Boolean search syntax
The advanced search accepts a Web of Science–style query language. You can target specific fields, combine clauses with logical operators, and use phrases or wildcards. Every example below is a working link — click to run it.
Field tags
| Tag | Searches | Example |
|---|---|---|
TI= | Title | TI=cassava |
AU= | Author | AU=okonkwo |
AB= | Abstract body | AB="food security" |
KW= | Keyword / topic | KW=fermentation |
JN= | Journal | JN="Food Policy" |
YR= | Year (supports ranges) | YR=2018-2024 |
CO= | Country | CO=Nigeria |
RG= | Region | RG="West Africa" |
DOI= | DOI | DOI=10.1016/j.foodpol.2022.102345 |
ALL= | All fields (default) | ALL=sorghum |
Operators
AND— both clauses must match. Adjacent terms imply AND.OR— either clause matches. Use to broaden a search across synonyms.NOT— excludes results matching the following clause.- Group clauses with
( )to control precedence.
Phrases, wildcards & ranges
- Wrap multi-word phrases in
"double quotes"— e.g."post-harvest losses". - Use
*as a wildcard suffix —ferment*matches ferment, fermentation, fermented. - Year ranges:
YR=2018-2024(inclusive on both ends).
Saving & reusing searches
Researchers often return to the same handful of queries. The Baobab Index keeps two kinds of history for you on the search page.
- Sign in from the top right, then run any query.
- Click Save this search next to the query bar and give it a short name.
- Open the History ▾ dropdown to reopen any saved search — sort and query are restored exactly.
- Hover a saved entry and click × to delete it.
Saved searches sync to your account and follow you between devices.
Recent searches live in your browser only — they are visible without signing in, but clearing your browser data removes them.
Submitting an abstract
The index grows through community contributions. Any signed-in researcher can submit a peer-reviewed abstract for inclusion. Submissions are reviewed by editorial moderators before publication.
What you'll need
- Title and full author list
- Journal name and publication year
- Region and country of study
- Topic / primary keyword
- DOI (recommended — used for de-duplication)
- Abstract text (the published abstract, not the full paper)
- 3–8 keywords describing methods, crops, or themes
After you submit
Your submission goes into a moderation queue. Track its status — pending, published, or needs revision — from your dashboard. You'll be credited as the submitter on every entry you contribute.
Accounts & roles
You can browse the index without an account. Signing in unlocks contribution, saved searches, and your personal dashboard.
Researcher
Default account
- · Run advanced Boolean searches
- · Save and reuse queries
- · Submit abstracts for review
- · Track your own submissions
Admin
Editorial moderator
- · Everything a researcher can do
- · Review the moderation queue
- · Approve, reject or request revisions
- · Edit published metadata
Signing up
Create an account with email and password, or continue with Google. You'll need to verify your email before signing in for the first time. New accounts default to the Researcher role.