Personal Research Database

Full Text: 1998\Scientometrics43, 129.pdf

Abstract: In this paper we take position in the ‘citation theory’ debate. First we revisit relevant earlier work of our group and try to assemble the findings. We criticise the constructivist fashion in sociology of science concerning citation practices. With statistical arguments we show the strong limitations of any ‘citation theory’ at the ‘citer side’. We emphasize that citations should be conceived of as ‘binding properties’ of an individual publication, from which many types of structuring follow. As keywords also have such binding properties at the same time, and as there are empirically established relations between the citation domain and the word domain, it is useless to develop a model concerning citations only. We envisage an interesting development, both theoretically and empirically, of what we would like to call ‘bibliometric chemistry’.

Keywords: Bibliometric, Bibliometric Indicators, Binding, Citation, Citations, Combined Cocitation, Cum Laude Doctorates, Development, Group, Impact Factors, Limitations, Model, Ortega Hypothesis, Paper, Performance, Position, Properties, Publication, Science, Sociology of Science, Theory, Word Analysis

Arunachalam, S. (1998), Citation analysis: Do we need a theory? Comments on theories of citation? Scientometrics, 43 (1), 141-142.

Full Text: 1998\Scientometrics43, 141.pdf

Keywords: Analysis, Citation, Theory

? Small, H. (1998), Citations and consilience in science - Comments on theories of citation? Scientometrics, 43 (1), 143-148

Full Text: 1998\Scientometrics43, 143.pdf

Keywords: Citation, Science, Scientific Discovery

? Vinogradov, A.E. (1998), Secular trend of academician aging. Scientometrics, 43 (2), 149-160.

Full Text: 1998\Scientometrics43, 149.pdf

Abstract: The time-course of average age of members of the Russian Academy of Sciences in the XVIII-XIX centuries was analyzed. A long-term trend of academician aging was found, with its extrapolation correctly predicting the average age of the recent academicians. Although the lifespan was increasing as well and its effect can statistically explain the most part (up to 80%) of variance in the average age, it was not the only cause. Furthermore, its effect might be indirect (i.e, the increasing average age was not simply due to a longer lifespan of elected members), since average membership span was slightly decreasing. At least a part of the trend was caused by a growth of competition for election since it was negatively correlated with a contemporaneous number of members (at given lifespan and historical year). Comparison of three groups (full members, corresponding members and foreign members), differing in competition level, supports this suggestion. Besides the history of science, the results may be useful for dealing with the problem of growing age of the scientific establishment.

Keywords: Age, Aging, Competition, Groups, Growth, Historical, History, History of Science, Long-Term, Long-Term Trend, Predicting, Recent, Science, Supports, Trend

Cunningham, S.J. (1998), Applications for bibliometric research in the emerging digital libraries. Scientometrics, 43 (2), 161-175.

Full Text: 1998\Scientometrics43, 161.pdf

Abstract: Large numbers of research documents have recently become available on the Internet through ‘digital libraries’, and these collections are seeing high levels of use by their related research communities. A secondary use for these document repositories and indexes is as a platform for bibliometric research. We examine the extent to which the new digital libraries support conventional bibliometric analysis, and discuss shortcomings in their current forms. Interestingly, these electronic text archives also provide opportunities for new types of studies: generally the full text of documents are available for analysis, giving a finer grain of insight than abstract-only online databases, these repositories often contain technical reports or pre-prints, the ‘grey literature’ that has been previously unavailable for analysis, and document ‘usage’ can be measured directly by recording user accesses, rather than studied indirectly through document references.

Keywords: Analysis, Bibliometric, Bibliometric Analysis, Bibliometric Research, Communities, Current, Databases, Internet, Levels, Libraries, Research, Retrieval, Support

Pereira, J.C.R., Escuder, M.M.L. and Zanetta, D.M.T. (1998), Brazilian sciences and government funding at the State of Säo Paulo. Scientometrics, 43 (2) 177-188.

