The mathematical models of the periodical literature publishing process

Based on a theoretical analysis, the paper establishes the mathematical mod els of the periodical publishing process: a continuous model and a discrete model - a group of difference equations, which is derived from the former. The validity of the models is demonstrated by a particular solution of the continuous model at steady state. To some degree, the paper provides an ef fective mathematical tool for the quantitative study of the periodical lite rature publishing process. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserv ed.