Showing papers in "Scientometrics in 1999"

The difficulty of achieving full coverage of international social science literature and the bibliometric consequences

Abstract: This review of social science bibliometric literature seeks to establish characteristics of the social science literature and to understand their consequences for the coverage of literature databases and for interpretation of bibliometric social science indicators based on such databases. The paper reviews what we know about social science publishing and database coverage of it. It examines the main reasons why social science bibliometrics are problematic, namely: the centrality of books in social science literature and their high citation rate; and the national orientation of social science literatures. The paper then looks at reasons why social science bibliometrics holds increasing promise, namely: increasing internationalization; and good coverage of scholarly journals.

A bibliometric analysis of international scientific cooperation of the European Union (1985–1995)

Abstract: Scientific cooperation of the EU countries with other developed regions, with Economies in Transition and with Developing Countries is analysed as it is reflected in the bibliometric indicators of internationally co-authored publications. The citation attractivity of these publications shows that international scientific collaboration is particularly advantageous for less advanced countries, but also highly industrialised countries benefit from it.

A compendium of issues for citation analysis

Abstract: This paper examines a number of the criticisms that citation analysis has been subjected to over the years. It is argued that many of these criticisms have been based on only limited examinations of data in particular contexts and it remains unclear how broadly applicable these problems are to research conducted at different levels of analysis, in specific fields, and among various national data sets. Relevant evidence is provided from analysis of Australian and international data. Citation analysis is likely to be most reliable when data is aggregated and at the highly-cited end of the distribution. It is possible to make valid inferences about individual cases, although considerable caution should be used. Bibliometric measures should be viewed as a useful supplement to other research evaluation measures rather than as a replacement.

Integrating research performance analysis and science mapping

Abstract: In this paper we present the explorations of combining the two main pillars of evaluative bibliometrics. These two pillars, performance analysis and science mapping, both have their strengths and imperfections. In this study we show how these imperfections are dealt with by an integrated analysis.

An item-by-item subject classification of papers published in multidisciplinary and general journals using reference analysis

Abstract: A serious shortcoming of bibliometric studies based on the(Social) Science (s) Citation Index is the lack of an universally applicable subject classification scheme as individual papers are concerned. Subject classification of papers on the basis of assigning journals to subject categories (like those found in the various supplements of ISI databases) works well in case of highly specialised journals, but fails for multidisciplinary journals such asNature, Science andPNAS—and so far as subfields are taken into consideration-also for “general” journals (e.g.JACS orAngewandte Chemie). This study presents the results of a pilot project attempting to overcome this shortcoming by delimiting the subject of papers published in multidisciplinary and general journals by an item-by-item subject classification scheme, where assignment is based on the analysis of the subject classification of reference literature. The results clearly confirmed the conclusions of earlier studies by the authors in the field o...

Analysis of the structure of international scientific cooperation networks through bibliometric indicators

Abstract: International scientific cooperation of Latin American countries amongst themselves, with the USA and with the European Union in the period 1991–1995 was studied. The analysis deepens in the differences per subject area and the influence of the regional axis involved. Collaboration patterns differ according to the scientific size of the latin American countries, the thematic areas and whether a bilateral collaboration or a participation in a multilateral network takes place. Some special characteristics of multi-regional cooperation networks are presented.

Advanced bibliometric methods for the evaluation of universities

Abstract: L'A. presente les avantages des analyses bibliometriques dans le cadre de (1) l'evaluation des forces et des faiblesses de la performance de recherche d'un organisme scientifique au niveau international et de (2) l'identification de patterns du developpement scientifique avec la cartographie des activites de recherche d'un organisme evalue sur la carte mondiale de la science

Science in america latina: A comparison of bibliometric and scientific-technical indicators

Abstract: Latin-American scientific achievement is generally under-represented in databases for a number of reasons pointed out in our study. In this paper we analyze Latin-American scientific production in terms of input (resources) and output (publications). The indicators used were: Gross Domestic Product (GDP), economically active population (EAP), percentage of GNP destined to R+D, and total number of researchers dedicated to R+D. These indicators were subjected to bivariant analysis to determine the degree of correlation with the number of ISI publications.