Full Text: 1998\Scientometrics43, 177.pdf

Abstract: The State of Sao Paulo plays an important role in national research activities. The Foundation for the Support of Research of Sao Paulo State (FAPESP) is commissioned to manage funds for these activities. The profile of Brazilian sciences is investigated and contrasted to FAPESP’s investments. ISI date relative to years 1981 to 1995 are analysed through multivariate methods (Factor and Cluster Analysis) as to provide weighted ranks of research fields, relationships among them as geometric distances, and group classification. This information is compared to public reports an FAPESP’s expenditures. Brazilian scientific production grows at 244 papers/year in the period, and its global share is almost doubled. impact shows no trend. Best performers are from exact and biological sciences. Though impact varies greatly among research fields, their major distinctive feature is magnitude of production. The six top research fields identified (Physics, Biology & Biochemistry, Clinical Medicine, Engineering, Chemistry, Plant & Animal Sciences) were found to equally be the prime beneficiaries FAPESP’s investments. The Brazilian scenario is one of increasing production under an international pattern. This trend is not accompanied by changes in impact. As a corollary, volume of publications rises as an important issue. Public investments from Sao Paulo State adequately conform this scenario giving reassurance that resources are not being squandered.

Keywords: Classification, Expenditures, Funding, Global, Government Funding, Group, Impact, Information, ISI, Methods, Multivariate, Production, Profile, Publications, Research, Role, Sciences, Scientific Production, Trend

Guzman, M.V., Sanz, E. and Sotolongo, G. (1998), Bibliometric study on vaccines (1990-1995). Part I: Scientific production in Iberian-American countries. Scientometrics, 43 (2), 189-205.

Full Text: 1998\Scientometrics43, 189.pdf

Abstract: Analysis of scientific production is made in the domains of vaccines for the period 1990-1995, including eight Iberian-American countries. To attain the results, different indicators were applied such as: collaboration rate, activity index and representation techniques, using a cluster analysis and multidimensional scaling. Similarities between countries are represented according to their activity index in the subject field. Results show a discontinuity in the scientific production over the years, whe re each country has a peculiar behavior.

Keywords: Activity, Analysis, Behavior, Cluster, Cluster Analysis, Collaboration, Index, Indicators, Made, Production, Representation, Scaling, Scientific Production, Techniques

? Golub, B. (1998), The Croatian scientific elite and its socio-professional roots. Scientometrics, 43 (2), 207-229.

Full Text: 1998\Scientometrics43, 207.pdf

Abstract: No matter how strong the intellectual and other psychological predispositions for top scientific achievement and/or a successful scientific career, neither the processes of a general and scientific socialisation nor the socio-cultural or socio-professional environment can be avoided or neglected. Empirical support for the thesis on the impact of the social environment on the formation and the influence of the scientific elite of a country is supported by three analysed research studies: on distinguished Croatian scientists (1995), on the population of Croatian scientists (1990) and on Croatian scientific emigrants (1986).

Keywords: Achievement, Environment, Formation, General, Impact, Matter, Population, Psychological, Research, Roots, Social, Social Environment, Support

Moed, H.F., Luwel, M., Houben, J.A., Spruyt, E. and Van den Berghe, H. (1998), The effects of changes in the funding structure of the Flemish universities on their research capacity, productivity and impact during the 1980’s and early 1990’s. Scientometrics, 43 (2), 231-255.

Full Text: 1998\Scientometrics43, 231.pdf

Abstract: This article addresses the following issues: How did external funding of Flemish academic research develop during the 1980’s and early 1990’s? What are the effects of the increase of external funding on the size and the composition of the research capacity in Flemish universities, and on research performance as reflected in bibliometric indicators? We present results of a quantitative analysis of 340 research departments in the natural and life sciences at three Flemish universities. We found that the externally funded research capacity increased strongly and is more and more concentrated in a limited number of departments. Departments with a high international standing have profited more from external funds than groups with a low impact In the class of departments showing the strongest increase in the externally funded research capacity, the ratio of the number of junior and senior scientists in these departments increased radically, while the publication productivity decreased. Our findings point towards the problem that if these trends continue to develop, a situation may emerge in which the basis normally provided by the university itself has become too small for externally funded research activities.

