Personal Research Database

Full Text: 2005\Scientometrics62, 3.pdf

Abstract: Six case studies of international cooperation at the subfield level are presented and compared. The cases examine international collaboration by detailing co-authorship links among researchers by field, evidenced at the level of the nation. Cases are offered based on possible drivers for collaboration: sharing ideas, cooperating around equipment, cooperating around resources, and exchanging data. Scientometric and network analysis of linkages are presented and discussed for each of the six cases: astrophysics, geophysics, mathematical logic, polymers, soil science, and virology, Visualizations of the cosine matrices within each field are compared for 1990 and 2000. The research shows that international collaboration grew in all the fields at rates higher than the international average. The possibility that rapid increases in international collaboration in science can be attributed in part to certain drivers related to access to resources or equipment sharing could not be upheld by the data. Other possible explanations for the rapid growth of collaboration are offered, including the possibility that weak ties evidenced by geographically remote collaboration can promote new knowledge creation.

Keywords: Collaboration, Cooperation, Countries, International Cooperation, Model, Multilateral Co-Authorship, Network, Network Analysis, Patterns, Profiles, Publication, Research, Scientific Collaboration, Virology

? Prpic, K. (2005), Generational similarities and differences in researchers’ professional ethics: An empirical comparison. Scientometrics, 62 (1), 27-51.

Full Text: 2005\Scientometrics62, 27.pdf

Abstract: This study, based on two empirical investigations undertaken in Croatia on samples of 320 eminent and 840 young researchers, shows a comparison between the professional values/norms of these groups (normative level of research ethics), as well as a comparison (of perceptions) about the frequency of ethically questionable and unacceptable behaviour of researchers in Croatian research institutions (behavioural level of ethos). Science ethics includes a core of cognitive and social standards about which there is relatively high consensus in both groups of researchers. Their cognitive standards correspond to epistemological realism with an accent on objective, reliable, measurable and precise new knowledge. Their basic social values include the broadest social responsibility, responsibility towards colleagues and students, and professionality in relation with funders and/or clients. Thus, research ethos is a combination of traditional cognitive norms and new socially-engaged values. However, research ethics is not a static or homogeneous set of professional values and norms. Young scientists value cognitive norms relating to basic research lower, but rank some cognitive standards more closely linked with applied empirical research higher. Considering the social dimensions of research ethics, young researchers rate traditional academic values of collegiality, commonality and autonomy less important than do eminent scientists, but they hold professionalism and establishing research networks more important. As expected, cognitive and social values and norms are not strictly followed on the level of professional practice. In their everyday professional life eminent and young researchers experience particular questionable research practices that could harm research work and results, and impair collegial relations in science, more often than they encounter breaking social norms that harm or even threaten participants in and users of scientific professional work. Differences in perceiving the incidence of certain kinds of questionable behaviour between the eminent and the young may be attributed to their different professional position and experience.

Keywords: Croatia, Determinants, Differences, Ethics, Frequency, Incidence, Knowledge, Norms, Perceptions, Practice, Productivity, Professional, Professional Practice, Research, Research Institutions, Research Work, Researchers, Responsibility, Science, Scientists, Social, Standards, Students, Traditional

? Carvalho, P., Diniz-Filho, J.A.F. and Bini, L.M. (2005), The impact of Felsenstein’s ‘phylogenies and the comparative method’ on evolutionary biology. Scientometrics, 62 (1), 53-66.

Full Text: 2005\Scientometrics62, 53.pdf

Abstract: Felsenstein’s (1985) method of phylogenetic independent contrasts is probably the most commonly used technique in evolutionary biology to study adaptation of organisms to their environment, taking phylogeny into account. Here, we performed a scientometric evaluation of all 1462 articles that cited Felsenstein (1985) between 1985 and 2002, in order to analyze the impact of his comparative method on the evolutionary research program and what has been done since it. We found that Felsentein’s (1985) article can be classified as a ‘hot paper’ or a breakthrough contribution, since it was the most cited article from The American Naturalist published in 1985. Also, it can be considered as a ‘citation classic’, since it is the third more cited paper in The American Naturalist from 1945 to 2002. In general, papers that cited Felsenstein (1985) were published in high-impact journals, and most of them are theoretical articles indicating that biologists are aware of statistical and conceptual problems in dealing with comparative methods.

