SRC:2013 URC

=Undergraduate Research Conference – Poster Session=

Capstone Project – Speech Modeling: Training & Decoding

 * Authors
 * Tommy McCarthy    - Senior/Computer Information Systems
 * Eric Beikman      - Senior/Computer Information Systems
 * Drew Mather       - Junior/Electrical Engineering Technology
 * Josh MacPherson   - Junior/Electrical Engineering Technology
 * Jake Gallagher    - Senior/Computer Information Systems
 * Justin Mulholland - Senior/Computer Information Systems


 * Project Sponsor: University of New Hampshire
 * Faculty Advisor:Michael Jonas
 * Course: CIS790 - Capstone Project

Abstract
Accurate speech recognition systems are made possible through the creation of complex mathematical models which attempt to describe every detail contained in each spoken word, and how each word fits into the context of a larger sentence. These models are used by speech decoders to make an assumption on what a spoken word may be, based both on its pronunciation and its context. The creation of these models is accomplished by feeding audio, containing spoken language, and a corresponding textual transcript into specialized software which breaks the audio down into small pieces, called features, and then attempts to identify useful patterns. The more audio that is provided to the training software, the more accurate the resulting models. With the use of a set of Perl scripts, we developed a process for creating these models in a highly automated fashion. The workload is divided up to 9 batch machines connected to a file server acting as a centralized file storage system for both training data, and the model outputs. Though this automated process, we are able to significantly improve the efficiency of our research program, allowing us to prepare larger experiments, in terms of data, and train the models to this data sets faster and more reliably. As the size of the experiments our research group can effectively manage grows, the accuracy of the speech recognition models improves. Ultimately our work has resulted in the UNH research group generating higher quality models in a more timely manner than what was previously possible.

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Presentation


Capstone Project – Capturing Experiments With Speech

 * Authors
 * Nicholas Regan  - Senior/Computer Information Systems
 * Scott Adie      - Senior/Computer Information Systems
 * Marc Southard   - Senior/Computer Information Systems


 * Project Sponsor: University of New Hampshire
 * Faculty Advisor:Michael Jonas
 * Course: CIS790 - Capstone Project

Abstract
Object Oriented Software Development class took this project over. Now Spring 2013 semester we were given the task to make this site better, after the two semester it still didn't do all it was originally created for. The poster outlines the development of the project from the start of the semester to it’s current state as well as the development process that was used.

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Capstone Project - The Right Tool for the Job

 * Authors
 * Charles Haynes     - Senior/Computer Information Systems
 * Michael Brown      - Senior/Computer Information Systems
 * Bego Terzimustafic - Senior/Computer Information Systems
 * Harry Dodson       - Senior/Computer Information Systems


 * Project Sponsor: University of New Hampshire
 * Faculty Advisor:Michael Jonas
 * Course: CIS790 - Capstone Project

Abstract
In order to accomplish the goals set up by the Capstone project, the right software tools would have to be used. These tools would have to serve the project effectively and would require compatibility amongst each other. The tools group made sure that all the software was up-to-date, as well as compatible with other software and hardware, as there may be drawbacks from upgrading a tool. Discussions and proposals are made within the group in order to determine whether any software should be upgraded from the current to the newest version.

The Sphinx software package is the biggest tool, in scope as well as in size that the tools group has to work with. The software package provides an acoustic model, a dictionary, and a language model, which are all integral parts of the Capstone project. The current version of Sphinx that is being used is Version 3.

With the proper maintenance and discussion of software used in the project, the tools group made sure that the right software was used for the job.

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Capstone Project - 'Oh,Uh' Data Capture

 * Authors
 * Michael Mailloux - Senior/Computer Information Systems
 * Samuel Workman   - Junior/Electrical Engineering Technology
 * Kevin Annis      - Junior/Electrical Engineering Technology
 * Matthew Henniger - Junior/Electrical Engineering Technology
 * Vincent Gagliardi - Senior/Computer Information Systems


 * Project Sponsor: University of New Hampshire
 * Faculty Advisor:Michael Jonas
 * Course: CIS790 - Capstone Project

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Capstone Project - On The Spot: System Support

 * Authors
 * Michelangelo Bianchi - Senior/Computer Information Systems
 * Tyler Martin         - Senior/Computer Information Systems
 * Michael Tormos       - Senior/Computer Information Systems
 * Brian Drouin         - Senior/Computer Information Systems


 * Project Sponsor: University of New Hampshire
 * Faculty Advisor:Michael Jonas
 * Course: CIS790 - Capstone Project

Abstract
Each year the Computer Information Systems has a Capstone Project class, which in the past 3 years has worked on a speech recognition system. As part of this project, comes the up keep of the systems involved. The overall project uses 10 servers, one file server and 9 drone machines. Our goal this semester was to keep the system running, try to even out the machines and research other ways to improve the system.

