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The h-index formalism

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Abstract

This article provides an overview of the development of the h-index formalism. We begin with the original formulation as provided by Hirsch and move on to the latest versions. In this we show how the h-index formalism has evolved over time. Lesser known versions, in particular the continuous version of the h-index is brought to the front. We also discuss the Prathap–Kosmulski–Schubert successive h-indices. As announced in the title we focus on the h-index formalism, omitting generalizations, such as the g-index, and applications in research assessment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Hasselt, Hasselt, Belgium

    Leo Egghe

  2. Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium

    Ronald Rousseau

  3. Centre for R&D Monitoring (ECOOM) and Department of MSI, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium

    Ronald Rousseau

Authors
  1. Leo Egghe
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  2. Ronald Rousseau
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Correspondence to Ronald Rousseau.

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Egghe, L., Rousseau, R. The h-index formalism. Scientometrics 126, 6137–6145 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-020-03699-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-020-03699-9

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