Overview

DESClogik is a core description software for core describers and micropaleontologists to enter observations. The software is configurable to meet different needs of different science parties. Configuring and editing the software is the responsibility of the Core Description Technician (you!).

As you're getting started make sure to read the Core Description S.O.P. for useful information on what (and how) you need to do at the beginning, middle, and end of the expedition.

Important Terminology

• Configuration Sheet (Config Sheet): This is an excel workbook that is the basis for DESClogik. These configuration sheets contain all the column information such as header, width, visibility, whether a column is free text or uses a pre-determined drop-down set of terms, and a unique definition for each column. Configuration sheets create the templates in DESClogik (see below).
• Template: A template is what the scientists are entering their data into in DESClogik. Templates are broken up into somewhat standardized groups: Macroscopic, microscopic, and one for each micropaleontology group sailing (e.g. nannofossils, forams, etc.). We'll discuss the difference between these templates later.
• Value lists: Value lists are groupings of similar terms. For example one value list we have is "principal_lithology_sediment_names" and inside that value list are terms that fall within this category such as "sand" and "clay". All terms used in DESClogik must be inside a value list.
• Sub Lists: A sublist is a subset of values from a value list that will be used on an expedition. In DESClogik sublists appear as a drop-down list of options for descriptive terms. For example "principal_lithology_sediment_names" value list could have thousands of values, so scientists will choose a smaller list of terms of only the principal lithologies they expect to see.
• Data Workbooks: These are exports from DESClogik that contain the descriptions uploaded by scientists.

What You Need

You will need to use the following software, server folders, and web based applications:

• 'All Things DESClogik' folder (VOL 1 > IODP_Share > All Things DESClogik): Contains previous expedition folders with all the configuration sheets and data workbooks from those expeditions, tutorials, and resources to give scientists to help them use the software.
• DESC Value List Manager: A web based application where value list and sublist excel workbooks are uploaded every time a change has been made to those sheets. http://eiger.ship.iodp.tamu.edu/apps/valuelistmanager/
• DESClogik: The description software users enter data into. Config Sheets are loaded into DESClogik, which generates the templates that users will use. It is an iterative process making edits to the config sheet, loading it into DESClogik, then making more edits.

Getting Started

General

In the first few days on the ship get these items done to ensure a smooth transition, but note deadlines can be pushed forward or back depending on length or portcall and transit. Other portcall activities take priority so work with your ALO and LO your priorities. 

• Talk to the MCS' to get at least two email distribution groups together: ExpXXX Core Description and ExpXXX Micropaleontology.
• Talk to the EPM to get an idea what expeditions are similar to your current expedition.
• Propose those expeditions to your scientists and see if they have any other expedition ideas

Set up the Expedition Folder

Each expedition has its own folder in the "All Things DESClogik" folder. These folders contain the current value lists, configuration sheets, data exports, smear slide templates, Thin Section Reports, and logsheets. Open up recent expedition folders to get an idea of the structure previous techs have used.

1.Open up the "All Things DESClogik" folder VOL 1 > IODP_Share > All Things DESClogik. The most recent expedition is at the top of the list with an underscore before the name.

Figure X: The file structure

2. Create a new folder following the same format as previous expeditions: "_DESClogik_EXP999". Put an underscore at the beginning to make it easier to access during the expedition.

3. Open up the folder of the most recent expedition and copy the "Value Lists" folder into your new expedition folder. Taking the value list from the most recent expedition ensures you have the most updated set of terms.

4. Go back to the previous expedition folder and remove the underscore. Now the only expedition folder at the top is your current expedition.

Finding a Jump Off Point

The best way to get started is read the scientific prospectus and chat with the EPM to find an expedition that encountered similar material as what your current expedition anticipates. Keep in mind expeditions prior to 341 used a different system that cannot be opened in DESClogik.

1.Click on the DESClogik icon to open the software.

2. Login with your LIMS application username and password.

3. The main DESClogik screen opens.

5. Click the black T. A list of all previous expedition templates will appear in the right 'Groups' panel. The left panel shows all the templates used in that expedition. Double-click the template of interest.

6. The template loads into the main screen. 

7. Check the 'All tabs' box.

8. Click the green 'Export' button. In the drop-down menu 'Include Classifications' is already checked. Check the box for 'Valuelists Instead of Data'. Then click 'Export...'

9. Save the file in your expedition folder in the 'All things DESClogik' folder.

10. Open up the file and add a key in each tab indicating the most useful way to make edits to the sheet. Note in the example below, it's asked that any additions be made in green, any deletions made in red, and any spelling changes in yellow. Save the workbook when the instructions are on every page.

11. Send an email to the appropriate distribution group with the workbook attached. For paleo groups, send to the few members in the particular discipline rather than the whole group. In the email mention that they all need to review and agree upon changes as a group. Include how they should make edits to the page and then email it back to you once they all agree. It will likely take a few iterations before everyone is satisfied. Make sure you get this back with enough time to make the changes before the first core on deck. If time is running out prioritize the Macroscopic workbook first, then microscopic, then the different paleo groups. 

12. Now that the scientists are working on their changes let's go back to DESClogik and export the Configuration sheet.

13. Open up DESClogik and click on the 'Design' tab at the top of the screen

14. Select the black T and click on the appropriate template. After it loads select the green excel button and click 'Export'.

15. Direct yourself to your expedition folder inside "All Things DESClogik". If not already there, make a folder called "Configuration Sheets". Save the file in your new "Configuration" folder with a name such as 375_Macroscopic_Example".

Software Introduction

You can access the software through the yellow spreadsheet icon located on the core description computers or through IODPLauncher. Open the software and login with your LIMS application software.

The main window opens up. Let's take a look at the main ribbon at the top of the screen.

At the top of the window there are three tabs: Spreadsheet Tools, Design, and Recovery. The software defaults to open on the Spreadsheet Tools tab. The Spreadsheet tab is the primary tab that scientists will use. The tools are outlined below:

1. Template: How users select templates.
2. Select Sample: allows users to find and add samples to describe
3. Upload: Uploads data to the database
4. Download: Downloads data into the spreadsheet for the selected samples.
5. Clear: Removes data from the screen but does not delete or remove data from the database.
6. All Tabs: Checkbox, when checked indicates that actions taken will apply to all the screens. Example: Box checked and click the 'Clear' button, data from all tabs will be cleared.
7. Filters:
8. Sort: Sorts data on the screen.
9. Export: Allows users to export templates with data and valuelists into excel spreadsheets.

Design Tab