The system failed in the first two weeks of the semester prompting us to troubleshoot and replace failed hardware including the hard drive and CPU fans. After getting the system running, work was made in other areas such as hardware and system backups. Memory upgrades were done making each machine have the same amount. Research was done into several different programs on doing backups. System uses RAID array for data but OS drive has no backup. Solution was found in Open Source software to create image of drive for easy backup and restore.

The system is still up and running and currently being used by Capstone class. Work is set to continue on these machines over the summer with the goal to run them parallel. By evening out hardware hopefully process should be easier for individuals who continue in the future.

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Refactored Relational Database to Support Cable Services Operations

 * Authors: Brian Drouin  - Senior/Computer Information Systems
 * Project Sponsor: University of New Hampshire
 * Faculty Advisor:Mihaela Sabin
 * Course: N/A

Abstract
Kamos, an in-house developed tool, is a searchable “source of truth” for general information commonly needed to perform operational tasks at Comcast. The system contains information about specific towns, “plant operations” support teams, return analyzers, facilities and their managers, network controllers, and dispatch centers. Analysts regard the tool as a quick and easy way of finding information needed to troubleshoot and or escalate appropriately. Due to a major database design flaw, the system consists of a single table. Because of this flaw, updating dynamic information has become extremely difficult. Updating information required edits several times because the same data is being stored in multiple locations. Over time, missed updates have destroyed the integrity of the data and the trust that users once had in the tool. The solution was to design a relational database in which data is stored in one location. Multiple tables were created and were joined by relationships to one another. The data itself was verified before insertion into the database. The application code was rewritten to support the new relational design. The system will reestablish itself as a trusted resource for users and can easily be built upon in the future. My research has afforded me the opportunity to solve a problem while applying skills learned throughout the completion of my degree. Ideally the new system will help users, is continuously built upon, and eventually sparks an interest in the development of new tools within the department. .

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Found You! A Compass to Your Friends

 * Authors
 * Eric Beikman      - Senior/Computer Information Systems
 * Saverna Ahmad     - Sophomore/Computer Information Systems
 * Michael Marchand  - Senior/Biological Sciences


 * Project Sponsor: University of New Hampshire
 * Faculty Advisor:Mihaela Sabin
 * Course: CIS415 - Mobile Computing 1st & 4 Most

Abstract
The general idea behind ‘Found You’ is to provide an easy and efficient way for two or more individuals or groups the ability to find each other easily when meeting up for an outing or another group event. This is especially helpful when organizing group outings in especially crowded areas or if some group members are unfamiliar with the meeting point. Having a compass which points to your friends is not only more convenient, but is also faster, more efficient, and less confusing for all parties. Found you! is an app which points in which direction your friends are located, and in-turn allows for your friends to see where you are located. Each phone will communicate wirelessly to a remote database and share its location amongst interested parties. Each phone picks a unique identifier tag and provides status updates. The app will then request the user to join a group. A group is simply a list of associated phone identifiers. Once the phone joins a group by appending its tag to the group membership list, it will download updates from group members on a regular basis. The App will calculate bearings and point to each friend. To use Found You! to find your friends, you simply walk in the direction of the blip on the app’s display. This method is much easier than everybody conveying their location via texts or by telephone. Everybody knows where each and everyone else is, and can join up together accordingly.

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The Jungle: An Educational App for Kids

 * Authors:
 * Drew Mather       - Junior/Electrical Engineering Technology
 * Mohamed Fadlalla  - Senior/Computer Information Systems
 * Michael Henenberg - Senior/Computer Information Systems


 * Project Sponsor: University of New Hampshire
 * Faculty Advisor:Mihaela Sabin
 * Course: CIS415 - Mobile Computing 1st & 4 Most

Abstract
The goal of this project is to develop an application to run on Android-based phones or tablets that will create an interactive jungle animal guide targeted towards young children. The interactive guide will allow the user to view various facts, images, and sounds about any animal they select. The different educational mediums used in the application will help to allow children with different learning styles to learn equally from the application.

The children using the application will be able to view the information through either the animal guide or by using the fact generator to display the animal facts at random. They can also test what they have learned by using the applications simple quiz.

The tasks of creating the application were divided into design, documentation, and implementation. We used the MIT App Inventor for the purpose of designing and implementing the application. We also used Google documents to collaborate and share artifacts with each other. The testing of the application and subsequent refactoring of its code helped to refine the application to reach the desired results.