Keywords: Adaptation, Citations, Evaluation, Journals, Patterns, Phylogenetically Independent Contrasts, Power, Progress, Regression, Research, Science, Scientometric

Engels, A., Ruschenburg, T. and Weingart, P. (2005), Recent internationalization of global environmental change research in Germany and the US. Scientometrics, 62 (1), 67-85.

Full Text: S\Scientometrics62, 67.pdf

Abstract: Programs in global environmental change research call for sweeping international cooperation and the creation of global networks. This paper analyzes to what extent research institutions in the field of global environmental change have responded to this call. Several bibliometric indicators of internationalization are discussed. A German and a U.S. sample are compared. The results indicate that a very discernable trend of recent internationalization can be observed. This is in line with a general internationalization trend across all fields, but at a much higher level. Given the political emphasis on capacity building in developing countries in this research field, however, there is only weak evidence of a more encompassing globalization process which also includes marginal world regions. Finally, the internationalization trend does not coincide with de-nationalization.

Keywords: Scientific Collaboration, Countries, Science, Model

Tuzi, F. (2005), The scientific specialisation of the Italian regions. Scientometrics, 62 (1), 87-111.

Full Text: S\Scientometrics62, 87.pdf

Abstract: The possible existence of specialisation patterns by research fields of the Italian regions is investigated. Accordingly, bibliometric data on papers published in international scientific journals have been processed and tailored for regional comparative analysis. The results show that the trends in scientific regional specialisation are related to the research activities performed by each scientific system, but also the regional industrial skill is very often reflected in the corresponding scientific profile.

The empirical evidences show also that each Italian region works as a well identifiable scientific system providing for its own specific contribution to the national performance.

Keywords: 27 Science Areas, Publication Output, Citation Impact, National Performances, Scientometric Weight, World Science, Life Sciences, Indicators, Physics, Mathematics

? Ball, R. and Glänzel, W. (2005), The German experience in the applications, benefits and limitations of evaluative bibliometrics in a policy-relevant context - Preface. Scientometrics, 62 (1), 115-116.

Full Text: 2005\Scientometrics62, 115.pdf

Keywords: Bibliometrics

Weingart, P. (2005), Impact of bibliometrics upon the science system: Inadvertent consequences? Scientometrics, 62 (1), 117-131.

Full Text: S\Scientometrics62, 117.pdf

Abstract: The introduction of bibliometric (and other) ranking is an answer to legitimation pressures on the higher education and research system. After years of hesitation by scientists, science administrators and even politicians in many of the industrialized countries, the implementation of bibliometrics based (and other types of) rankings for institutions of higher education and research is now being introduced on a full scale. What used to be an irritation to the parties concerned has suddenly become a fad. In contrast to this rather sudden enthusiasm, there is very little reflection on the impacts of this practice on the system itself. So far empirical data on the impact of bibliometric rankings seem to be available only for two cases: Australia and the British research assessment exercise (RA-E). Thus, the actual steering effects of bibliometric rankings, the reactions of the system are largely unknown. Rankings are in urgent demand by politics. The intended effect is to create competition among institutions of higher learning and research and thereby to increase their efficiency. The rankings are supposed to identify excellence in these institutions and among researchers. Unintended effects may be ‘oversteering’, either by forcing less competitive institutions to be closed down or by creating oligopolies whose once achieved position of supremacy cannot be challenged anymore by competitors. On the individual level the emergence of a kind of ‘chart’ of highly cited stars in science can already be observed (ISI HighlyCited.com). With the spread of rankings the business administration paradigm and culture is diffused through the academic system. The commercialization of ranking is most pronounced in the dependence of the entire practice on commercial providers of the pertinent data. As products like IST’s Essential Science Indicators become available, their use in the context of evaluation tasks is increasing rapidly. The future of the higher education and research system rests on two pillars: traditional peer review and ranking. The goal must be to have a system of informed peer review which combines the two. However, the politicized use of numbers (citations, impact factors, funding etc.) appears unavoidable.

