Personal Research Database

Full Text: 1997\Scientometrics40, 139.pdf

Abstract: Analyses the age of references cited in source papers of the theoretical population genetics speciality at different phases bf its development. Discusses the characteristics of specialities in terms of obsolescence measures such as half-life and immediacy index. Explores the applicability of different theoretical probability functions in the age densities of references cited. Concludes that age of references cited is best modelled according to lognormal distribution.

Keywords: Age, Characteristics, Citations, Densities, Development, Distribution, Genetics, Half-Life, Immediacy Index, Index, Population, Probability, Source

Vinkler, P. (1997), Relations of relative scientometric impact indicators. The relative publication strategy index. Scientometrics, 40 (1), 163-169.

Full Text: 1997\Scientometrics40, 163.pdf

Abstract: Relations of three relative scientometric indicators (Relative Citation Rate, RCR, Relative Subfield Citedness, R-W, and Relative Publication Strategy, RPS) are studied. R-W can be calculated by the percentage share of citations divided by that of publications. The findings indicate that publishing in journals with relatively high impact factor is a necessary but not sufficient condition for attaining a high R-W index.

Keywords: 27 Science Areas, 50 Nations, Bradford Law, Citations, Condition, Impact, Impact Factor, Index, Indicators, Publication, Publications, Publishing, Strategy, Weight

Davidse, R.J. and Vanraan, A.F.J. (1997), Out of particles: Impact of CERN, DESY and SLAC research to fields other than physics. Scientometrics, 40 (2), 171-193.

Full Text: 1997\Scientometrics40, 171.pdf

Abstract: This paper presents the results of an exploratory bibliometric study aiming at an analysis of basic high energy physics (HEP) research impact on fields other than physics, and particularly on application-oriented R&D. After a general discussion of an extensive citation analysis of basic research publications from three HEP institutes - CERN, DESY, and SLAG - the paper focuses on the ‘knowledge flow’ from physics to non-physics, and more specifically the flow from basic physics research to the ‘applied world’. At this level, we report journal-as well as research field characteristics, and we identify the most frequently citing R&D groups. We conclude that DESY is most cited by the ‘applied world’, followed by SLAG and CERN. if the number of journals that institutes have in common - whether based on the source or the citing publication - is taken as an indicator of the resemblance of their research interests, we found that CERN and SLAG have the closest resemblance, followed by SLAG and DESY, with CERN and DESY having the least in common

Keywords: Analysis, Basic Research, Bibliometric, Bibliometric Study, Characteristics, Citation, Citation Analysis, Core, Energy, Flow, General, Groups, Impact, Indicator, Knowledge, Paper, Particles, Publication, Publications, Research, Slag, Source

Rivas, A.L., Wilson, D.J., Gonzalez, R.N., Mohammed, H.O., Quimby, F.W., Lein, D.H., Milligan, R.A., Colle, R.D., Deshler, J.D. and Trochim, W.M.K. (1997), An interdisciplinary and systems-based evaluation of academic programs: Bovine mastitis-related veterinary research, education and outreach. Scientometrics, 40 (2), 195-213.

Full Text: 1997\Scientometrics40, 195.pdf

Abstract: An interdisciplinary and systems-oriented approach for evaluation of academic programs was explored in veterinary research, education and extension in the context of prevention of bovine mastitis. Bibliometric-based document analysis and observation methods were used to assess disciplinary contents of veterinary research and graduate education theses, and New York Stare dairy farmers’ adoption rate of selected veterinary recommendations (bacteriological testing of raw milk, ‘closed herds’, and three hygiene-related practices). Findings indicated that: a) the veterinary extension literature was lower in output and less differentiated in disciplinary content than that of the agricultural counterpart, b) three disciplines accounted for 58% of all theses’ major contents, and c) 39.7% of New York dairies requested bacteriological testing, 50% of investigated dairies had ‘closed herds’ and at least 9.4% of those did not adopt all the hygiene-related practices. Context-specific recommendations are proposed. It is concluded that this evaluation approach may facilitate policy analysis, program development and may be applicable to other academic settings.