Towards appropriate indicators of journal impact

Abstract: This paper reviews a range of studies conducted by the authors on indicators reflecting scholarly journal impact. A critical examination of the journal impact data in theJournal Citation Reports (JCR), published by the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) has shown that the JCR impact factor is inaccurate and biased towards journals revealing a rapid maturing or decline in impact. In addition, it was found that the JCR cited half life is an inappropriate measure of decline of journal impact. More appropriate impact measures of scholarly journals are proposed. A new classification system is explored, describing both maturing and decline of journal impact as measured through citations. Suggestions for future research are made, analysing in more detail the distribution of citations among papers in a journal.

Measuring interdisciplinary collaboration within a university: The effects of the multidisciplinary research programme

Abstract: A Multidisciplinary Research Programme (MRP) is being developed since 1989 in the Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Spain, to support cross-disciplinary research projects. This paper analyses the incidence of interdisciplinarity in the UCM scientific publications over the period 1990-96 and tries to determine the success of the Programme at fostering cross-disciplinary research. Interdisciplinary in the UCM is measured through the collaboration of authors from different institutional addresses within the UCM, both in scientific publications and in research projects. Publications jointly signed by the different teams that collaborate in the projects were identified as an indicator of the success of the Programme in integrating disciplines. Interdisciplinary collaboration within the UCM showed an upward trend over time. Publications of MRP groups showed a higher interdisciplinary collaboration rate than the rest of the UCM (17% vs.9%). Dramatic repercussions of the Programme were not expected due to its limited magnitude, but it worked as a catalyst, enhancing interdisciplinary relations within the UCM. The interest of such a programme is supported by its effects, both direct effects on granted teams and indirect on the whole UCM community.

Chinese science citation database: Its construction and application

Abstract: The important role of the Institute for Scientific Information'sScience Citation Index (SCI) as an international retrieval and evaluation tool is briefly discussed. The role ofChinese Science Citation Database (CSCD), the counterpart of SCI in China, in improving the application of citation retrieval method in China, is summarized. The construction process and status quo of CSCD are explained.

Temporal differences in self-citation rates of scientific journals

Abstract: Temporal differences in self-citing and self-cited rates of journals are studied. It is concluded that the citation curve of a journal is composed of two curves with different characteristics: a self-citation (or self-cited) curve and a curve representing external citations.

Patterns of author cocitation in information policy: Evidence of social, collaborative and cognitive structure

Abstract: This paper presents the findings of an author cocitation study in the field of information policy. Cocitation frequencies for 21 leading authors over the period 1972–1997 were obtained from the multidisciplinary databaseSocial Sciences Citation Index. The raw cocitation counts were transformed into a matrix of Pearson correlation profiles and subsequently visualised using multidimensional scaling techniques. An initial interpretation of the structure of the field of information policy was attempted, drawing on a range of non-bibliometric evidence. The results of a customised postal questionnaire to the data subjects themselves supports the present writer's allocation of the authors into thematic clusters. These results suggest that the social, collaborative and intellectual structure of information policy scholarship are highly convergent.

The matthew index—Concentration patterns and Matthew core journals

Abstract: In this paper we extend our studies to the micro-structure of the Matthew effect for countries (MEC). The MEC allows the ranking of countries by their Matthew Index. The rank distribution of countries, observable only at a macro-level, has its roots in re-distribution processes of citations in every journal of the database. These re-distributed citations we call Matthew citations. Data for 44 countries and 2712 journals (based on theScience Citation Index) are analyzed. The strength of the contribution of the individual journals to the MEC (their number of Matthew citations) is skewly distributed. Due to this high concentration of the MEC we are able to define a new type of journal the Matthew core journal: 145 Matthew core journals account for 50% of the MEC. These journals carry a high potential of gaining a surplus of citations over what is expected and the risk of losing a high number of citations as well.

A comparision of productivity of male and female scientists of CSIR

Abstract: The paper examines the scientific productivity of male and female scientistts working in the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India at the overall agency level and at the group of laboratories level, characterized by three broad subjects of physical, biological, and engineering sciences. The productivity of scientists is evaluated on the basis of three parameters: the extent of scientists not publishing any paper, the average number of papers per scientist, and using Lotka's approach. In order to find out whether there is any significant difference between male and female productivity distributions, a Chi-square test is used. Studies the applicability of Lotka's inverse power law and some other statistical models in the distribution of scientific productivity of male and female scientists. Concludes that no significant difference exists between productivity distributions of male and female scientists.