Keywords: Academic, Analysis, Bibliometric, Bibliometric Indicators, Capacity, Composition, Effects, Funding, Groups, Impact, Indicators, Life, Low, Natural, Performance, Productivity, Publication, Quantitative Analysis, Research, Research Performance, Sciences, Size, Structure, Trends, Universities

? Bar-Ilan, J. (1998), The mathematician, Paul Erdos (1913-1996) in the eyes of the Internet. Scientometrics, 43 (2), 257-267.

Full Text: 1998\Scientometrics43, 257.pdf

Abstract: Paul Erdos was a world famous Hungarian mathematician, who passed away in September 1996. Documents on the World Wide Web, mentioning Paul Erdos’s name were systematically collected. These documents were categorized using the method of content analysis. This work enables us to draw some conclusions about the ways authors of Internet documents picture Paul Erdos. This is the first work we know of that thoroughly examines the content of a huge collection of documents on a specific topic on the Internet.

Keywords: Analysis, Content Analysis, Internet, World Wide Web

? Prpic, K. (1998), Science ethics: A study of eminent scientists’ professional values. Scientometrics, 43 (2), 269-298.

Full Text: 1998\Scientometrics43, 269.pdf

Abstract: A questionnaire study of eminent scientists’ professional values was carried out within more extensive research of professional ethics. The structure of scientists’ professional values is composed of five factors: collegial and professorial responsibility, the protection of respondents or patients, wider social and professional responsibility, scientific precision and originality and scientific objectivity. The core of the scientists’ professional code consists of the values with the highest ratings. These are: cognitive standards which define the research role, explicit expectations of the scientists’ social responsibility, and requirements for excellence of scientific institutions and personnel. At the same time, significant differences have been found among the observed scientific fields. The largest discriminative power has been shown in the importance of precise measurements and then also in the protection of respondents and patients. These results question the traditional unitary concept of science, but also the concept of intellectual and social atomisation of scientific disciplines and fields.

Keywords: Concept, Core, Determinants, Ethics, Importance, Institutions, Measurements, Patients, Precision, Productivity, Protection, Quality, Questionnaire, Requirements, Research, Responsibility, Role, Science, Scientific Institutions, Social, Social Responsibility, Standards, Structure

? Plaza, L.M. (1998), The use of multiple databases in the assessment of research. An application in the field of plant science. Scientometrics, 43 (2), 299-304.

Full Text: 1998\Scientometrics43, 299.pdf

Abstract: This paper argues the convenience of considering multiple databases in order to obtain a reliable set of scientific indicators in case of fields that includes a variety of disciplines. With this aim we analyse the Spanish scientific output in Plant Sciences regarding mainstream literature covered by SCI database and that published in domestic journals covered by ICYT database. This method allows us to obtain two different profiles of research. These results clearly underly the need to consider these databases jointly, thus avoiding potential inaccuracies induced by the use of the SCI as the only information source to be considered for the assessment of research.

Keywords: Assessment, Databases, Indicators, Information, Order, Output, Paper, Plant, Profiles, Research, SCI, Science, Scientific Output, Source

? Babu, A.R. and Singh, Y.P. (1998), Determinants of research productivity. Scientometrics, 43 (3), 309-329.

Full Text: 1998\Scientometrics43, 309.pdf

Abstract: Earlier researchers like Turkeli, suggested that the factors which determine the productivity of scientists are admittedly complex and perhaps not amenable to real scientific analysis’. The present investigation was designed with the sole purpose of confronting such a complex problem. Nearly 200 variables influencing research productivity were collected through relevant literature, analysis of biographies of great scientists, and discussion with eminent scientists. Finally, through a critical examination, 80 variables were selected for the use of Q-sort technique. The sample for the study consisted of a cross section of scientists ranging from Fellows of Indian National Science Academy to young agricultural scientists. Mailed questionnaires and personal interview methods were used for collecting data. Out of a total of 912 respondents, reply was obtained from 325. On the basis of Q-sorted data, 26 variables were selected for further analysis and they were subjected to principal component factor analysis. The results indicated eleven factors affecting research productivity of scientists. They were: persistence, resource adequacy, access to literature, initiative, intelligence, creativity, learning capability, stimulative leadership, concern for advancement, external orientation, and professional commitment.

