientometrics64, 351.pdf

Abstract: This paper presents a new map representing the structure of all of science, based on journal articles, including both the natural and social sciences. Similar to cartographic maps of our world, the map of science provides a bird’s eye view of today’s scientific landscape. It can be used to visually identify major areas of science, their size, similarity, and interconnectedness. In order to be useful, the map needs to be accurate on a local and on a global scale. While our recent work has focused on the former aspect,1 this paper summarizes results on how to achieve structural accuracy. Eight alternative measures of journal similarity were applied to a data set of 7,121 journals covering over 1 million documents in the combined Science Citation and Social Science Citation Indexes. For each journal similarity measure we generated two-dimensional spatial layouts using the force-directed graph layout tool, VxOrd. Next, mutual information values were calculated for each graph at different clustering levels to give a measure of structural accuracy for each map. The best co-citation and inter-citation maps according to local and structural accuracy were selected and are presented and characterized. These two maps are compared to establish robustness. The inter-citation map is then used to examine linkages between disciplines. Biochemistry appears as the most interdisciplinary discipline in science.

? Bonitz, M. (2005), Ten years Matthew effect for countries. Scientometrics, 64 (3), 375-379.

Full Text: 2005\Scientometrics64, 375.pdf

Abstract: Actually the Matthew effect for countries (MEC) was discovered at Holy Eve 1994. Since then more than 30 papers of mine - many of them together with Andrea Scharnhorst and Eberhard Bruckner - appeared in journals or were read at conferences of international and national scientific societies. (1-6) It is not the task of this paper to present a bibliometric analysis of those paper’s impact, nor to give any detailed historical description of the surprising findings following the discovery. I’d rather try to unfold - from the heightened standpoint of our days - a new summary of the Matthew phenomenon, because I am convinced it will not lose fascination and importance in the years to come.

Keywords: Competition, Core Journals, Nations, Science

? Park, H.W., Hong, H.D. and Leydesdorff, L. (2005), A comparison of the knowledge-based innovation systems in the economies of South Korea and the Netherlands using Triple Helix indicators. Scientometrics, 65 (1), 3-27.

Full Text: 2005\Scientometrics65, 3.pdf

Abstract: This paper elaborates on the Triple Helix model for measuring the emergence of a knowledge base of socio-economic systems. The ‘knowledge infrastructure’ is measured using multiple indicators: webometric, scientometric, and technometric. The paper employs this triangulation strategy to examine the current state of the innovation systems of South Korea and the Netherlands. These indicators are thereafter used for the evaluation of the systemness in configurations of university-industry-government relations. South Korea is becoming somewhat stronger than the Netherlands in terms of scientific and technological outputs and in terms of the knowledge-based dynamics, South Korea’s portfolio is more traditional than that of the Netherlands. For example, research and patenting in the biomedical sector is underdeveloped. In terms of the Internet-economy, the Netherlands seem oriented towards global trends more than South Korea, this may be due to the high component of services in the Dutch economy.

? Sternberg, R. and Litzenberger, T. (2005), The publication and citation output of German Faculties of Economics and Social Sciences - A comparison of faculties and disciplines based upon SSCI data. Scientometrics, 65 (1), 29-53.

Full Text: 2005\Scientometrics65, 29.pdf

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to quantify and compare the publication and citation output of the biggest faculties of economics and social sciences in Germany. Various publication and citation measures based upon Social Science Citation Index (SSCI) data are used to explore the comparative strengths and weaknesses of ten academic fields at the named faculties. To reflect the varying size of the fields and faculties, output measures as well as productivity measures are explicitly considered. From a bibliometric perspective empirical results demonstrate that various measures are necessary to adequately identify the comparative strengths and weaknesses of entire faculties and of selected disciplines within faculties.

? Gordon, A. (2005), Homeland security literature in relation to terrorism publications: The source and the response. Scientometrics, 65 (1), 55-65.

