Developing a Remote Sensing and Cloud Computing Curriculum for the Association of Computer/Information Sciences and Engineering Departments at Minority Institutions (ADMI)

Elizabeth City State University
Elizabeth City, North Carolina

Abstract

Mentor: Jerome Mitchell (Indiana University)

 Keywords – Cloud Computing, Storage area networks, Virtual private networks, Computer networks, Google, Web services, Digital video broadcasting, Remote   sensing, Curriculum development, Educational programs

In the past decade, online learning initiatives have become increasingly comprehensive and have allowed students to be unburdened from learning complex subjects in a traditional teach-learn environment. Universities have recognized the need to adapt new teaching-learning approaches for meeting students' diverse inadequacies. Cloud computing, which offers a scalable and flexible approach to storing, processing, and analyzing big data, has benefited from a variety of science applications except for remote sensing. This research explored the potential for a cloud computing and remote sensing curriculum through the use of video resources and hands-on assessments. This project explored developing a curriculum for coupling two diverse research areas, cloud computing and remote sensing and provided customized virtual appliances as hands-on assessments. The solution acquired information about cloud computing and remote sensing in order to develop five15-20 minute self-contained modules. Also, developed was a Message Passing Interface (MPI) and Hadoop virtual appliance, so students can apply theoretical concepts gained from the curriculum.
http://nia.ecsu.edu/reuomps2013/teams/rs/index.html

Analyzing Factors that Influence Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda) at Elizabeth City State University

Abstract

Mentor: Dr. Barrett Rock (University of New Hampshire)

Keywords - Loblolly Pine, trees, growth

Trees are very important to the environment as they provide oxygen to living organisms, uptake carbon dioxide, improve air quality by absorbing potentially harmful pollutants (e.g., carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide), produce carbohydrates (sugars ,cellulose, starch, etc.) and serve as an climate indicator (e.g., precipitation). In the Southern United States, loblolly pine trees (Pinus taeda) are the most essential and widely produced trees. It is extensively used for lumber and pulpwood. We extracted tree cores from the loblolly pines across the campus of Elizabeth City State University and compared the correlation of diameter at base height (DBH) and tree age. Once we collected the cores, we calculated the estimated age and determined the overall health condition of the trees, by analyzing the growth rings in each core. We also determined what variables contribute to the positive or negative growth of a tree (e.g., mulch, vines).
http://nia.ecsu.edu/ww/summer13/wwposters-2013/loblolly.jpg

Mobile Healthcare Informatics: Alzheimer’s Therapy Mobile Application

Spelman College
Atlanta, Grorgia

Abstract

Mentors: Dr. Yolanda Rankin (Spelman), Dr. Jakita Thomas (Spelman)

Keyword - Alzheimer's, dementia, mobile application, therapy

Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia, is a disease of the brain that causes long-term memory lost, confusion, irritability and aggression, difficulty with speech, and patients. By 2050, an estimate of 11-16 million people in the United States will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Surveys have shown that caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients face numerous challenges, including lack of familial support, difficulty dealing with mood swings of patients suffering from the disease, and difficulty balancing care of loved ones with the demands of career and personal life. This creates the need for easily accessible information and expert advice about the care  of patients suffering of Alzheimer’s. Preliminary findings of our research indicate that caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients use their mobile devices in the diagnoses and treatment of patients.  However no mobile app specific to the needs of Alzheimer’s patients exists. Utilizing expert advice, we have developed a  mobile application to assist non professional caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients in the diagnoses and treatment of patients suffering from this disease.