Keywords: Academic, Agricultural, America, Analysis, Bovine, Colleges, Development, Education, Evaluation, Interdisciplinary, Management-Practices, Methods, Milk, New York, Observation, Output, Policy, Policy Analysis, Prevention, Program, Recommendations, Research, Testing, York

Shrum, W. (1997), View from afar: ‘visible’ productivity of scientists in the developing world. Scientometrics, 40 (2), 215-235.

Full Text: 1997\Scientometrics40, 215.pdf

Abstract: Much of what we know about science and technology in less developed countries comes from international databases such as bibliographies and citation indices. However, it is not clear if researchers whose work appears in international databases are representative of scientists in the developing world as a whole, or whether they differ in terms of important social characteristics. A search of international databases on agriculture and natural resource management in Ghana, Kenya, and Kerala was used to compile a bibliography that could be compared with results from a face-to-face survey of researchers. Results indicate that many of the characteristics of those who are internationally visible differ from the wider population of scientists. The implication is that the ‘view from afar’ based exclusively on information drawn from international databases does not accurately reflect the population of researchers or domestic productivity in less developed countries.

Keywords: Agriculture, Characteristics, Citation, Countries, Databases, Indicators, Information, Kenya, Kerala, Mainstream Science, Management, Natural, Output, Population, Productivity, Publication, Resource Management, Science, Social, Survey, Third-World

? Nederhof, A.J. and VanWijk, E. (1997), Mapping the social and behavioral sciences world-wide: Use of maps in portfolio analysis of national research efforts. Scientometrics, 40 (2), 237-276.

Full Text: 1997\Scientometrics40, 237.pdf

Abstract: We have developed a method to identify and map the internationally most visible research topics occurring in the social and behavioral sciences, as well as the topics which changed most over a decade. Methods and data relevant to a portfolio analysis of national research efforts are described. Keywords used by authors in scientific or scholarly publications provide a window on scientific developments and changes in scientific research. Using an interdisciplinary database, the SSCI, developments in publications were traced world-wide and for the US, UK, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. We compared two periods: 1981-85 and 1986-90. We discuss the major substantive developments occurring during 1981-1990, as visible in maps depicting both topics and disciplines. It is shown that the maps, enriched with scientometric indicators of strengths and weaknesses of national research efforts, can be important tools for science policy. The findings indicate that the research front on many topics in both social and behavioral sciences is international in the late 1980s.

Keywords: Analysis, Behavioral, France, Front, Germany, Humanities, Indicators, Interdisciplinary, Patterns, Policy, Psychology, Publications, Research, Research Front, Research Performance, Science, Science Policy, Science-Policy, Sciences, Social, Strengths, Tools, UK, US

Kishida, K. and Matsui, S. (1997), International publication patterns in social sciences: A quantitative analysis of the IBSS file. Scientometrics, 40 (2), 277-298.

Full Text: 1997\Scientometrics40, 277.pdf

Abstract: A scientometric analysis of social science literature is tried by using the machine-readable files of the IBSS 1981-1985. This is a comprehensive international bibliography in social sciences including cultural anthropology, economics, political science and sociology. Data used were 40, 313 monograph records in the IBSS files. First, the number of scholarly monographs was examined by country. As a result, it is shown that a large number of monographs was published by only a very small number of countries. Second, the number of monographs was examined by language. A similar pattern as that of countries was observed. Third, the relationship between the publishing country and the language used is discussed. It is clarified that some languages, such as English, French and Spanish, are used in many countries because of their historical background such as colonization. Finally, we examined the correlation among the number of published monographs, GDP, population and the number of people attaining a university education. A regression model that incorporates GDP as explanatory variables explains well the variation of the number of monographs by countries (R² = 0.77).

Keywords: Analysis, Background, Colonization, Correlation, Economics, Education, GDP, Historical, Language, Languages, Model, Population, Publication, Publishing, Quantitative Analysis, Regression, Regression Model, Science, Sciences, Scientific Output, Social, Social Sciences

? Urban, D. and Hoban, T.J. (1997), Cognitive determinants of risk perceptions associated with biotechnology. Scientometrics, 40 (2), 299-331.

