A simple method for excluding self-citation from the h-index: the b-index.

The article presents a novel and simple method for the exclusion of self-citation from h-index values, the b-index. The study shows the equality of the new index to the integer value of the external citation rate to three quarters and multiplied by their h-index. It points out that the b-index value does not require extensive analysis of individual papers' self-citation rates for production and reveals the largest numerical decreases when compared to the h-index for high self-citers. It also demonstrates the dependence of h-index and b-index difference on the Zipfian relationship exponent and on the external citation of the author.