The SREX web tool has been designed to improve document searches in scientific databases, using the IEEE Xplore engine as an example. This interface allows researchers to refine their searches more efficiently and visually.
The method used by SREX consists of adjusting a graph of terms associated with the query. Users can drag adjacent nodes in the graph to assign one of three categories: proximity, frequency, or exclusion.
Additionally, users can remove terms with a right-click and add new terms from the table below the graph.
Once the graph has been modified, clicking the “Rerank” button will reorder the document ranking — pushing to the top those results that best match the adjusted graph.
This way, users do not need to review all documents, but only the most relevant ones. The process can be repeated as many times as necessary until the search objectives become clearer.
-
Access the tool by clicking here.
-
Enter a Boolean query in the search bar, for example:
(artificial AND intelligence) OR ai -
Modify the graph on the left according to your search criteria:
- Add terms from the table below.
- Remove terms from the graph using right-click.
-
Click the “Rerank” button.
-
Review the top results: Examine their abstracts and check how the highlighted words relate to your configured search criteria.