Node self-connections in network metrics.

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Network Analysis
• Conservation Science

Background:

• Zamborain-Mason et al. (2017) introduced novel network metrics accounting for node self-connections.
• These self-connections are also termed intranode or intrapatch connectivity.
• The concept of intranode connectivity has a history predating this recent proposal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the novelty claim regarding network metrics with node self-connections.
• To highlight the prior existence and application of intranode connectivity metrics.
• To contextualize recent network metric proposals within existing scientific literature.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and citation analysis.
• Comparison of proposed network metrics with existing methodologies.
• Examination of conservation planning applications utilizing similar metrics.

Main Results:

• Intranode connectivity metrics were indeed proposed and utilized in earlier studies.
• The application of these metrics in conservation planning is well-documented prior to 2017.
• The novelty of the proposed metrics by Zamborain-Mason et al. is challenged by existing literature.

Conclusions:

• The concept of network metrics incorporating node self-connections is not new.
• Prior research extensively utilized intranode connectivity in conservation planning.
• Recent proposals should acknowledge and build upon established methodologies in network science.