Application of High-precision Timing Systems to Distributed Survey Systems

In any hydrographic survey system that consists of more than one computer, one of the most difficult integration problems is to ensure that all components maintain a coherent sense of time. Since virtually all modern survey systems are of this type, timekeeping and synchronized timestamping of data as it is created is of significant concern. This paper describes a method for resolving this problem based on the IEEE 1588 Precise Time Protocol (PTP) implemented by hardware devices, layered with some custom software called the Software Grandmaster (SWGM) algorithm. This combination of hardware and software maintains a coherent sense of time between multiple ethernet-connected computers, on the order of 100 ns (rms) in the best case, of the timebase established by the local GPS-receiver clock. We illustrate the performance of this techniques in a practical survey system using a Reson 7P sonar processor connected to a Reson 7125 Multibeam Echosounder (MBES), integrated with an Applanix POS/MV 320 V4 and a conventional data capture computer. Using the timing capabilities of the PTP hardware implementations, we show that the timepieces achieve mean (hardware based) synchronization and timestamping within 100-150 ns (rms), and that the data created at the Reson 7P without hardware timestamps has a latency variability of 28 µs (rms) due to software constraints within the capture system. This compares to 288 ms (rms) using Reson’s standard hybrid hardware/software solution, and 13.6 ms (rms) using a conventional single-oscillator timestamping model

Criminal narrative experience: relating emotions to offence narrative roles during crime commission

A neglected area of research within criminality has been that of the experience of the offence for the offender. The present study investigates the emotions and narrative roles that are experienced by an offender while committing a broad range of crimes and proposes a model of Criminal Narrative Experience (CNE). Hypotheses were derived from the Circumplex of Emotions (Russell, 1997), Frye (1957), Narrative Theory (McAdams, 1988) and its link with Investigative Psychology (Canter, 1994). The analysis was based on 120 cases. Convicted for a variety of crimes, incarcerated criminals were interviewed and the data were subjected to Smallest Space Analysis (SSA). Four themes of Criminal Narrative Experience (CNE) were identified: Elated Hero, Calm Professional, Distressed Revenger and Depressed Victim in line with the recent theoretical framework posited for Narrative Offence Roles (Youngs & Canter, 2012). The theoretical implications for understanding crime on the basis of the Criminal Narrative Experience (CNE) as well as practical implications are discussed

Expressive and Instrumental Offending: Reconciling the Paradox of Specialisation and Versatility

Although previous research into specialisation has been dominated by the debate over the existence of specialisation versus versatility, it is suggested that research needs to move beyond the restrictions of this dispute. The current study explores the criminal careers of 200 offenders based on their criminal records, obtained from a police database in the North West of England, aiming to understand the patterns and nature of specialisation by determining the presence of differentiation within their general offending behaviours and examining whether the framework of Expressive and Instrumental offending styles can account for any specialised tendencies that emerge. Fifty-eight offences were subjected to Smallest Space Analysis. Results revealed that a model of criminal differentiation could be identified and that any specialisation is represented in terms of Expressive and Instrumental offending styles

High-Precision, High-Accuracy Timekeeping in Distributed Survey Systems

Accurate and precise timekeeping between computers in a distributed survey system is essential to ensure adequate data quality, especially with Multibeam Echosounders (MBES) which can otherwise suffer from significant motion artefacts. We show that clock synchronisation on the order of 100-150ns (rms) is readily achievable in a modern MBES-based survey system utilising an Ethernet-based time synchronisation mechanism and some custom timekeeping software. We also show that improving the timekeeping eliminates motion artefacts in the observed bathymetry, and simplifies the patch-test procedure.Para asegurar una calidad adecuada de los datos es esencial una exacta y precisa mantencion de la hora entre ordenadores en un sistema de levantamiento distribuido, especialmente con Sondadores Acusticos Multihaz (MBES), que sino pueden experimentar las consecuencias de un significativo movimiento de sus artefactos. Mostramos que la sincronizaci6n de un reloj en el orden de 100-150ns (rms) puede llevarse a cabo facilmente en un sistema moderno de levantamientos efectuados mediante MBES, utilizando un mecanismo Ethernet basado en la sincronizacion del tiempo y en algun programa de mantencion de la hora adaptado. Tambien mostramos que mejorando la mantencion de la hora se elimina el movimiento de los artefactos en la batimetria observada, y simplifica el procedimiento de pruebas en parches.Il est essentiel d'avoir un chronometrage exact et precis entre ordinateurs dans un systeme integre pour les leves hydrographiques afin d'assurer une qualite des donnees appropriee notamment pour les sondeurs multifaisceaux (MBES) qui, dans le cas contraire, peuvent patir de perturbations significatives liees au mouvement. Nous montrons qu'une synchronisation des horloges de l'ordre de 100 a 150ns (valeur quadratique moyenne) est facilement obtenue dans un systeme de leves moderne reposant sur les MBES et utilisant un mecanisme de synchronisation du temps dans un reseau Ethernet et un logiciel specifique de chronometrage. Nous demontrons egalement que l'amelioration du chronometrage permet de supprimer certaines perturbations liees au mouvement dans la bathymetrie observee et de simplifier la procedure d'essai par plage