Full Text: 1997\Scientometrics40, 299.pdf

Abstract: Previous research on risk perception suggests that levels of education and information influence concerns over the effects of new technology. This article reports analysis of the impact of several cognitive factors (including education and knowledge) on the perception of risks attributed to applications of modern biotechnology (based on genetic engineering) to food production and agriculture. Using data From a 1992 US-nationwide telephone survey the statistical research identifies those cognitive factors that significantly influence risk perceptions. Additionally, the study reveals those potential influences that, despite their prominence in political and popular debates on risk communication and science education, do not determine the perception of risks on biotechnology in ally significant manner.

Keywords: Agriculture, Analysis, Applications, Biotechnology, Communication, Education, Effects, Engineering, Food, Food Production, Genetic, Genetic Engineering, Impact, Information, Knowledge, Levels, Perception, Perceptions, Production, Public-Attitudes, Research, Risk, Risk Communication, Risk Perception, Risk Perceptions, Risks, Science, Survey

? Courtial, J.P. and Gourdon, L. (1997), A scientometric approach to autism based on translation sociology. Scientometrics, 40 (2), 333-355.

Full Text: 1997\Scientometrics40, 333.pdf

Abstract: We advance the following hypothesis with respect to the construction of scientific knowledge: a) a scientific article may be seen as bringing together differing knowledge networks within the same experimental context, b) the researcher attempts to prove the existence of objective links within this context. This process allows the researcher to link or associate his own subjective proposals to those that are verifiably objective relationships for all researchers, Researchers consolidate the relationships put forward by others accordingly. There is a statistic method which makes it possible to demonstrate these dynamics, i.e., co-word analysis, This method, applied to articles on autism, has provided results that support this hypothesis. The methods brought to bear by the majority of researchers follow these general dynamics.

Keywords: Analysis, Autism, Co-Word Analysis, Dynamics, Experimental, General, Knowledge, Methods, Process, Support

? Small, H. (1997), Comments on Belver C. Griffith, recipient of the 1997 Derek de Solla Price Award. Scientometrics, 40 (3), 359-362.

Full Text: 1997\Scientometrics40, 359.pdf

? Pavitt, K. (1997), Comments on John Irvine and Ben R. Martin, recipient of the 1997 Derek de Solla Price Award. Scientometrics, 40 (3), 363-366.

Full Text: 1997\Scientometrics40, 363.pdf

? Peritz, B. (1997), From the opening address of the conference. Scientometrics, 40 (3), 367-368.

Full Text: 1997\Scientometrics40, 367.pdf

? Bookstein, A. and Wright, B. (1997), Ambiguity in measurement. Scientometrics, 40 (3), 369-384.

Full Text: 1997\Scientometrics40, 369.pdf

Abstract: This paper gives an overview of the role of ambiguity in measurement and explores analytical methods for exploring its impact. It is argued that certain functional forms are more resilient than others to problems of ambiguity, and that these should be preferred when ambiguity is a serious concern.

Keywords: Functional, Impact, Informetric Distributions, Measurement, Methods, Paper, Role

Bhattacharya, S. (1997), Cross-national comparison of frontier areas of research in physics using bibliometric indicators. Scientometrics, 40 (3), 385-405.

Full Text: 1997\Scientometrics40, 385.pdf

Abstract: This paper attempts to reveal the characteristics of high activity areas of world research in Physics. ‘Frontier areas’ - areas of high activity and areas of low activity are identified. Research activities in ‘Frontier areas’ for twenty six countries (major countries) contributing maximum research output in Physics are analyzed for two time periods (1990 & 1995). The main objective of this study is to reveal the areas of research priorities, trends, gaps and similarity of research efforts of major countries in these ‘frontier’ areas. Key countries in these areas in both the time periods are identified. Multivariate Scaling Algorithm is applied to the countries and fields in each time period, and also simultaneously to understand the relationship between countries and fields and the dynamics of change in research priorities. Results and implications of this study for policy research is highlighted.

Keywords: Activity, Bibliometric, Bibliometric Indicators, Characteristics, Comparison, Dynamics, Indicators, Low, Output, Paper, Policy, Research, Similarity, Trends

Bonitz, M., Bruckner, E. and Scharnhorst, A. (1997), Characteristics and impact of the Matthew effect for countries. Scientometrics, 40 (3), 407-422.