Full Text: 2005\Scientometrics65, 55.pdf

Abstract: The literature on Terrorism and National Security (NS), and Homeland Security (HS) presents two sides of a coin: one side demonstrates the problematic nature of terrorism and asks for solutions; the other side tries to find a response and solutions to the problem. It was expected that the NS literature would emanate from the same source material as the HS publications. Analysis of the literature of terrorism, homeland security, and national security on Science Citation Index (SCI) has shown that the material on terrorism and NS stems from the same scientific sources; that is, the Social Sciences. In contrast, the HS scientific literature originates in the exact sciences, engineering, and life and environmental sources. The three kinds of literature have grown remarkably in recent years; however, cross-section search strategy between terrorism and HS studies yields small retrieval sets. This means that few articles both present the problem and propose possible solutions. Currently, HS is on one side of the scholarly arena, and NS and terrorism literature on the other side; they advance mostly in lines parallel to each other, but as the researcher moves from observing the core scientific literature toward the more general material, this state of affairs changes. Another analysis of a multimedia database, WorldCatalog (which indexes mostly books, but also videos and computer materials, both scientific and popular) demonstrates a different trend; the same publications deal with both terrorism and HS counter-terrorism, and suggested solutions.

Keywords: Analysis, Citation, Computer, Environmental, Indexes, Literature, Publications, SCI, Science, Science Citation Index, Sciences, Scientific Literature, Social Sciences, Strategy, Terrorism, Trend

? Pinto, M., Berrocal, J.L.A., García, J.A.C., Marcial, V.F., Figuerola, C.G., Marco, J.G. Gómez, C.C. and Zazo, R.Á.F. (2005), Quality assessment of Spanish universities’ web sites focused on the European Research Area. Scientometrics, 65 (1), 67-93.

Full Text: 2005\Scientometrics65, 67.pdf

Abstract: This work has analyzed and evaluated the dissemination of research done at Spanish universities through the World Wide Web (WWW) in order to obtain a map of the visibility of the information available on this research and to propose measures for improving the quality of this diffusion, all within the social and institutional context of the European Area for Higher Education. The methodology applied in the study has used both qualitative and quantitative research methods to obtain some quality indicators on the dissemination of university research. The object of study consists of a sample of 19 Spanish universities, chosen according to their representativeness by Autonomous Community and their administrative and scientific weight. The process of defining indicators, both qualitative and quantitative, as well as the collection and analysis of data, are explained. The results give us a detailed panorama of the state of the art of the visibility of information on research in the web pages of selected universities. This has allowed us to make certain proposals for improvement that can contribute to the excellence of its dissemination.

? Requena, J. (2005), Dynamics of the modern Venezuelan research community profile. Scientometrics, 65 (1), 95-130.

Full Text: 2005\Scientometrics65, 95.pdf

Abstract: The main characteristics, human resources, organizational development, R&D output and outcome of the Venezuelan scientific and technological community, are studied in depth for three specific dates - years 1954, 1983 and 1999 -, aiming to reveal its strengths and weaknesses and to establish its dynamics. During the first half of the twentieth century, Venezuela had no major organized or institutionalized scientific activity. From 1954 thru 1983, the State built a considerable number of institutions mostly for research and development activities. Initially, researchers came from classical professions but were later substituted by graduates in scientific and technological disciplines. Biomedical and basic sciences are the areas of knowledge favored by researchers while, in terms of intellectual creation, social sciences and humanities seem to be the less productive, despite being one of the fields of knowledge embraced by most professionals. Although from 1983 on there has been no major input to the national S&T system, the research community showed a few years of growth in absolute terms in the number of publications, however national productivity decreased during the last decade of the century. It is believed that this reflects an aging, asphyxiated and self-consuming community using its reserves at a maximum rate. The S&T system constructed exhibits a dominance of the public sector that privileged, financially, the hydrocarbon related technological/service industry at the expense of academic research in universities while maintaining agribusiness related service and developmental research at the same level of expenditure throughout the last twenty years of the twentieth century. While the generation - practically from zero - of a modern R&D community in Venezuela, together with higher education, could well be one of the most significant accomplishments of democracy in Venezuela, this remarkable social achievement has been put in peril by neglect and changes in public policies. Downturn of the national S&T system is bound to worsen due to a virtual collapse, on February 4, 2002, of the R&D centre of the nationalized oil industry.

Keywords: Achievement, Activities, Aging, Democracy, Depth, Development, Dynamics, Education, Growth, Higher Education, Human, Industry, Knowledge, Neglect, Outcome, Policies, Productivity, Profile, Publications, Research, Research and Development, Researchers, Science, Sciences, Scientific Community, Social, Social Sciences, Universities, Women

? Mccain, K.W., Verner, J.M., Hislop, G.W., Evanco, W. and Cole, V. (2005), The use of bibliometric and Knowledge Elicitation techniques to map a knowledge domain: Software Engineering in the 1990s. Scientometrics, 65 (1), 131-144.

