Publications Tech Report X403

Owned by jr_stephens
Jul 29, 2024
5 min read

ALYSSA STEPHENS

Summary

My primary duties included collection of publication materials from the scientists, and generating the visual core descriptions (VCDs, or graphic core summaries). I generated VCDs daily for 7 sites and 22 holes: U1618A, U1618B, U1618C, U1619A, U1620A, U1620B, U1620C, U1620D, U1621A, U1621B, U1621C, U1622A, U1623A, U1623B, U1623C, U1623D, U1623E, U1623F, U1623G, U1624A, U1624B, and U1624C. We recovered only sediment as planned, so I was able to use one VCD template to plot all holes. 

The core describers took easily to GEODESC, although there was a bit of a learning curve as they figured out the software, and there were a few instances of re-description (as a result of continued discussion between the two shifts). Because of this, I repopulated the VCDs a few times, but I feel confident that they are now in a good state and that all parties are satisfied with the product. I was able to crossover with both shifts to discuss their wishes as to how data should appear within the VCDs. Decisions regarding the final VCD templates and lithology colors, patterns, and symbols are finalized; however, some descriptive entries may be updated onshore as usually happens at the editorial post-cruise meeting. We were also using the Xscan for most holes, and I found that the Xscan images I downloaded were very large (especially at the cumulative numbers required to import to Strater), so I worked with our GEODESC tech to reduce the size of these images. I downloaded the images and we reduced the size in batches, so this required replotting the VCDs as well when the images were reduced and ready to import to Strater. 

I also generated core recovery (hole summary) figures for all holes (and repopulated these as well when cleaned physical properties data was made available) throughout the expedition, so that the group would be able to show trends in their presentations/reports; this also aids them in informing their sample requests. These were provided to the scientists electronically via the server. In addition, I assisted the scientists with figure creation (and using Adobe Illustrator) for the volume as needed.

I collected publication materials (and kept tracking logs) for U1618, U1619, U1620, U1621-22-23 (combined chapter), U1624, as well as the Methods chapters. I also created a draft of the VCD legend figures for the Lithostratigraphy Methods chapter. 

Additionally, I created the core composite images using Virtual Photo Table and downloaded these. I also collected the Thin Section PDF reports and Smear Slide spreadsheets from Geodesc, as well as Supplementary Material for the volume.

When I had free time, I assisted on the catwalk and provided assistance in the core lab. 

Additionally, I did the usual Yeoperson's duties (passport collection and handling, check-in/check-out list for Brad, travel information collection for the radio operator, administrative duties, managing the T-shirt logo contest and helping with the t-shirt pressing party, organizing birthday cards and general festivities, assisting other techs as needed, and helping with off-going travel information.

Equipment & Software Performance Summary

Software used: Strater 5, Acrobat, Illustrator 2023, PhotoShop 2023, Excel, GEODESC, L2E, LORE, Virtual Photo Table, Word, and Outlook. All the software worked fine on the PC and the Mac.

Database, entries, and data upload or download related

L2E was used to export depth, section, core scale, title, core images, samples, analysis data, core composite photos, and Xscan images. It worked well with no issues in performance.

Geodesc export was used for all core descriptive data. The learning curve for the scientists seemed simple (everyone took to the software and understood it quite intuitively right away). Additionally, downloading the spreadsheets I needed for my VCDs was very fast and easy. I was able to use them to populate my VCDs through Strater absolutely seamlessly. I had no issues whatsoever and was very pleased with its performance on both the input and output ends.

Virtual photo table was used for creation of the core composites. I used LIMS reports to then download these for my records. No issues occurred.

There was one small issue we encountered with the core composite images, but this was not a VPT error. (Perhaps it was a SHIL issue, but it is still unclear to me how this happened.) For some reason, some of the images that were scanned using the SHIL were being tagged as "SECT" instead of "SHLF;" this did not appear to be user error but was happening automatically for some reason. I believe VPT grabs all images labeled "SHLF" so the "SECT" ones were skipped and thus showed missing sections in the core composites. I found this, and notified the Imaging Specialist. When she then fixed the erroneous "SECT" tags and changed their tags to "SHLF," VPT then remade the core composites to include those that had been missing. This did fix the issue, but resulted in multiple versions of core composites that all had the same core ID. (When I used L2E to download the core composite images, this was not a problem – I could get the fully populated core composites. But the scientists were using LORE to download the images, and had an issue where only the first incomplete version would come through in the download. One of the developers updated it so that multiple versions would then be assigned a version number to append the name, which meant they had slightly different IDs and would be all downloaded, instead of skipping updated versions. The scientists were also instructed to use the "Display Status - T/F" filter in LORE and this combination remedied their download issue.)

Volume Materials

There is a medium amount of volume material so far and it has been mostly collected as of writing this. I am awaiting volume materials for the last two sites, Methods chapter, and the PR. This is normal and I feel that we are in good shape, especially considering a continuing long transit. I fully expect to have all materials by the time we get off the ship. I have prepared my tracking logs for text, tables, and figures. 

I updated the VCDs daily (and hole summaries at the end of each hole); I printed hard copies of the VCDs + hole summaries and provided the scientists with this copy in a binder on the core deck. I also provided a similar binder to the EPM/Co-chief office daily. PDFs were placed on the Uservol server in a separate VCD folder that I had notified the scientists I would create for them to view if they preferred a digital copy. 

General Duties Performed

  • Exported data using L2E, GEODESC, and LORE; reviewed data for accuracy; plotted data using Strater software version 5; produced PDFs of the VCDs and core summaries; distributed PDFs to the scientists for review.

  • Worked with the GEODESC programmer and other programmers as needed to communicate about GEODESC exports and L2E.

  • Worked with the scientists to ensure accurate data display in the VCDs. Corrected/modified VCDs, Strater schemes, templates, and Methods legend figure as needed.

  • Collected, organized, and tracked all publication volume materials including text, figures, and tables in hard copy and electronic files.

  • Assisted scientists with figure creation and in the use of the Adobe Illustrator software.

  • Provided administrative support to scientists and technical staff as needed, including providing supplies and assisting with travel arrangements.

  • Distributed and collected necessary expedition paperwork - IODP communication policy, lab safety certification, photo image release, manuscript and copyright forms, cabin repairs, personal safety equipment, and shipboard network access.

  • Worked with the LO, Radio Operator, and Leon/the travel office as requested

Additional duties

  • Assisted in the core lab and on the catwalk as needed.

  • Communicated with shore staff regularly to provide updates.

  • Restocked Publication supply cabinet as needed and provided science party with supplies per request.

  • Set up birthday/Arctic Circle crossing ceremony, dance parties, t-shirt contest, etc.