Facilitating research cooperation through linking and sharing of heterogenous research artefacts: cross platform linking of semantically enriched research artefacts

Abstract

Researchers and other knowledge workers frequently produce and use diverse research artefacts such as papers, data sets, experiment specifications, software, etc. In this, they are often faced with unclear relationships (e.g., which version of a software was in use for a particular paper), creating unnecessary work and potentially errors. Semantic web technologies can provide metadata as well as explicit, specific links between the artefacts. However, data acquisition and perceived utility are potential stumbling blocks for adoption. Therefore, we propose a system which is focused on integrating and augmenting existing data (thus protecting the existing investment), and examine it using an interaction-oriented perspective, on users without semantic web experience. Specifically, we first study requirements of the target group and then present an exploratory study of managing research artefacts related to software-centric projects. The results confirm that diverse data sources are in common use, that re-using existing repositories is perceived as efficient (e.g., more convenient, shorter cycle time), and that the experimented aggregates are perceived as functionally relevant. Furthermore, the integration of quality assurance mechanisms, such as continuous integration, is perceived as beneficial, despite some added effort.