On the analogy between the evolution of thermodynamic and bibliometric systems: a breakthrough or just a bubble?

Fiorenzo Franceschini () and Domenico Maisano ()
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Fiorenzo Franceschini: DISPEA (Department of Production Systems and Business Economics)
Domenico Maisano: DISPEA (Department of Production Systems and Business Economics)

Scientometrics, 2011, vol. 89, issue 1, No 18, 315-327

Abstract: Abstract This paper presents an in depth study of an interesting analogy, recently proposed by Prathap (Scientometrics 87(3):515–524, 2011a), between the evolution of thermodynamic and bibliometric systems. The goal is to highlight some weaknesses and clarify some “dark sides” in the conceptual framework of this analogy, discussing the formal validity and practical meaning of the concepts of Energy, Exergy and Entropy in bibliometrics. Specifically, this analogy highlights the following major criticalities: (1) the definitions of E and X are controversial, (2) the equivalence classes of E and X are questionable, (3) the parallel between the evolution of thermodynamic and bibliometric systems is forced, (4) X is a non-monotonic performance indicator, and (5) in bibliometrics the condition of “thermodynamic perfection” is questionable. Argument is supported by many analytical demonstrations and practical examples.

Keywords: Bibliometrics; Thermodynamics; Exergy; Energy; Entropy; S = E – X; p-Index; Composite indicators (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2011
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DOI: 10.1007/s11192-011-0444-4

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