The main toolbar represents the constant navigation element of the ITSERR – uBIQUITY platform. It is always visible at the top of the interface, regardless of the section or module in which the user is located. The toolbar provides direct access to the main operational functionalities of the system and allows quick management of workflows (flows).

The structure is divided into two main areas:

• Left area: displays the platform logo and the title of the current module.
• Right area: contains a series of functional buttons represented by icons, each of which activates a specific section or working window.

The available buttons may vary depending on the user role (researcher, reviewer, admin), but the overall structure remains unchanged.

The “New Search” button allows the user to start a new search session. By clicking the icon, a confirmation message is displayed, warning the user about the possible loss of unsaved data.

• If the user confirms, the system clears the current results and opens a new search screen with all fields empty.
• If the user cancels, the user remains on the current search without any changes.

This protection mechanism prevents accidental loss of work and ensures the consistency of searches saved as flows. (Figure 8)

Figure 8, New Search

The “Notes” icon opens the side panel of personal notes, where the user can:

• add, edit, or delete annotations related to specific texts or searches;
• view all previously saved notes;
• link notes to individual textual occurrences or results.

Personal notes are persistent: they are saved in the database and can therefore be retrieved at any time, even after logout. The system automatically records the creation date and last modification date of each note. (Figure 9)

Figure 9, Notes

The “Import” and “Export” buttons allow the management of research flows (flows).

Import Allows the user to upload a previously exported flow, restoring the entire configuration (language, filters, search terms, results, and display settings). (Figure 10)

Export Allows the user to save a research flow in a compatible format (e.g. .json or .xml), in order to share it or reuse it in future sessions. (Figure 11)

During import, the system performs a consistency check to verify that the file is valid and compatible with the current version of the platform.

Figure 10, Import Flow

Figure 11, Export Flow

The platform integrates dedicated modal windows for managing import and export operations, providing a clear and guided interface.

Import

• The user selects a file from their device using the “Choose file” button.
• The system verifies the format (.json) and the validity of the data.
• In case of success, the flow is uploaded and automatically added to the “Saved Flows” list.
• In case of error (corrupted file or incompatible version), a warning message with technical details is displayed.

Export

• The user selects a flow from the list and clicks the export icon.
• A confirmation window opens, allowing the user to download the file in .json format.
• The export includes metadata such as:
  • flow name;
  • author;
  • creation date;
  • language, criteria, and search parameters.

Status messages

During both operations, informative messages are displayed (“Flow imported successfully”, “Export completed”) to ensure transparency and traceability.

Information about the current model is made available to the user.

The “Flows” button opens the window dedicated to the management of saved research flows. From this section, the user can:

• view the complete list of saved flows;
• open an existing flow and resume the corresponding search;
• rename or delete a flow;
• access the version history (Flow History).

Each flow contains:

• the original search query;
• the selected parameters;
• the date of the last modification.

This function is closely linked to the modules described in the following chapters (in particular Chapter 10 – Flows Management). (Figure 4)