Full Text: 1997\Scientometrics40, 407.pdf

Abstract: In this paper newly established characteristics of the so-called Matthew Effect for Countries (MEC) are presented: field-dependency, time-stability, order of magnitude. We find that the MEC is observable in all main scientific fields that were investigated. Over fifteen years the MEC has been relatively stable. The MEC is a redistribution phenomenon at the macro-level of the sciences. Its magnitude is small, the MEC affects only about five percent of the world production of citations. The MEC, however, crucially impacts many nations when their ‘national loss of citations’ amounts to a high percentage of their expected citations. The relationship between the MEC and Merton’s Matthew Principle is discussed. It is our hypothesis that the MEC provides an additional approach for the assessment of the scientific performance of nations.

Keywords: 27 Science Areas, 50 Nations, Assessment, Characteristics, Citations, Impact, Impacts, Order, Paper, Performance, Production, Sciences, Scientometric Weight

Bordons, M. and Zulueta, M.A. (1997), Comparison of research team activity in two biomedical fields. Scientometrics, 40 (3), 423-436.

Full Text: 1997\Scientometrics40, 423.pdf

Abstarct: A study of the structure and scientific activity of the most productive Spanish research teams in two biomedical subfields, Pharmacology & Pharmacy and Cardiovascular System (SCI), during the period 1990-93 was carried out through bibliometric indicators. The teams were characterized according to their size, production, productivity, research level and expected impact factor of their output, collaboration pattern and interdisciplinarity. Main differences between both subfields were analyzed and explained by their different clinical/basic character. The study was undertaken to identify structural or dynamic features of teams associated with good scientific performance.

Keywords: Activity, Bibliometric, Bibliometric Indicators, Collaboration, Departments, Dynamic, Features, Impact, Impact Factor, Indicators, Output, Performance, Production, Productivity, Publication-Rate, Research, SCI, Size, Structure, Team

Czapski, G. (1997), The use of deciles of the citation impact to evaluate different fields of research in Israel. Scientometrics, 40 (3), 437-443.

Full Text: 1997\Scientometrics40, 437.pdf

Abstract: One often uses the average citation impact factor in order to perform international comparisons between the levels of scientific performance within given disciplines. In averaging over all (or all cited) papers one may give undue weight to papers with few citations while, in fact, the standing of a country within a given field would be better assessed by looking only at the ‘successful’ papers in that discipline. The present papers suggests that one should do so by averaging citations only over the ten (or twenty) percent of the most cited papers in a discipline and use these in order to establish a ranking between countries. The case of Israel is used as an illustration of this approach.

Keywords: Citation, Citations, Eighties, Impact, Impact Factor, Indicators, Israel, Journals, Levels, National Performances, Order, Performance, Publication Output, Ranking, Research, Science Fields, World Science

Danell, R., Engwall, L. and Persson, O. (1997), The first mover and the challenger: The relationship between two journals in organization research. Scientometrics, 40 (3), 445-453.

Full Text: 1997\Scientometrics40, 445.pdf

Abstract: Many new journals are started in response to increasing specialization and limited space in existing journals. In this study two journals in organization research are studied, Administrative Science Quarterly as the first mover in the field and Organization Studies as the challenger. It is shown that the new journal gradually differ from the old in terms of the national origin of its authors as well as the documents cited. It is concluded that the scientific journal market may not mirror the copy-cat behaviour found among news papers or companies in other markets.

Keywords: Journal, New Journal, Research

? Egghe, L. (1997), Fractal and informetric aspects of hypertext systems. Scientometrics, 40 (3), 455-464.

Full Text: 1997\Scientometrics40, 455.pdf

Abstract: The present paper studies fractal features (such as the fractal dimension) of hypertext systems (such as WWW) and establishes the link with informetric parameters. More concretely, a formula for the fractal dimension in function of the average number of hyperlinks per page is presented and examples are calculated. In general the complexity of these systems is high. This is also expressed by formulae for the total number of hypertext systems that are possible, given a fixed number of documents.