Keywords: Citation, Indicators, Authors, Editors, Rank

Van Raan, A.F.J. (2005), Fatal attraction: Conceptual and methodological problems in the ranking of universities by bibliometric methods. Scientometrics, 62 (1), 133-143.

Full Text: S\Scientometrics62, 133.pdf

Abstract: Ranking of research institutions by bibliometric methods is an improper tool for research performance evaluation, even at the level of large institutions. The problem, however, is not the ranking as such. The indicators used for ranking are often not advanced enough, and this situation is part of the broader problem of the application of insufficiently developed bibliometric indicators used by persons who do not have clear competence and experience in the field of quantitative studies of science. After a brief overview of the basic elements of bibliometric analysis, I discuss the major technical and methodological problems in the application of publication and citation data in the context of evaluation. Then I contend that the core of the problem ties not necessarily at the side of the data producer. Quite often persons responsible for research performance evaluation, for instance scientists themselves in their role as head of institutions and departments, science administrators at the government level and other policy makers show an attitude that encourages, quick and dirty’ bibliometric analyses whereas better quality is available. Finally, the necessary conditions for a successful application of advanced bibliometric indicators as support tool for peer review are discussed.

Keywords: National Research Performance, Impact-Factors, International Comparisons, Citation, Science, Indicators, Consequences, Coverage

? Wagner-Dobler, R. (2005), The system of research and development indicators: Entry points for information agents. Scientometrics, 62 (1), 145-153.

Full Text: 2005\Scientometrics62, 145.pdf

Abstract: A system of input, output, and efficiency indicators is sketched out, with each indicator related to basic research, applied research, and experimental development. Mainly, this scheme is inspired by empirical innovation economics (represented in Germany, e.g., by H. Grupp) and by ‘advanced bibliometrics’ and scientometrics (profiled by van Raan and others). After considering strengths and weaknesses of some of the indicators, possible additional ‘entry points’ for institutions of information delivery are examined, such contributing to an enrichment of existing indicators. And to a ‘Nationalokonomik des Geistes’, requested from librarians in the twenties of the last century by A. von Harnack.

Keywords: Development, Economics, Innovation, Research, Research And Development, Scientometrics

? Bayers, N.K. (2005), Using ISI data in the analysis of German national and institutional research output. Scientometrics, 62 (1), 155-163.

Full Text: 2005\Scientometrics62, 155.pdf

Abstract: This paper discusses the Thomson ISI Research Services Group approaches to analyzing the world research environment, particularly in terms of comparing research performance among nations and institutions. This discussion concentrates on the recent research environment -1998-2002- beginning first with comparisons among selected nations overall, in terms of publications-an indicator of research output and productivity; and citations-an indicator of research impact and influence. The second part addresses the German research landscape and concludes with an analysis of the contributions of specific German institutions to Germanys’ research performance.

Keywords: Analysis, Environment, Impact, ISI, ISI-Data, Productivity, Research, Research Impact, Research Output, Research Performance

Sommer, S. (2005), Bibliometric analysis and private research funding. Scientometrics, 62 (1), 165-171.

Full Text: 2005\Scientometrics62, 165.pdf

Abstract: This paper outlines how private institutions and particularly foundations contribute to the furtherance of higher education and research, and it depicts what role bibliometric analysis can or cannot play in foundations’ private research funding and in the process of strategic realignment under financial constraints.

? Goebelbecker, J. (2005), The role of publications in the new programme oriented funding of the Hermann von Helmholtz Association of National Research Centres (HGF). Scientometrics, 62 (1), 173-181.