Full Text: 2005\Scientometrics65, 131.pdf

Abstract: Parallel mappings of the intellectual and cognitive structure of Software Engineering (SE) were conducted using Author Cocitation Analysis (ACA), PFNet Analysis, and card sorting, a Knowledge Elicitation (KE) method. Cocitation counts for 60 prominent SE authors over the period 1990 - 1997 were gathered from SCISEARCH. Forty-six software engineers provided similar data by sorting authors’ names into labeled piles. At the 8 cluster level, ACA and KE identified similar author clusters representing key areas of SE research and application, though the KE labels suggested some differences between the way that the authors’ works were used and how they were perceived by respondents. In both maps, the clusters were arranged along a horizontal axis moving from ‘micro’ to ‘macro’ level R&D activities (correlation of X axis coordinates = 0.73). The vertical axis of the two maps differed (correlation of Y axis coordinates = -0.08). The Y axis of the ACA map pointed to a continuum of high to low formal content in published work, whereas the Y axis of the KE map was anchored at the bottom by ‘generalist’ authors and at the top by authors identified with a single, highly specific and consistent specialty. The PFNet of the raw ACA counts identified Boehm, Basili, and Booch as central figures in subregions of the network with Boehm being connected directly or through a single intervening author with just over 50% of the author set. The ACA and KE combination provides a richer picture of the knowledge domain and provide useful cross-validation.

? Kharbanda, V.P. (2005), China’s scientific elite. Scientometrics, 65 (1), 145-149.

Full Text: 2005\Scientometrics65, 145.pdf

? Garg, K.C., Gupta, B.M., Jamal, T., Roy, S. and Kumar, S. (2005), Assessment of impact of AICTE funding on R&D and educational development. Scientometrics, 65 (2), 151-160.

Full Text: 2005\Scientometrics65, 151.pdf

Abstract: An analysis of 330 questionnaires received from project investigators funded by AICTE indicates that project investigators preferred to present their research results at conferences rather than in national and international journals. Impact of funding has been better on human resource capability development as compared to research and technological output. Analysis of data using data envelopment analysis indicates that projects funded under electronics and communication engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and management displayed some consistency and uniformity with regard to impact on various output parameters.

Araujo Ruiz, J.A., van Hooydonk, G., Torricella Morales, R.G. and Jorge, R.A. (2005), Cuban scientific articles in ISI Citation Indexes and CubaCiencias databases (1988-2003). Scientometrics, 65 (2), 161-171.

Full Text: 2005\Scientometrics65, 161.pdf

Abstract: This comparative study covers the period 1988-2003 of the Institute for Scientific Information Databases (ISI-DBs), CD-ROM edition: Science Citation Index (SCI), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI) and Arts & Humanities Citation Index (A&HCI) as international databases and from the CubaCiencias (CubaCiencias) as an internal database. The number of articles published in Cuban journals, ISI-DBs, the author associativeness trend, the most important institutions and other indicators are collected. However, it is observed that CubaCiencias and ISI-DBs are not perfectly suitable for a study of the productivity of Cuban authors. It is necessary to properly standardize the author fields. For bibliometric studies, Cuba needs a database not only for the published papers in Cuban journals, but also for all the papers published by Cuban authors.

Keywords: Bibliometric, Bibliometric Studies, Cd-Rom, Citation, Citation Indexes, Comparative Study, Database, Databases, Indicators, Institute for Scientific Information, Institutions, International, ISI, Journals, Needs, Papers, Productivity, SCI, Science Citation Index, SSCI, Trend

? Bartol, T. and Hocevar, M. (2005), The capital cities of the ten new European Union countries in selected bibliographic databases. Scientometrics, 65 (2), 173-187.

Full Text: 2005\Scientometrics65, 173.pdf

Abstract: The aim is to investigate the cities based on the author-affiliation data from Web of Science, Biosis Previews, CAB Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts, Compendex/Inspec, Francis, Medline, Pascal, and Sociological Abstracts databases. Specifics of particular cities and publishing patterns and trends with reference to particular disciplines are studied. Characteristics of city-data collection with regard to retrieval accuracy are investigated. Databases are compared regarding document coverage and input consistency. A city as an emerging supranational unit is proposed as a scientometric object and indicator in its own right as a complement to the traditional notion of a country or a nation-state.

? Lluch, J.O. (2005), Some considerations on the use of the impact factor of scientific journals as a tool to evaluate research in psychology. Scientometrics,