Discusses the introduction of the use of XML (Extensible Markup Language) in publishing electronic journals. Topics include standards, including DTDs (Document Type Definition), or document type definitions; aggregator requirements; SGML (Standard Generalized Markup Language); benefits of XML for e-journals; XML metadata; the possibility of…

Applies Lotka's Law to metadata on open source software development. Authoring patterns found in software development productivity are found to be comparable to prior studies of Lotka's Law for scientific and scholarly publishing, and offer promise in predicting aggregate behavior of open source developers. (Author/LRW)

Discusses mapping science and Kuhn's theories of paradigms and scientific development. Highlights include cocitation clustering; bibliometric definition of a paradigm; specialty dynamics; pathways through science; a new Web tool called Essential Science Indicators (ESI) for studying the structure of science; and microrevolutions. (Author/LRW)

Examines the knowledge structure of the field of space communications using bibliometric mapping techniques based on textual analysis. Presents a new approach with the aim of visualizing simultaneously the configuration of the scientific and technological knowledge bases at a worldwide level, and discusses results that show different…

Presents the application of a knowledge visualization tool, VxInsight[R], to enable domain analysis for science and technology management. Uses data mining from sources of bibliographic information to define subsets of relevant information and discusses citation mapping, text mapping, and journal mapping. (Author/LRW)

Describes a study that illustrates the lack of bibliographic control of scientific research in Nigeria and discusses the causes underlying this situation. The formation of a national bibliographic association to coordinate bibliographic activities in Nigeria and solicit funding from international organizations is suggested. (CLB)

Presents the theoretical aspects of a data analysis methodology that can help transform sequential raw data from a database into useful information, using the statistical analysis of patents as an example. Topics discussed include relational analysis and a technology watch approach. (Contains 17 references.) (LRW)

Describes project results on the nature of oral presentations given and produced by technical/managerial professionals working in business and industry. Notes that the survey responses focused on issues including frequency, target audience(s), objectives, data/information base, use of visuals, equipment, obstacles, and training. States that the…

Provides a detailed table of contents and an overview of this special issue. Describes how federal agencies and other organizations are addressing issues related to the earth's changing environment, including providing the infrastructure for global change data and information management. (LRW)

Describes an explosion in Port Chicago (California) that a journalist later ascribed to a nuclear weapon, explains how his conclusions can be refuted, discusses the sociology of publishing such spectacular claims, and suggests how historians might better assist journalists in evaluating such claims. (40 references) (LRW)

Discusses science databases accessible via the Internet. Topics addressed include tools for identifying databases; types of databases, including bibliographic, numeric, and full-text; and places to look for additional sources. A sidebar provides a sample of science resources on the Internet. (Contains eight references.) (LRW)

Examines the applicability of Lotka's Law, negative binomial distribution, and lognormal distribution for institutional productivity in the same way as it is to authors and their productivity. Results indicate that none of the distributions are applicable for institutional productivity in engineering sciences. (Author/LRW)

Provides tips on searching Chemical Abstracts (CA). Discusses coverage, indexing policies, differences between the print and online versions, transliterations, arrangement of the print indexes, abbreviations, and importance of the CA Index Guide for effective searching. (MES)

Considers textual aspects of scientific communication and problems for reception presented by the complex dynamics of communicating scientific work. Discusses scientific work based on fraud or misconduct and disputes about the nature of science, and applies reception theory and reader-response criticism to understand variations in readings of the…

States that Patrick Moore's commentary (published in this issue) claims that technical communication pedagogy does not adequately prepare students for the workplace because current theory overemphasizes the rhetorical uses and ideological implications of technical communication, while condemning the "nonrhetorical," instrumental uses as…