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.

On the analogy between the evolution of thermodynamicand bibliometric systems: a breakthrough or justa bubble? / Franceschini, Fiorenzo; Maisano, DOMENICO AUGUSTO FRANCESCO. - In: SCIENTOMETRICS. - ISSN 0138-9130. - STAMPA. - 89, n.1:(2011), pp. 315-327. [10.1007/s11192-011-0444-4]

On the analogy between the evolution of thermodynamicand bibliometric systems: a breakthrough or justa bubble?

FRANCESCHINI, FIORENZO;MAISANO, DOMENICO AUGUSTO FRANCESCO
2011

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.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11583/2440577
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