Tag Archives: databases

Use of AI technologies in databases

AI technologies are increasingly being integrated in scientific databases. We have summarized the advantages and disadvantages of AI technologies in databases and explain, how this option can be used effectively.

In addition to content summaries and the in-depth exploration of documents, the use of AI in scientific databases also involves a Natural Language Search (NLS). This search mode is an (optional) component of the Simple or Advanced Search and allows search queries to be formulated in everyday language.

The NLS mode uses Natural Language Understanding (NLU) to understand the intent and contextual clues in a query. This function is particularly beneficial for less experienced database users.

As an example, we have tested the use of Natural Language Search in the Ebsco database Academic Search Premier. In addition to the usual search modes, you can also select NLS in the simple search.

The query entered is displayed above the result list as a search string with linked search terms (show refined query). However, the search is only carried out within simple search mode, which means that important search results could be overlooked. An advanced search provides a more detailed overview.

Due to the simple search mode, formal search criteria or filters are not recognized at the moment. Here are two examples of NLS search queries and their counterparts.

Example 1: “Show all articles from 2020 that contain the keyword automation in the abstract”. This is transformed into a search string as follows: automation AND (abstract) AND (2020).

Example 2: “I need articles on climate change that were published between 2020 and today for a research paper I am writing” is transformed into the search string: ((climate change OR global warming) AND (article OR research) AND (2020 OR 2021 OR 2022 OR 2023)).

Filters such as “Source Type” or “Publication Date” are not recognized. Furthermore, in example 2, the time period is not set to include 2024 or 2025, although the keyword “today” was used. It could be due to the status of the training data for the AI. This can also lead to important search results being overlooked.

The NLS search finds a maximum of two alternative search terms for one search aspect. Deeper filtering, e.g. to limit results to articles from a specific journal (publication), is not possible in the NLS.

Of course, AI technologies in databases are constantly evolving, so this information can quickly become outdated.

Another database that uses AI technology to support the research process is Statista. Here, the “Research AI” tab offers the option to search in natural language (except for the content of Consumer Insights and Company Insights). There are examples of prompts that can help you to interact effectively with the AI. In Statista, the results found are summarized by the Large Language Model (LLM) Claude 3 Sonnet and the sources used are indicated below the summary.

Unfortunately, this database does not provide the search terms to track how and where searches were carried out. Possible follow-up questions are suggested to users for further exploration of the topic.

Other databases that already use AI to support searches are Web of Science (Smart Search: free of charge & already available; Web of Science Research Assistant: fee-based, not yet included in the license), ScienceDirect (ScienceDirect AI: fee-based, not yet included in the license) and Scopus (Scopus AI, fee-based, not yet included in the license).

The rules of prompting (entering a query) can also be helpful for database searches. In particular, the query should be formulated clearly and precisely and avoid unnecessary filler words.

As this topic is highly discussed and very much evolving, information can quickly become outdated. Please also check the websites of the providers mentioned and contact our information desk if you have any questions.

Further information can be found here:

https://www.tu-chemnitz.de/ub/kurse-und-e-learning/elearning/studierende/mika/darstellen_mit_ki-tools.html#anwendung

https://www.ub.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/recherchieren/rechercheleitfaden/wissenschaftliches-recherchieren-mit-ki-tools

New E-Media 2025

A futuristic and stylish library interior with people sitting and interacting with electronic media devices. The scene includes users reading e-books.

AI: DALL-E / AI-Promter: Tino Riedel

Whether in the library, on campus or from home, the e-offers (e-books, e-journals, databases) of the university library are always available to you. We have also revised our offering for the year 2025. We would like to inform you here about innovations and changes in this area.

We have compiled all the information on the expansion of the offer in a structured overview.

We would like to inform you about a new offer in more detail below.

ISO standards in Nautos
In addition to the DIN standards, the Nautos database now also contains a complete edition of the standards of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) with full-text access to the valid ISO standards and drafts. The Nautos standards database is updated monthly. The database can be used in German, English and French. It contains around 2.6 million data records from 28 countries, including standards, technical rules, German legislation with a technical reference, VDI guidelines as well as european (e.g. CEN/CENELEC) and international (e.g. ISO/IEC) rules. Nautos – as the successor product to Perinorm – not only offers research into standards, but also serves as a portal for accessing full texts.