Keywords: Access, Adequacy, Agricultural, Analysis, Commitment, Complex, Examination, Factor Analysis, Interview Methods, Invention, Investigation, Leadership, Learning, Methods, Orientation, Persistence, Productivity, Questionnaires, Research, Research Productivity, Scientific Performance

? Banerjee, P. (1998), Indicators of ‘innovation as a process’. Scientometrics, 43 (3), 331-357.

Full Text: 1998\Scientometrics43, 331.pdf

Abstract: Innovation as a process is related to the business viewed as a process. A process cannot be captured through the indicators of input/output, which are the most commonly accepted variables. Indicators of technological characteristics also limit the scope of measurement. Moreover, these indicators have often to be constructed upon non-gaussian variables that are not amenable to additive operations. This paper identifies a methodology to identify process innovation variables, some of which are gaussian and some are not. A few simple indicators are then constructed, using additive operations, upon both additive and non-additive variables. The additive variables yield generalisable indicators and the non-additive Variables yield self-assessment type indicators. Bath types can be used as process performance measurement systems. Examples of the values that these indicators take up, have been shown for nine firms. This vindicates the assumption on the applicability of these indicators.

Keywords: Additive, Characteristics, Indicators, Innovation, Measurement, Methodology, Non-Additivity, Paper, Performance, Process, Quantitative-Analysis, Science, Scientific Activities, Self Assessment, Yield

? Bhattacharya, S. and Basu, P.K. (1998), Mapping a research area at the micro level using co-word analysis. Scientometrics, 43 (3), 359-372.

Full Text: 1998\Scientometrics43, 359.pdf

Abstract: The present study investigates the use of co-word analysis method to understand the micro structure of a research speciality. This study is done in the area of Condensed Matter Physics (CMP) taking two time-periods, 1990 and 1995. Based on concurrent set of journals occurring in the subject heading list of CMP in these two time-periods, a database is created after downloading articles present in these journals from the INSPEC database. Using words extracted from the titles from the created database, suitable co-word pairs are constructed. These words, and co-word pairs are explored further to understand their linkages with each other through network analysis methods. Dynamics, within the CMP across 1990 and 1995, are investigated through the comparison of the words, co-word pairs and structurally equivalent blocks. The results are projected using multi-dimensional scaling. The important conclusions of this study are discussed.

Keywords: Analysis, Co-Word Analysis, Comparison, Methods, Research, Scaling, Scientometrics, Structure

? Chawla, A. and Singh, J.P. (1998), Organizational environment and performance of research groups - A typological analysis. Scientometrics, 43 (3), 373-391.

Full Text: 1998\Scientometrics43, 373.pdf

Abstract: In this paper an attempt is made to construct a typology of research units according to a set of organizational features and relate the resulting classification to a set of performance measures. The organizational features include (i) Resources and facilities for research, (II) Communication and transfer of new ideas, (iii) Planning and organization of research, and (iv) Social psychological environment for research. The performance measure include (i) General R&D effectiveness, which essentially connotes the quality dimension of research performance, (II) Recognition of the work of the research unit by the scientific community, (iii) User-oriented effectiveness, and (iv) Administrative effectiveness (budget and schedule compliance). This study is based on the subset of empirical data on 220 research units collected in India for the third round of the UNESCO International Comparative Study on the Organization and Performance of Research Units (ICSOPRU). Twenty three measures of organizational environment, operationalized by multiple indicators, were chosen as discriminant criteria for the construction of the typology, using a classification computer programme SYSTIT (Systeme’ de Typologie Iterative). The relationship between typology groupings and performance measures was analyzed through multiple correspondence analysis. This study brings out that resources and facilities for research are a necessary but not a sufficient condition of performance. The sufficiency condition implies a positive work environment, effective communication within and outside the research group and a conceptually exciting research programme.

