A continuous description of discrete data points in informetrics Using spline functions

作者：Liu Yuxian; Rousseau Ronald^*

来源：ASLIB Proceedings, 2012, 64(2): 193-200.

DOI：10.1108/00012531211215204

• Spline functions
• Discrete data
• Visualization
• Citation data
• Differentiable functions
• Data handling
• Information science

Purpose - The paper aims to propose the use of spline functions for the description and visualization of discrete informetric data.
Design/methodology/approach - Interpolating cubic splines: are interpolating functions (they pass through the given data points); are cubic, i.e. are polynomials of third degree; have first and second derivatives in the data points, implying that they connect data points in a smooth way; satisfy a best-approximation property which tends to reduce curvature. These properties are illustrated in the paper using real citation data.
Findings - The paper reveals that calculating splines yields a differentiable function that still captures small but real changes. It offers a middle way between connecting discrete data by line segments and providing an overall best-fitting curve.
Research limitations/implications - The major disadvantage of the use of splines is that accurate data are essential.
Practical implications - Spline functions can be used for illustrative as well as modelling purposes.
Originality/value - Splines have hardly ever been used or studied in the information sciences.

• 出版日期2012
• 单位KU Leuven; 同济大学