High-Precision, High-Accuracy Timekeeping in Distributed Survey Systems

Accurate and precise timekeeping between computers in a distributed survey system is essential to ensure adequate data quality, especially with Multibeam Echosounders (MBES) which can otherwise suffer from significant motion artefacts. We show that clock synchronisation on the order of 100-150ns (rms) is readily achievable in a modern MBES-based survey system utilising an Ethernet-based time synchronisation mechanism and some custom timekeeping software. We also show that improving the timekeeping eliminates motion artefacts in the observed bathymetry, and simplifies the patch-test procedure.Para asegurar una calidad adecuada de los datos es esencial una exacta y precisa mantencion de la hora entre ordenadores en un sistema de levantamiento distribuido, especialmente con Sondadores Acusticos Multihaz (MBES), que sino pueden experimentar las consecuencias de un significativo movimiento de sus artefactos. Mostramos que la sincronizaci6n de un reloj en el orden de 100-150ns (rms) puede llevarse a cabo facilmente en un sistema moderno de levantamientos efectuados mediante MBES, utilizando un mecanismo Ethernet basado en la sincronizacion del tiempo y en algun programa de mantencion de la hora adaptado. Tambien mostramos que mejorando la mantencion de la hora se elimina el movimiento de los artefactos en la batimetria observada, y simplifica el procedimiento de pruebas en parches.Il est essentiel d'avoir un chronometrage exact et precis entre ordinateurs dans un systeme integre pour les leves hydrographiques afin d'assurer une qualite des donnees appropriee notamment pour les sondeurs multifaisceaux (MBES) qui, dans le cas contraire, peuvent patir de perturbations significatives liees au mouvement. Nous montrons qu'une synchronisation des horloges de l'ordre de 100 a 150ns (valeur quadratique moyenne) est facilement obtenue dans un systeme de leves moderne reposant sur les MBES et utilisant un mecanisme de synchronisation du temps dans un reseau Ethernet et un logiciel specifique de chronometrage. Nous demontrons egalement que l'amelioration du chronometrage permet de supprimer certaines perturbations liees au mouvement dans la bathymetrie observee et de simplifier la procedure d'essai par plage

Comparison of potential growth rates of Ceratium hirundinella with observed population density changes

Ceratium hirundinella cells in Lake Constance divided during the second half of the night. Growth rates are calculated from the fraction of cells undergoing cell division. Potential growth rates are compared with observed changes in population density. The discrepancy between both is discussed as a possible function of fungal parasitism

An empirical framework of control methods of victims of human trafficking for sexual exploitation

Although human trafficking for sexual exploitation is a frequently discussed area in current research, especially on the way that human traffickers control their victims, a recurrent problem is the lack of empirical basis. The present study examines control methods (or conditions) used against 137 victims of human trafficking for sexual exploitation. A multidimensional scaling analysis (smallest space analysis (SSA-I)) of 23 control methods (and conditions) derived from a content analysis of police files from the Netherlands revealed three distinct forms of control. These could be interpreted in terms of Canter’s Victim Role model that has been the basis for differentiating offending styles in other violent interpersonal offences. Further analysis showed a relationship between these control styles and different types of prostitution. The three Victim as Object, Victim as Vehicle and Victim as Person modes are consistent with different control methods identified in previous research

Sinking properties of some phytoplankton shapes and the relation of form resistance to morphological diversity of plankton – an experimental study

Form resistance (Phi) is a dimensionless number expressing how much slower or faster a particle of any form sinks in a fluid medium than the sphere of equivalent volume. Form resistance factors of PVC models of phytoplankton sinking in glycerin were measured in a large aquarium (0.6 x 0.6 x 0.95 m). For cylindrical forms, a positive relationship was found between Phi and length/ width ratio. Coiling decreased Phi in filamentous forms. Form resistance of Asterionella colonies increased from single cells up to 6-celled colonies than remained nearly constant. For Fragilaria crotonensis chains, no such upper limit to Phi was observed in chains of up to 20 cells ( longer ones were not measured). The effect of symmetry on Phi was tested in 1 - 6-celled Asterionella colonies, having variable angles between the cells, and in Tetrastrum staurogeniaeforme coenobia, having different spine arrangements. In all cases, symmetric forms had considerably higher form resistance than asymmetric ones. However, for Pediastrum coenobia with symmetric/asymmetric fenestration, no difference was observed with respect to symmetry. Increasing number and length of spines on Tetrastrum coenobia substantially increased Phi. For a series of Staurastrum forms, a significant positive correlation was found between arm-length/cell-width ratio and Phi: protuberances increased form resistance. Flagellates (Rhodomonas, Gymnodinium) had a Phi 1. The highest value ( Phi = 8.1) was established for a 20-celled Fragilaria crotonensis chain. Possible origin of the so-called 'vital component' ( a factor that shows how much slower viable populations sink than morphologically similar senescent or dead ones) is discussed, as is the role of form resistance in evolution of high diversity of plankton morphologies

K∗(892)K^{*}(892) Production in Au+Au and pp Collisions at sNN\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 200GeV at STAR

Mid-rapidity $K^{*0}(892)\to K\pi$ and $K^{*\pm}(892)\to K_S^0\pi^{\pm}$ are measured in Au+Au and pp collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$=200GeV using the STAR detector at RHIC. The $K^{*0}(892)$ mass is systematically shifted at small transverse momentum for both Au+Au and pp collisions. The $K^{*0}(892)$ transverse mass spectra are measured in Au+Au collisions at different centralities and in pp collisions. The $K^{*0}(892)$ mean transverse momentum as a function of the collision centrality is compared to those of identified $\pi^{-}$, $K^{-}$ and $\bar{p}$. The $K^{*}/K$ and $\phi/K^{*}$ ratios are compared to measurements in A+A, $pp$, $\bar{p}p$, $e^{+}e^{-}$ collisions at various colliding energies. The physics implications of these measurements are also discussed.Comment: 6 pages, 4 figures, proceedings of Strange Quarks in Matter (SQM2003), Atlantic Beach, USA, to be published in J. Phys.