Keywords: Analysis, Budget, Classification, Co-Citations, Communication, Community, Compliance, Condition, Effective, Effectiveness, Environment, Features, Group, Groups, India, Indicators, Made, Organizational, Paper, Performance, Performance Measures, Psychological, Quality, Research, Research Performance, Science, Transfer, Typology

? Chetal, R. and Raj, A. (1998), Sponsored R & D in India: The project sponsoring pattern and main outcome of projects sponsored by major central departments/agencies. Scientometrics, 43 (3), 393-421.

Full Text: 1998\Scientometrics43, 393.pdf

Abstract: This paper examines the project sponsoring pattern and the outcome of extramural R&D with respect to the projects sponsored by country’s eleven central agencies during the Seventh Five-Year Plan period. The outcome considered are: contribution of R&D support to development of R&D facilities at the recipient institutions, creation of employment through project posts, development of new technologies, quantum and quality of research publications and. generation of doctoral thesis. The paper concludes that sponsored R&D has largely remained one-way flow of funds to a preferred set of institutions (as perceived by each sponsoring agency) and the outcome of the R&D have also remained unexamined by the respective funding agencies. The paper advocates development of a monitoring system which would help in enhancing the utilisation of sponsored R&D and its overall impact on science, society and economy.

Keywords: Creation, Development, Economy, Flow, Funding, Impact, India, Institutions, Monitoring, Outcome, Paper, Publications, Quality, Research, Science, Support, Technologies

Dhawan, S.M. (1998), Comparative study of physics research in India and China based on INSPEC-Physics for 1990 and 1995. Scientometrics, 43 (3), 423-441.

Full Text: 1998\Scientometrics43, 423.pdf

Abstract: The status of physics research in India and China has been examined by using bibliometric indicators. The study is based on publication data drawn from INSPEC-Physics for 1990 and 1995. China is ahead of India in terms of publication output. It ranks 7th in the world, whereas India is placed at 10th position. China is also ahead of India in terms of growth in its publications appearing particularly in the SCI (Science Citation Index) indexed journals. Despite its second position in publication count, India leads China in terms of average impact per paper computed using data on impact factor of the citing journals. It maintains this leading position both in 1990 and 1995. In addition, the study suggests a strategy for identifying leading areas of research in physics.

Keywords: Bibliometric, Bibliometric Indicators, China, Growth, Impact, Impact Factor, India, Indicators, Output, Paper, Position, Publication, Publications, Research, SCI, Science Citation Index, Strategy

Garg, K.C. and Padhi, P. (1998), Scientometric study of laser patent literature. Scientometrics, 43 (3), 443-454.

Full Text: 1998\Scientometrics43, 443.pdf

Abstract: An analysis of the patents filed and scientific papers published and abstracted in the Journal of Current Laser Abstracts (JCLA) for the period 1967-95 indicates that innovative activity in laser science and technology was at its peak in the early 70s. However, scientific activity surpassed the innovative activity in the early 80s. There was a continuous shift in emphasis from ‘applications of lasers’ to ‘experimental laser research’ and to ‘theoretical laser research’. Further analysis of the 1840 patents filed in 1970- 71, 1975-76, and 1980-85 indicates that most of the firms filing patents were situated in USA and thus USA is the leading country filing patents in this area followed by Japan. ‘Spectroscopy of laser output’ followed by ‘Communication applications of laser’ got the maximum emphasis.

Keywords: Activity, Analysis, Applications, Indicators, Japan, Patents, Science, Statistics, USA

? Kretschmer, H. and Gupta, B.M. (1998), Collaboration patterns in theoretical population genetics. Scientometrics, 43 (3), 455-462.

Full Text: 1998\Scientometrics43, 455.pdf

Abstract: The paper points out that the characteristic properties of general social networks are reflected in co-authorship patterns of theoretical population genetics as studied from 1900 to 1980. The results are consistent with the analyses of bibliographies where the co-authorship networks in invisible colleges probably have shown the same behavioural patterns as the non-scientific populations. The patterns of behaviour are portrayed in two-dimensional as well as three-dimensional representations of co-authorship data in theoretical population genetics.

Keywords: Co-Authorship, Co-Authorship Networks, General, Genetics, Paper, Parameters, Population, Properties, Social, Social Networks, Three-Dimensional

? Braun, T. (1999), Scientometrics research in India part II. Scientometrics,