searching

Guide collaborative construction and refinement of scimesh search queries for systematic literature reviews.

5|1|Updated Jan 27, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/gabfssilva/scimesh --skill searching
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: searching
Source: https://github.com/gabfssilva/scimesh/tree/main/skills/searching
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/gabfssilva/scimesh --skill searching

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill streamlines the process of building complex search queries for systematic literature reviews, ensuring all relevant criteria are captured and validated before execution.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Interactive Query Building: Guides users through identifying key concepts, synonyms, and query strategies.
  • Protocol Integration: Automatically reads and applies criteria from a defined protocol (index.yaml).
  • Query Calibration: Allows for iterative testing and refinement of queries based on result counts.
  • Use Case: A researcher needs to find all papers on "transformer models" published after 2020 with more than 50 citations. This Skill will help them construct and refine the precise scimesh query to achieve this.

Quick Start

Use the searching skill to build a query for papers on 'machine learning' and 'natural language processing' published between 2018 and 2022.

Frequently Asked Questions about searching

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I build a search query for a systematic literature review?

To build a systematic literature review search query, you identify key concepts, expand synonyms, and select a query strategy. This process is guided interactively, allowing iterative calibration against result counts before final execution.

What is the best way to refine search queries using scimesh?

The best way to refine search queries using scimesh is through iterative testing. You construct a query, test it against result counts, and use the interactive feedback loops to optimize the search criteria before final execution.

Can I use a predefined protocol to generate literature search queries?

Yes, you can use a predefined protocol. The query building process automatically reads and applies criteria from a defined index.yaml protocol file to ensure the search strategy adheres to your specified review guidelines.

How does collaborative query construction handle synonym expansion?

Collaborative query construction handles synonym expansion by guiding users through concept identification. It systematically expands identified terms into synonyms to ensure all relevant literature is captured in the search strategy.

Do I need a protocol file to start building a literature search?

You do not strictly need a protocol file to start, but having an index.yaml allows the system to automatically read and apply predefined criteria. Without it, you manually guide the concept identification and strategy selection.

What are the limitations of interactive query calibration for data retrieval?

Interactive query calibration focuses on matching result counts and predefined criteria. It requires manual refinement and feedback loops, meaning the final data retrieval quality depends entirely on the accuracy of your initial concept and synonym inputs.