We wish you a lot of pleasure in learning, researching and browsing through our new e-offers.

New E-Media 2024

Photo: Katrin Pötschke / University Library Chemnitz

Whether in the library, on campus or from home the e-offers (e-books, e-journals, databases) of the university library are always available for you. We have revised our digital offerings for the year 2024 as well. We would like to inform you here about innovations and changes in this area.

We have compiled all information on the expansion of the e-book range as well as innovations and changes in licensing for you in a structured overview.

Below we would like to inform you about some of them in more detail.

DEAL Elsevier
Since 2024, Chemnitz University of Technology has been participating in the DEAL agreement with Elsevier. This provides reading access to almost the entire Elsevier journal portfolio, including the Cell Press and The Lancet titles. Furthermore, the costs for open access publications in Elsevier journals are covered by the University Library. Further information on the agreement can also be found on the University Library website.

LGBTQ+ Source
Relevant for several disciplines is the EBSCO database "LGBTQ+ Source", which has been licensed since January 2024. As the authoritative database for LGBTQ+ studies, it offers academic and popular LGBTQ+ publications in full text as well as historically important primary sources. The database also contains a special LGBTQ+ thesaurus with thousands of topic-related terms that can be used for further literature research.

AIS-e-Library
Thanks to a co-operation with the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, all TUC members have access to the AIS e-Library again this year. The AIS-e-Library is an comprehensive portal containing full texts from journals and proceedings of the Association for Information Systems (AIS). Further information on access can be found in a blog post.

CAS SciFinder-n Discovery Platform Academic
Since 2024, access to the CAS SciFinder Discovery Platform has been possible. In addition to SciFinder-n, this also contains the tools CAS Formulus and CAS Analytical Methods, which enable the search for formulations and analytical methods. Access is provided via the existing SciFinder-n interface.

We wish you a lot of pleasure in learning, researching and browsing through our new e-offers.

New: Access to DIN-VDE standards campus-wide possible

The DIN VDE standards are regulations for various areas of electrical engineering. These include, for example, power systems, power conductors and insulating materials, measuring, controlling & testing, as well as machines, converters, installation material, switchgear, consumer appliances, work equipment and information technology.

Until now, the standards of the VDE (Verband der Elektrotechnik | Elektronik | Informationstechnik e. V.) could only be offered on one computer in the library as a single-user licence. This has now changed.

Den Beitrag weiterlesen New: Access to DIN-VDE standards campus-wide possible

New E-Media 2023

Photo: Katrin Pötschke / University Library Chemnitz

Whether in the library, on campus or from home the e-offers (e-books, e-journals, databases) of the university library are always available for you. We have revised our digital offerings for the year 2023 as well. Herewith we would like to inform you about innovations and changes in this area.

We have compiled all information on the expansion of the e-book range as well as innovations and changes in licensing for you in a structured overview.

Below we would like to inform you about some of them in more detail.

Den Beitrag weiterlesen New E-Media 2023

Dialogue box between Scopus and ORCID.

From Scopus to ORCID

Scopus is a huge information database. Your publications as a researcher can be spread over several profiles. Avoid this by linking your ORCID profile to Scopus.
This will allow Scopus to link all your profiles with similar names (e.g. D. Del Duca, Del Duca Davide, David Del Duca) to a single ORCID ID to avoid duplicate entries that may affect the chances of your research being found.

Visit this link (https://orcid.scopusfeedback.com/#/) and click on “Start”. A dialogue box will open asking you to give Scopus access to your ORCID ID.

Dialogue box between Scopus and ORCID.

Scopus to ORCID dialogue box

You will then be forwarded to Scopus where you will be presented with a list of similar names. After selecting your profile and the publications linked to your profile, ORCID collects your publication information and saves it to your ORCID ID.
When you publish there will be no more duplicates of your name and your research will be linked only to you.

If you need help or have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.