The application is at the point where all the desired features are functioning including the fact generator and the quiz. The animal guide displays the animal facts, images, and a sound clip of the animal. The application has all the desired functions in a format that children will find easy to understand, while remaining engaging to use. In the future the application may be expanded to include more quizzes and animals.

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ReminderBinder: Social Integration of Note Taking and To-Do Lists

 * Authors:
 * Joshua Anderson    - Junior/Computer Information Systems
 * Valerie Therrien   - Junior/Computer Information Systems
 * Tom Mendola        - Junior/History


 * Project Sponsor: University of New Hampshire
 * Faculty Advisor: Mihaela Sabin
 * Course: CIS415 - Mobile Computing 1st & 4 Most

Abstract
Our application, ReminderBinder, integrates notes, reminders and social media to create a simple ad-free environment. We made the user interface as minimalistic as possible to show a clean look to our application. This application manages your notes and reminders at once. It has a page for reminders and a page for notes. The first time you open the app, it asks for your name and zip code. We integrated the zip code for the use of helping you plan events and reminders, without leaving the application. When notes or reminders are added, the user has the option of sending the entered notes/reminders to email. The user may edit or delete a note at any time. Once a user is logged into the application, the home page will let the user see the number of notes/reminders available. Our simple and minimalistic design is the way of the future for note and reminder applications.

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Mathapalooza: Tutoring App for K-8 Students

 * Authors
 * Justin Mulholland  - Senior/Computer Information Systems
 * Brandon McLaughlin - Senior/Computer Information Systems
 * Alex Shreenan      - Sophomore/Computer Information Systems


 * Project Sponsor: University of New Hampshire
 * Faculty Advisor:Mihaela Sabin
 * Course: CIS415 - Mobile Computing 1st & 4 Most

Abstract
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Geography 101: Discover the World

 * Authors
 * Colby David Chenard - Junior/Computer Information Systems
 * Calvin Mwangi       - Junior/Politics and Society
 * Sinisa Vidic        - Junior/Computer Information Systems


 * Project Sponsor: University of New Hampshire
 * Faculty Advisor: Mihaela Sabin
 * Course: CIS415 - Mobile Computing 1st & 4 Most

Abstract
Geography101 is an application we created in order for the users to get accustom to their geographical environment which they are innately short of knowledge. The problem we are attempting is; to accelerate memory and create an educational platform for users to distinguish respective countries from one another. Our objectives are to increase memory, through a fun competitive learning experience, and knowledge of geographical locations. We do not want the public to only know where they are living without knowledge of other countries' locations. The application also allows users to have an idea of where their genealogical roots may come from by locating their respective countries and bordering environment. The project we started has accomplished its educational purpose and can be implemented in schools around the nation. The benefit of the application is that it provides education through entertainment which is a valuable tool. Furthermore it is a great resource because it will be free and readily available, and anyone with an android smartphone can play.

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Virtualization of Production Environments for Classroom Instruction and Academic Research

 * Authors
 * Tyler Martin - Senior/Computer Information Systems


 * Project Sponsor: University of New Hampshire
 * Faculty Advisor: N/A
 * Course: CIS690 - Internship Experience

Abstract
The Computing Technology department is continually expanding every year in students, faculty and resources. With those resources comes the need for someone to manage them. The department has three technology consultants that oversee the daily management of these resources. With all this management comes the issue of some knowing more than others. Also, how virtualization can be used to further the department. With this project, uses of virtualization are explored and documented in a wiki guide.

The department has a main server which is setup for virtualization. Virtual machines run inside this server allowing for the various needs of the department. Over the past year, many different machines have been created for instructional use in a Server Management class as well as students wanting production servers for group projects. Virtualization was also used in instructional labs removing dual boot systems, to have one OS load inside another. With all this use of virtualization comes various processes to achieve these tasks. This information has been documented in a private wiki for current and future consultants to use to aid them in their duties.

Through virtualization, the department was able to expand teaching opportunities to students by giving them an inside look at an IT environment. With the expansion of the wiki guides for consultants, there will be less of a learning curve when new consultants join the team.

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YWCA Donation Management and Reporting System Prototype

 * Authors
 * David Meehan - Junior/Computer Information Systems


 * Project Sponsor: University of New Hampshire
 * Faculty Advisor: N/A
 * Course: N/A

Abstract
In spring of 2012, Mihaela Sabin’s CIS 710 class developed a working prototype of a web-based software system for managing donations at YWCA New Hampshire. This system, DONATE, has been under development for several years with students working on it each semester. The next step in the development of the DONATE system has been to continue working with YWCA employees to meet the remaining functional requirements of the system. My objective for this project is to bring the DONATE system to its beta release state. In reaching this state I will implement the remaining functional requirements of the system.

