Dynamics of citation distribution.
Journal
Computer Physics Communications
Journal Volume
182
Journal Issue
1
Pages
185-187
Date Issued
2011
Author(s)
Hsu, Jiann-wien
Abstract
We study the citation dynamics of scientific publications over the years. We propose a simple cellular automaton model featuring a combination of two distinct mechanisms, i.e. the random assignment and the preferential attachment, to investigate the dynamics of journal citation. Different from most previous studies focusing on highly cited papers, we analyze the time evolution of the entire citation distribution. Empirical data can be well reproduced by numerical simulations. Within the linear regime of the Cited Half-Life, a steady accumulation of citations can be expected. Moreover, within this linear regime, the ratio between the above two mechanisms is a constant. Besides the average citation represented by the Impact Factor, such a constant ratio can also be a characteristic of the journal. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
SDGs
Type
journal article