Science-Technology Linkages in an Emerging Research Platform: The case of Combinatorial Chemistry and Biology

Abstract: This article focuses on issues concerning science and technology relationships posed by the emergence of a new drug discovery method, namely, combinatorial chemistry and biology. We assess the scientific content of combinatorial chemistry and biology using citations in patents to scientific journals and compare this research platform with biotechnology. We also identify the institutional affiliation of all the authors of the cited papers, which leads us to an analysis of knowledge spillovers between the main participants in the research network. Finally, we examine the relevance of localisation in the process of knowledge exchange with regard to EU countries and the US. The result of the analysis provides evidence to support the view that the inventive capacity of a country is dependent upon the basic research which is carried out, especially in universities and public research centres located in the inventor's country.

Indicators in a research institute: A multi-level classification of scientific journals

Abstract: Indicators in a research Institute ought to be readable at several decision levels, and particularly with different break-downs of the publication set chosen as reference. Citation transactions between journals have been widely used to structure scientific subfields in ISI databases. We tried a seed-free structuration of SCI/CMCI journals (a) to test convergence of pure citation-built specialties (roughly 150) on SCI/CMCI journals with existing classifications at the subfield level (b) to explore the interest and the limits of this approach for upper levels of aggregation (roughly 30 fields). A few limits of journal-level classification are addressed. At the subfield level, the convergence is large with some discrepancies worth noticing. At the subdiscipline level, the method is not sufficient to achieve a satisfactory 30-level delineation, but gives a good basis for informed expert validation.

Beyond the holy grail: From citation theory to indicator theories

Abstract: A recurring theme in the use of science and technology indicators, as well as in the construction of new ones, is the interpretation of these indicators. Given the dependence on citation data in the majority of interesting science and technology indicators, a general citation theory would make the meaning of S&T indicators more transparent. Hence the continuing call for a citation theory in scientometrics. So far, such a theory has not yet been accepted by the experts in the field. This paper suggests an explanation for this. It also tries to sketch the outline of a generalindicator theory by discussing new implications of an earlier proposal (Wouters, 1998) in relation to existing citation and indicator theories.

Between texts and contexts: Advances in theories of citation? (A rejoinder)

Abstract: Scientific literature is expected to contain a body of knowledge that can be indexed and retrieved using references and citations. References are subtexts which refer to a supertext, that is, the body of scientific literature. TheScience Citation Index has provided an electronic representation of science at the supertextual level by aggregating the subtextual citations. As the supertext, however, becomes independently available in virtual reality (as a “hypertext”), subtext and supertext become increasingly different contexts. The dynamics of hyperlinks are expected to feedback on the system of indexing, referencing, and retrieval at the level of research practices. References can be considered as part of the retention mechanism of this evolving system of scientific communication, and citations are a codified form of referencing.

Impact of national size on research collaboration : A comparison between northern European and American Universities

Abstract: It is generally assumed that there is a negative correlation between national scientific size and amount of international research collaboration: The larger the size is of the national scientific arena, the lesser the amount of international research collaboration. In this study, the collaboration pattern of 49 universities is analysed and a comparison is made between the Northern European and American universities in our sample. It was found that the American universities have more national and less international collaboration than the European ones. However, for the European universities there are no impact of national size although the countries differ much in scientific size. This deviation from the general trend indicates that the above-mentioned explanation is too simple and that national scientific size does not correlate negatively with the amount of international research collaboration without exceptions.

Inventive productivity and the statistics of exceedances

Abstract: We show that inventive productivity can be described by two variables, Frenquency and Lifetime. For several samples of inventors, we show that the Exponential and Generalized Pareto distributions provide excellent goodness-of-fit to these variables. Furthermore, good fits to these distributions arises naturally from the statistics of exceedance. Thus, a better theoretical foundation and connection to environmental variables is shown for Frequency and Lifetime than has been shown for Lotka's Law.

Scientometrics of laser research literature as viewed through the journal of current laser abstracts

Abstract: An analysis of 4650 publications abstracted inJournal of Current Laser Abstracts Vol. 27 (April 1990-March 1991) indicates that 14 countries contributed about 94% of the research output with USA toping the list followed by Japan and the erstwhile USSR. Technical reports and patents, besides articles in scientific journals constitute an important source of information on laser science and technology. “Spectroscopy of laser output” is the sub-speciality which has received maximum emphasis. USA has paid almost equal emphasis for theoretical, experimental and applications of laser research, while such pattern is not applicable for other countries. For USSR, China, and India, the impact of research did not commensurate with the publication effort.