For three months, development on the DONATE system was completed in time boxes of two weeks. Communication between the developer, faculty supervisor and YWCA supervisor was maintained via in-person meetings, electronic progress reports, weekly presentations and system artifacts. During this time I explored many concepts such as configuration management, software staging, usability testing, iterative software development and others.

The DONATE system’s functional requirements are implemented. YWCA employees have the ability to manage information related to donations, events, designations and donors and generate reports from the current data. With this new release future development can continue and the next stages of DONATE’s development can be explored.

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Online Presence for RS Fireworks through Interactive Web Design

 * Authors
 * Chad Connors - Senior/Computer Information Systems


 * Project Sponsor: University of New Hampshire
 * Faculty Advisor: Mihaela Sabin
 * Course: N/A

Abstract
The goal of this project is to create a new online presence for RS Fireworks. The companies current website is old and outdated. I needed a way to update their online presence as a way to promote the company to current and future clients. As the web has continued to evolve, websites are only part of the solution. The proposed solution will use WordPress as its foundation. The owners need a tool that is user friendly and will allow them to keep their site up to date. While HTML sites can be terrific, they are hard to update chronically if you don’t know the language. Wordpress will allow them to add content to the site more often, keeping it relevant. The site will also have a tight integration with Facebook and YouTube. This will help bolster their online presence in a multifaceted way. The company will now be able to use these tools as a way to help build up their brand.

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Cloud Services Policy Management System

 * Authors
 * Christian Jackson - Senior/Computer Information Systems


 * Project Sponsor: University of New Hampshire
 * Faculty Advisor:Mihaela Sabin
 * Course: N/A

Abstract
This project aims to improve upon the existing branding and policy framework used for IBM's SmartCloud Meetings service. These improvements enable centralized management of multiple cloud services for both direct customers and channel partner resellers.

The existing Meetings branding and policy framework has evolved from a "private label" online documentation system that this author created in 2001. This system manages company logos, stylesheets, customized application terminology, application features and settings and then enforces these settings when a user instantiates Web meetings or browses online user documentation.

Through feedback gathered from customers and internal stake holders, and through personal experience, I have identified numerous system improvements and design changes which improve the system's usefulness and applicability for use with multiple cloud service applications.

The result of this project is a model for implementing a new policy management system which can be integrated across multiple cloud services and expanded upon easily as each application iterates new features and improvements.

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Learning Java with Green: Quoridor Battle Royal

 * Authors
 * Melissa Bruno - Sophomore/Computer Information Systems


 * Project Sponsor: University of New Hampshire
 * Faculty Advisor: Michael Jonas and Mihaela Sabin
 * Course: N/A

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=Graduate Research Conference – Poster Session=

The Pantry – Managing Applicant, Donor, and Food Inventory Data at Food Bank

 * Authors
 * Robert Fortier    - Graduate/Information Technology
 * Vincent Gagliardi - Senior/Computer Information Systems
 * Nick Regan        - Senior/Computer Information Systems
 * Michael Tormos    - Junior/Computer Information Systems


 * Project Sponsor: University of New Hampshire
 * Faculty Advisor:Peter Macdonald
 * Course: CIS720/820 - Database Application Development/Database Systems & Technologies

Abstract
New Hampshire non-profit food pantries perform a vital service in the distribution of food to families in need. Food pantries account for nearly half (46%) of the agencies registered with the NH Food Bank, the state’s only non-profit food distribution center. Pantries determine eligibility of applicants, inventory and distribute food, and may need to manage donor contributions. Reconciling and reporting on this information is or can be required by donors, and state and federal agencies to ensure continued support and/or compliance. However, the mostly volunteer pantry staff often must rely upon labor-intensive, potentially error-prone workflows to do so. Our project objectives were to 1) develop a computer database application system that improves a pantry’s ability to integrate, reconcile and analyze pantry applicant, donor and food inventory and distribution information and, 2) use an application development environment new to us: C#, Microsoft .NET framework and SQL Server. We analyze the existing business environment, establish requirements, and iterate and test design solutions. Based upon both known and assumed requirements, reports/analyses are produced providing summary views of pantry applicant, donor and food distribution information. Future work will focus upon measuring anticipated workflow and data quality improvements, feasibility of mobile implementation and systems (i.e. NH Food Bank) information exchange.

