What are Annotations
Annotations are integral to PubCompare’s mission to improve scientific reproducibility. Located under protocol details, these annotations provide researchers with comprehensive insights, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
We understand the limitations of the materials and methods sections of publications, along with publisher requirements. Therefore, we offer authors a chance to describe their protocols in full detail to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness. Personal annotations are an opportunity for the authors of the paper along with the scientists who have previously tried/reproduced an experiment to leave tips and tricks for scientists interested in reproducing this protocol.
At Pubcompare, we leverage the power of AI to generate Yes/No annotations through comparison with the five most similar (listed from most to least similar) protocols in our database at the very bottom of the protocol details page. These annotations identify missing or complementary information that could be useful for enhancing protocol reproducibility.
This information can include comments on experimental protocols, providing insights that address potential oversights based on similar protocols from other articles. Annotations can also include generalizations, offering equivalent alternatives that work just as well, or a step-by-step abstract of the method.
How AI Annotations Work
Comparison with Similar Protocols: The AI analyzes the protocol and compares it with the top five most similar protocols in the database. Those 5 most similar protocols can be accessed under the annotations and are sorted from the highest relevancy protocols to the lowest with the percentage of similarity indicated at the top right corner of the protocol.
Detection of Gaps and Complements: AI performs a deep semantic analysis of all the protocols together and detects if there is missing information or complementary details that could enhance the reproducibility of the experiment.
Annotations: The AI offers annotations indicating additional useful information, such as comments, equivalent alternatives, or a step-by-step abstract of the method.
Check out the screenshots above to see the difference between accessing annotations as a free user versus a premium user. We believe in the power of open science, and our model reflects that commitment.
Here’s how it works:
Freemium Features: A Blend of Accessibility and Contribution
Annotations for Everyone: Our AI-generated annotations are available to all users, ensuring that crucial information is at your fingertips and not hidden behind paywall.
Unlocking Full Access: While premium users get immediate access to all annotations, free users can unlock them by engaging with the platform. Simply vote on previous Yes/No annotations to access more detailed information. This small contribution helps maintain the platform’s openness and ensures high-quality, user-verified data.
Why This Matters
Our model is designed to balance accessibility with sustainability. By encouraging free users to participate and contribute, we uphold our open science ideals while ensuring that everyone, regardless of their subscription status, can benefit from the wealth of information PubCompare offers.
Why AI Annotations Are a Game-Changer
- Increased Reproducibility: By identifying missing or complementary information, the tool helps ensure that experiments can be accurately reproduced.
- Time Efficiency: Researchers save time by not having to manually cross-reference multiple sources. Typically, when searching for experimental procedures that match your research objectives, you might not have the ability to cross-reference multiple similar setups. Additionally, you rarely have access to the author’s personal notes or thoughts that couldn’t fit into the materials and methods section of a publication. This often means piecing together information from various sources, which is time-consuming and prone to errors. With AI annotations, all relevant information is synthesized and presented in one place, saving valuable time and effort.
Get Involved and Make a Difference
Join our community of researchers who are dedicated to enhancing reproducibility and transparency in science. Whether you’re a free user or a premium subscriber, your engagement helps us improve and expand our resources.