Full Text: 2005\Scientometrics62, 173.pdf

Abstract: The year 2002 brought a successive funding change-over from until now institutional to programme oriented funding (POF) in the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres (HGF). This way the 15 German research centres now have to generate their means successively from programmes of the research fields of the HGF (see: www.helmholtz.de) by competing with each other. This nucleus of the reform of the Association is being implemented based upon the opinion of international experts. In this context the evaluation of publications of individual research centres, resp. research groups will be playing an ever increasing part. This lecture will inform about the reformed, partially formalized system and first experiences therewith at the time of the first evaluations.

Keywords: Evaluation, Funding, POF, Publications, Research

? Wang, Y., Wu, Y.S., Pan, Y.T., Ma, Z. and Rousseau, R. (2005), Scientific collaboration in China as reflected in co-authorship. Scientometrics, 62 (2), 183-198.

Full Text: 2005\Scientometrics62, 183.pdf

Abstract: Co-authorship patterns derived from 1997-2001 data in the CSTPC Database (Chinese Science and Technology Papers and Citations Database) are analyzed to show the status of science and technology collaboration in China. Four different collaborative types, namely papers co-authored by the authors in the same institution (SI), in different institution located in the same region (SR), in different regions (DR) of China, and in different countries or regions of the world (DC) are discussed, The regional and subject distributions of co-authored papers as well as the general status of collaboration in science and technology in China are studied. It is concluded that, for all four collaborative types, collaboration in science and technology has increased in China. Different regions have different collaborative patterns corresponding to economic, technological and scientific development levels. Differences in collaborative patterns in terms of subjects are explained by different characteristics of the subjects themselves.

Keywords: Authors, China, Citations, Co-Authorship, Coauthorship, Collaboration, Cooperation, Database, Development, Geographical Proximity, Networks, Papers, Patterns, Science, Science and Technology, Scientific Collaboration, Technology

? Kostoff, R.N. and Shlesinger, M.F. (2005), CAB: Citation-assisted background. Scientometrics, 62 (2), 199-212.

Full Text: 2005\Scientometrics62, 199.pdf

Abstract: A chronically weak area in research papers, reports, and reviews is the complete identification of background documents that formed the building blocks for these papers. A method for systematically determining these seminal references is presented. Citation-Assisted Background (CAB) is based on the assumption that seminal documents tend to be highly cited. CAB is being applied presently to three applications studies, and the results so far are much superior to those used by the first author for background development in any other study. An example of the application of CAB to the field of Nonlinear Dynamics is outlined. While CAB is a highly systematic approach for identifying seminal references, it is not a substitute for the judgement of the researchers, and serves as a supplement.

Keywords: Accuracy, Author, Development, Dynamics, Highly-Cited, Journals, Nonlinear, Papers, Proposal, Quotation, Research, Research Papers, Researchers, Systematic

? Pouris, A. (2005), An assessment of the impact and visibility of South African journals. Scientometrics, 62 (2), 213-222.

Full Text: 2005\Scientometrics62, 213.pdf

Abstract: The assessment of scientific journals is of particular interest to South Africa’s higher education institutions as their research is partly funded according to the number of publications of their members of staff. This article has two objectives. The first one is to identify the effects of the government’s withdrawal of financial support on these journals’ impact factors. The second objective is to provide an assessment of the visibility of the South African journals indexed in the Journal Citation Report (JCR) of the 2002. The findings indicate that the termination of the government interference in the affairs of the journals had on average a beneficial effect on the impact factors of the journals. South Africa is found to have a good representation in the JCR, similar or better to that of the scientifically small countries in Europe, and represents approximately 90% of the African continent journals in the JCR. ne visible scientific disciplines are identified and the journals are assessed according to their impact factors, to the impact factors of journals citing them, and the self-citing and self-cited rates.