Keywords: Breeds-Success Principle, Features, Fractal Dimension, Function, General, Hyperlinks, Laws, Paper, Parameters

? Faucompre, P., Quoniam, L. and Dou, H. (1997), An effective link between science and technology. Scientometrics, 40 (3), 465-480.

Full Text: 1997\Scientometrics40, 465.pdf

Abstract: The link between science and technology represents a major strategic stake, so the relation between scientific bibliographic references and technical bibliographic references can be of very important documentary interest. To set up this link, International Patent Classification catchwords have been used as a switching language. A previous feasibility study had shown the possibilities of such a full automatic correspondence and its obvious inadequacies. We present here the most important modifications brought to this correspondence, in particular the consideration of multilingual indexes which allow to link several indexation fields with one of the most complete representation of patent classification. The major evolution of our project affects the correspondence mechanism which now generates a global reindexation of bibliographic reference with classification codes. We also discuss the concept of correspondence itself which must be interpreted as a simple presumption of the link. There are some consequences due to these developments: First, insofar as there is not an univocal relation, end users do not have to select switching keywords which generate concordances. They can directly use codes which symbolize the industrial property classification. Next, main documentary indicators do not seem to be adapted to measure the performance evaluation of this new field. It has the single role of suggesting trails that can be explored. Lastly, it seems that only end users should be able to supply a complete validation and we show that a documentary validation is not sufficient.

Keywords: Bibliographic References, Classification, Concept, Consequences, Effective, Evaluation, Evolution, Global, Indicators, Industrial, Language, Mechanism, Multilingual, Performance, Reference, Representation, Role, Science, Validation

? Glänzel, W. (1997), On the possibility and reliability of predictions based on stochastic citation processes. Scientometrics, 40 (3), 481-492.

Full Text: 1997\Scientometrics40, 481.pdf

Abstract: A statistical model for citation processes, a particular version of a non-homogeneous birth process, is analysed in the context of predictions of future citation rates. Important properties of the process were already studied by the author in earlier papers. Although the applicability of the model was demonstrated by several examples, practical aspects of predictions and questions of statistical reliability were not tackled so far. The present study is focused on the demonstration of the possibility of true predictions and on the analysis of the statistical reliability of predictions based on the mean value function E(X(t)-X(s)\X(s)=i) of citation processes. The citation rates for papers published in 1980 and 1991 were recorded in the period 1980 through 1995, and 1991 through 1995, respectively, in all science areas. It is shown that parameters of mean value Functions estimated for earlier time periods can be applied to more recent years, too. As a byproduct, the model may serve as a validation tool for the particular choice of citation windows in evaluation studies.

Keywords: Analysis, Chemistry, Citation, Evaluation, Evaluation Studies, Function, Model, Parameters, Physics, Predictions, Process, Properties, Recent, Reliability, Science, Scientific Literature, Stochastic, Validation

? Grivel, L., Polanco, X. and Kaplan, A. (1997), A computer system for big scientometrics at the age of the World Wide Web. Scientometrics, 40 (3), 493-506.

Full Text: 1997\Scientometrics40, 493.pdf

Abstract: A computer system combining hypertext and database management technologies is shown to be appropriate with the goals of information analysis. Such a system, HENOCH, designed to easily store any SGML document in a relational database, and to make these data accessible via the World Wide Web is exemplified in the particular case where the stored data is the result of clustering and mapping tools on bibliographic data. The software features of this system (genericity, reusability, extensibility) are explained and justified by the use of the SGML tree structure and the encapsulation of creation and manipulation functions of the relational database management system (RDBMS). The interest of WWW-RDBMS-based user interface is demonstrated by two complementary types of navigation for information analysis: an intuitive exploration mode based on the map metaphor and an assisted searching mode based on the ‘Who does What, and Where, with Whom’ metaphor.

Keywords: Age, Analysis, Clustering, Cocitation, Creation, Encapsulation, Exploration, Features, Information, Interface, Management, Management System, Manipulation, Mapping, Navigation, Scientometrics, Searching, Software, Structure, Technologies, Tools, Tree, World Wide Web

Gupta, B.M., Sharma, P. and Karisiddappa, C.R. (1997), Growth of research literature in scientific specialities. A modelling perspective. Scientometrics,