Rank-frequency data and impact in a continuous model: Introducing impact bundles

Abstract

First, we introduce the notion of a strong impact measure. This notion is based on the corresponding notion of a strong impact curve. Next, this notion is generalized through the notion of impact bundles. Superficially the corresponding theory bears some resemblance and was inspired by the theory of inequality (concentration, diversity) but it differs in the fundamental aspect that there is a special emphasis on the high producers. Several examples of impact bundles and of strong impact measures are provided. In our opinion, measuring publication-citation impact in science means accentuating highly cited sources.