Keywords: Africa, Assessment, Citation, Education, Europe, Financial Support, Higher Education, Impact, Impact Factors, Interest, JCR, Journal, Journals, Publications, Research, Scientific Journals, South Africa, Visibility

? Hassan, E. (2005), The evolution of the knowledge structure of fuel cells. Scientometrics, 62 (2), 223-238.

Full Text: 2005\Scientometrics62, 223.pdf

Abstract: Recognizing the critical role played by science and technology in the development of fuel cells, this article aims to characterize the evolution of the S&T knowledge bases of fuel cells over the nineties, using data on patents and scientific publications. The field of fuel cells is particularly heterogeneous. It covers diverse sub-fields that are marked by idiosyncratic characteristics (e.g. actors, demand, and input) and different historical developments. Although this heterogeneity of the field of fuel cells is reflected in the dynamics of S&T knowledge generation within and across its sub-fields too, this article shows that it does not entail the absence of cognitive interrelations between their S&T knowledge bases. For that purpose, the article uses “simultaneous mapping” approach of their S&T knowledge bases by means of textual analysis.

Keywords: Academic Research, Analysis, Basic Research, Development, Evolution, Innovations, Knowledge, Linkage, Networks, Patents, Publications, Science, Science and Technology, Scientific Publications, Technology

? Moin, M., Mahmoudi, M. and Rezaei, N. (2005), Scientific output of Iran at the threshold of the 21st century. Scientometrics, 62 (2), 239-248.

Full Text: 2005\Scientometrics62, 239.pdf

Abstract: This study evaluates the scientific output of Iran over the past two decades. The information has been extracted by searching ISI in December 2003. Science production in Iran has been reviewed (1967-2003) and compared with 15 countries in the year 2000. During these years Iran’s relative share in the scientific output in the world increased from 0.0003% in 1970 to 0.29% in 2003. Comparing the ratio of science output to GNP, Iran stands on thirteenth place among 16 countries in the year 2000. ne present article discusses that Iran has had an increasing growth in presenting articles after the Iraq-Iran war, which marks the period of stability and development.

Keywords: Citation Analysis, Development, Different Countries, Economics, Growth, Impact Factor, Information, Iran, ISI, Journals, Ophthalmology, Publications, Ratio, Science, Scientific Output, Stability, Tool

He, T.W., Zhang, J.L. and Teng, L.R. (2005), Basic research in biochemistry and molecular biology in China: A bibliometric analysis. Scientometrics, 62 (2), 249-259.

Full Text: S\Scientometrics62, 249.pdf

Abstract: Using the method of bibliometrics, a 1999-2002 biochemistry and molecular biology database was constructed for China from the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-Expanded). Based on this database, the author quantitatively analyzed the current research activity in biochemistry and molecular biology in China. Results show that almost half the publications were published in Chinese journals. The percentage of articles published by Chinese authors in the total articles from the world is increasing. The number of articles published in high influence journals is continuously increasing. The research outputs are mainly located in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. The sites of the China Science Academy and National Universities are the important locations for these studies. The collaboration rate of Chinese output is low as compared to results from other countries. USA and Japan are the main international collaborating countries.

Keywords: Research Performance, Science Fields, Indicators

? Kademani, B., Kalyane, V., Kumar, V. and Mohan, L. (2005), Nobel laureates: Their publication productivity, collaboration and authorship status. Scientometrics, 62 (2), 261-268.

Full Text: 2005\Scientometrics62, 261.pdf

Abstract: This paper attempts to highlight the scientific productivity, productivity age, collaboration trend, domains of contributions of eight Nobel laureates of past and present belonging to different domains of research in science. Also attempts to document the various factors that affect productivity of scientists. No Nobel laureates can be compared with other Nobel laureates as they are an altogether different class of scientific elites and each piece of research is unique by itself.

? Geisler, E. (2005), The measurement of scientific activity: Research directions in linking philosophy of science and metrics of science and technology outputs. Scientometrics,