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Exercise Tracker - An Exercise in Database Design and Implementation

 * Authors
 * Justin Thibeault - Graduate/Information Technology
 * Tom Rubino       - Junior/Computer Information Systems
 * Michael Brown    - Senior/Computer Information Systems


 * Project Sponsor: University of New Hampshire
 * Faculty Advisor:Peter Macdonald
 * Course: CIS720/820 - Database Application Development/Database Systems & Technologies

Abstract
Exercise Tracker is a application that helps users track their exercises and progress towards fitness goals. It was created to give students the experience of designing and implementing a database and then developing an application that uses the database.

Working in a small team, the students used in-class discussions and personal experiences to develop a project description and schedule that they followed as they designed and implemented the database. Next they developed and tested the application that used the database.

This project gave the students experience in application design and implementation, database design, implementation and administration, as well as project management.

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Why worry about your IT Problem Management ? Use We Fix It!

 * Authors
 * Jacqueline Tims - Graduate/Information Technology
 * Jennifer Brand  - Junior/Computer Information Systems
 * William Cabana  - Junior/Computer Information Systems
 * Charles Haynes  - Junior/Computer Information Systems


 * Project Sponsor: University of New Hampshire
 * Faculty Advisor:Peter Macdonald
 * Course: CIS720/820 - Database Application Development/Database Systems & Technologies

Abstract
IT Problem Management is one of the most overlooked aspects of installing computer applications and systems. Development of a system is often the main focus and the support after the installation is often an afterthought. When IT Problem Management is implemented it is often cumbersome and fraught with bureaucracy.

Our project for the Database Applications class project was to provide a simple, easy to use helpdesk system for use by one of the team members. We will be designing, developing and testing the system ensuring it meets the system requirements and is not overly cumbersome. The plan is to have ticket logging and the ability to change a ticket. We also plan on providing some minimal reporting.

We are using Microsoft SQL Server as our backend database and writing the client application in Microsoft C#. From a technical perspective, we are also implementing stored procedures for the data access, although not necessarily needed for the volume of data likely for the application, has provided the team members with some exposure to this form of data connection.

During the implementation of this project, we have gained experience in database setup, table scripting, stored procedure scripting and client forms development. We have also produced a Statement of Work and project plans, exposing us the more commercial aspects of an application development.

Once complete, the application should provide a quick and simple IT problem management utility for our team member and provide information on the frequency and type of issues recorded to allow for problem prevention in the future.

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Triple Play Survey Center

 * Authors
 * Casey Eyring - Graduate/Information Technology
 * Brian Gailis - Senior/Computer Information Systems
 * Sinisa Vidic - Senior/Computer Information Systems


 * Project Sponsor: University of New Hampshire
 * Faculty Advisor:Peter Macdonald
 * Course: CIS720/820 - Database Application Development/Database Systems & Technologies

Abstract
Focus group administrators need a method to track participant interest in upcoming surveys. The purpose of the Triple Play Survey Center is to design and provide a centralized database that addresses this need by storing company, participant, and survey information. The purpose is to provide a link between a company and its surveys with potential participants.

We addressed the problem by developing a web-based interface for potential participants to record their interest in attending the focus group, allowing survey administrators to follow up later. The solution ultimately developed is a cloud-based web application using a PHP front-end and MySQL database to store the data.

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Logistics and Supply Chain for Manufacturing and Distributing Agricultural Products

 * Authors
 * Daniel Memede   - Graduate/Information Technology
 * Matthew Leclerc - Junior/Computer Information Systems
 * Ramon Whitman   - Junior/Computer Information Systems


 * Project Sponsor: University of New Hampshire
 * Faculty Advisor:Peter Macdonald
 * Course: CIS720/820 - Database Application Development/Database Systems & Technologies

Abstract
Nowadays, managers of Logistics and Supply Chain departments need to coordinate different aspects of the business (brokers, carriers, clients, contract prices, etc.). Usually, data are received from different sources in different formats. Part of the data can be obtained directly from the company’s data warehouse, whereas other files are received daily from vendors in text or Excel format. Only after all the data feeds received from these different sources are manipulated and organized, would the manager be able to track shipments and monitor performance of brokers and employees.

The Transportation and Logistics Database was developed to consolidate and centralize all the information received from the different sources and facilitate the management of flow of goods, information and other resources, including energy and people, between the point of origin and the point of consumption in order to meet the requirements of clients. Also, the database provides tracking and tracing capabilities for all shipments managed by the logistics and supply chain department.

The database was developed in SQL Server 2008 R2 and works in conjunction with a front-end application developed in C#. The database contains stored procedures to import the daily data feeds that are provided by the brokers or are extracted from the company’s SAP.

With the implementation of the database, the manager of the Logistics department is now able to track the shipments and their statuses, monitor the workload and performance of each analyst, reassign responsibilities and make corrections once inaccuracies are identified.

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