Scientometric portrait of nobel laureate Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin

Abstract: Scientometric analysis of publication productivity of Nobel Laureate Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin is documented.

An item-by-item subject classification of papers published in journals covered by the SSCI database using reference analysis

Abstract: A serious shortcoming of bibliometric studies based on theSocial Sciences Citation Index is the lack of a universally applicable subject classification scheme as individual papers are concerned. Moreover, the selective coverage of more than thousand scientific journals per annum proved to be an insuperable obstacle in the delimitation of social science subject areas. Subject classification of papers on the basis of assigning journals to subject categories (like those found in the various supplements of ISI databases) works well in case of fully covered and highly specialised journals in the social sciences, too, but fails for multidisciplinary and selectively covered journals. This study presents the results of an item-by-item subject classification approach, where assignment is based on the analysis of the subject categories of reference literature.

The definition and calibration of biomedical subfields

Abstract: This paper first explains the need to define subfields of science by means of “filters” that selectively retrieve papers from a database, and then describes how such filters are constructed and calibrated. Good filters should have precision and recall of the order of 90% so as to be representative of a subfield; they are created by an interactive partnership between an expert in the subject and a bibliometrician. They are based primarily on the use of title keywords, often in combination rather than singly, and specialist journals. Their calibration depends on experts marking lists of papers extracted by the filter as relevant, don't know or not relevant. This allows the actual size of a subfield to be estimated and hence the relative importance accorded to it within a major field of science. It permits organisations and countries to see their contributions to individual scientific subfields in detail.

History matters: The inherited disciplinary structure of the post-communist science in countries of central and eastern Europe and its restructuring

Abstract: The inherited disciplinary structure of the science of post-communist countries of CEE carries a strong common features of its past. The communist heritage is present in: a) a relatively homogeneous research profile among post-communist countries; b) the similar structure of disciplinary comparative advantages of post-communist countries; c) the unbalanced and concentrated disciplinary structure of comparative advantages. The analysis is based on ISI databases and uses statistics on papers and citations for the 1992–1997 period for all central and eastern European countries as well as for other world regions. In the conclusions we discuss the relevance of the results for the restructuring of science in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe.

Influence of Latin American journals coverage by international databases

Abstract: The coverage of Latin American journals by international databases influences the visibility of these countries' scientific output, and has a direct effect in their activity index per scientific discipline. Local, regional and international character of the most visible Latin American journals in SCI expanded and restricted databases is analysed, as well as its influence in the percentage share of each country in certain disciplines. Suggestions to enhance visibility of local journals are presented.

Own-language preference: A new measure of “relative language self-citation”

Abstract: A significant portion of scientometrics research involves studies of relative citation rates to groups of citable items. This paper examines the relative citation rates to own-language as compared to foreign language materials. A simple probabilistic model of citation behavior is defined, which suggests a natural measure of relative citation rate. Unlike earlier indicators, our measure is independent of the size of the base population.

Can technology lead to a competitive advantage? a case study of flanders using european patent data

Abstract: The study tries to analyze regional technological capabilities, linking technological positions to economic strength of the region. To measure this link, we correlate the EPO patent data with trade data to assess the degree to which technological advantages are translated into comparative advantages for the Flemish region in Belgium. The analysis for Flanders provides some interesting insights. Following the skewed distribution of firms, the technological areas in which Flanders is able to build, a strong position are very specific: printing technology, weaving technology, photography and recently also telecommunications. Weak positions are outspoken in car technology. Linking these strengths and weaknesses in technological areas to economic activity revealed an important mismatch between both. Most of the Flemish patents are in sectors without any comparative advantage, while most of the sectors where Flanders does hold a comparative advantage, like chemicals and pharmaceuticals, do not show strong technological advantages in terms of patents. Given the mismatch that was detected between technological positions and economic advantages, it is of crucial importance to better understand the (missing) links between the various actors in the regional innovation system. The analysis points out two important issues. The large and growing number of foreign applications to Belgian/Flemish inventors and the large number of subsidiaries of foreign firms among Belgian/Flemish applications illustrate the pervasiveness of the foreign dimension in the Belgian/Flemish technological landscape. Also very specific to the Belgian/Flemish situation, is the limited importance of universities or research centers in terms of patenting activities.

Is the science citation index US-biased?

Abstract: The Western European science policy establishment often claims that US articles are more frequently cited than articles of the European Union's scientists because they are published in journals with a large number of US publications and that these journals are forming the ‘core’ of the SCI.