A webometric analysis of major keywords and expressions in biochemistry using LexiURL Searcher

The purpose of this paper is to explore webometric analysis of keywords and expressions of the biochemistry field of study via LexiURL Searcher.

Interfaces for assisting users with information access have received considerable attention. Along with the extraction of data on Web sites for webometric purposes (e.g. link analysis, ranking of Web sites, etc.), LexiURL Searcher presents some information on the arrangement of links among different Web sites. Such capability enables users to identify one or more Web sites around their intended subject and, accordingly, explore all Web sites linked with their identified Web site(s). LexiURL Searcher has preceded webometric analysis by considering the main expressions and keywords derived from the MeSH database.

The worldwide survey indicated that links from countries such as England, Japan, Germany, Australia and Canada were among the Web sites that are most used in biochemistry. Alternatively, other countries such as Singapore, Thailand and Poland had the most advantageous links to the outside world, whereas South Africa, New Zealand and The Netherlands had the least link effect. Biochemistry, being a specialized domain, would benefit greatly from site linking and would provide users the most assistance in information processing.

Most webometric studies remain on the level of link analysis and Web site statuses; however, this paper gives information on the common thread Web sites based on a standard thesaurus.