Digital Commons Network^™

The Last Hero: Analyzing Kino’S Rock Album As A Representation Of Youth Sociopolitical Perspectives In The Late Soviet Period, Anna Meehan

The Crown: Syracuse Honors Research Journal

Viktor Robertovich Tsoi (1962-1990), co-founder, frontman, and lyricist of the band KINO, is per-haps the most beloved figure to have emerged from the Leningrad underground rock music scene of the late Soviet period. Known for his masterful lyricism and creative use of abstract themes, Tsoi remains a cultural icon in Russian-speaking communities around the world. However, the ambiguity of his lyrics, as well as the complex political history of his song “Khochu peremen!” (I Want Changes), has led these communities to ascribe a variety of political persuasions to Tsoi’s artistry and image posthumously. This paper seeks to further explore Tsoi’s …

Windkessel Parameter Estimation For Cardiovascular Feature Identification In Photoplethysmography Data, Calvin Boyce

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Features of cardiovascular health such as blood pressure, cardiac output, arterial compliance, and blood viscosity are important in evaluating heart health and disease risk, but are currently largely measured invasively and therefore only in critical settings. Here we explore the potential for Windkessel models to extract cardiovascular features from photoplethysmography (PPG) data in an attempt to evaluate heart health non-invasively. We show the capacity of a constrained Newton's method optimization scheme to estimate parameters and explore the tractability of the resulting parameters. While Newton's method is able to produce parameters that closely approximate PPG data, we found that using a …

Listening To Life In A Noisy World: The Pitfalls And Promise Of Urban Acoustic Ecology, Leah O'Barr

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis examines the application of soundscape ecology principles to urban settings. Soundscape ecology is the study of the entire sonic makeup of a community, composed of biophony (biological sound), geophony (environmental sound), and anthrophony (human-generated sound). By examining the changes in and qualities of the soundscape, researchers can gain information about the biological makeup and ecological quality of an area, and the temporal and spatial distribution of resident species. Recent technological advances in recording equipment and machine learning methods are making soundscape ecology an increasingly relevant and practical tool.

Applying soundscape ecology methods to urban ecosystems introduces unique challenges, …

Rsv In Pediatrics: Immunization Strategies And Treatment Insights, Mike Smith, Maria Deza Leon

Pediatrics in Practice: A CME Podcast

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) remains a leading cause of hospitalization in infants and young children. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Maria Deza Leon to explore the latest in RSV prevention and treatment. From maternal immunization and monoclonal antibodies like Nirsevimab to practical guidance on managing severe cases, we’ll cover what pediatricians need to know this season. Tune in for evidence-based strategies, emerging therapies, and tips to navigate supply and coverage challenges—helping you protect your patients and stay ahead of RSV trends.

Click here to stream the podcast episode.

Editorial Staff - The Crown, Vol. 2, The Crown

The Crown: Syracuse Honors Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Introduction - The Crown, Vol. 2, The Crown

The Crown: Syracuse Honors Research Journal

No abstract provided.

From Drawing To Architecture: Michelangelo’S (Anti)Architectural Methodology, Yida Li

The Crown: Syracuse Honors Research Journal

This paper investigates Michelangelo Buonarroti’s unique approach to architecture through the lens of his drawing practice, arguing that his architectural methodology evolved as an extension—and at times a deliberate rejection—of Renaissance architectural conventions. Beginning from his assertion that “architecture is not my profession,” the study situates Michelangelo’s creative identity within his grounding in disegno, the Renaissance concept that framed drawing as an intellectual act of conception rather than mere representation. Through comparative analysis with Leonardo da Vinci, the research traces how Michelangelo adapted the iterative, investigative qualities of draw-ing into a sculptural and spatial process that defied the rational, arithmetic-based …

Give Unto Caesar?: The Politicization Of The Internal Revenue Service And Its Potential Impacts, Tanner Boshart

The Crown: Syracuse Honors Research Journal

This article, excerpted and adapted from an Honors thesis, explores the politicization of the In-ternal Revenue Service and its budgetary implications. It identifies instancess of politicization of the IRS at a national level throughout different election cycles in the modern era. The Inter-nal Revenue Service is tasked with collecting over $4.9 trillion in annual revenue, yet it has be-come a political lightning rod. Over the years, it has become increasingly vulnerable to partisan manipulation, budgetary constraints, and shifting public trust. This section specifically looks at the modern political manipulation of the IRS’s reputation in the post-2008 political landscape.

Rethinking Education: A Lesson On Critical Thinking From A Non-Western Perspective, Sarah Schreiber

The Crown: Syracuse Honors Research Journal

Drawing on the author’s experience and research in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, this paper explores study abroad in a non-western country as a means to seek opportunities to examine one’s biases and beliefs (think critically) and learn about perspectives different from their own lived experi-ences by asking questions. The experience allowed the author to reflect on the importance of com-munity in Bishkek as opposed to American hyper-independence, as well as the widening political rift in the United States, instigated by a decline in face-to-face communication and empathy, and a lack of diverse opinions and disagreement in American society. Through limited survey and …

Genocide In Guatemala: The Massacres In The Ixil Region, Barbara Recinos

The Crown: Syracuse Honors Research Journal

This paper examines the state-sponsored genocide against Indigenous communities in Guatemala’s Ixil and Ixcán regions between 1980 and 1983, analyzing how geographical, ethnic, and political factors con-tributed to the multiple massacres committed in these regions. By tracing the historical trajectory from the 1954 CIA-backed coup that overthrew President Jacobo Árbenz Guzmán to the counterinsurgency op-erations under General Efraín Ríos Montt, this research highlights how Cold War geopolitics, entrenched racism, and disputes over Mayan territories converged to justify mass extermination. Drawing on de-classified military documents, historical archives, and scholarly works on Latin American conflict and mem-ory, this study challenges the “Dos …

Expanding Access To Justice: The Case For Remote Victim And Family Access To Criminal Trials, Linda Baguma

The Crown: Syracuse Honors Research Journal

No abstract provided.

The Sociology Of Motherhood In The Workplace, Katharine Batista

The Crown: Syracuse Honors Research Journal

Key themes in this paper include delayed childbearing, uncertain career trajectory, role conflict, and identity blending. These topics highlight the idea that childbearing while possessing a position of power in the workplace is uncommon, which can deter mothers from returning to work after maternity leave. Role conflict is the tension between competing demands of being a mother and a professional. This develops the concept that due to this conflict, women are often expected to adopt a motherly role in the workplace. This extremist ideology surrounding the roles women possess in the workplace, leaves them feeling as though their jobs expect …

Mindfulness And Neurodevelopment In Schools: How Mindfulness-Based Interventions Support Self-Regulation And Learning In Youth, Anna Mirer

The Crown: Syracuse Honors Research Journal

Neurodevelopmental difficulties in childhood and adolescence, including challenges with attention, executive function, and emotional regulation, are increasingly documented across diverse educational settings. These chal-lenges are frequently linked to atypical maturation or disrupted connectivity within large-scale brain networks. The prefrontal cortex (PFC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), amygdala, and insula contribute to cognitive con-trol, salience detection, and emotion regulation. Dysregulation in these systems has been implicated in stress sen-sitivity, emotional dysregulation, and reduced executive functioning. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are increasingly implemented in educational contexts to support the development of self regulatory capacities. MBIs emphasize the practice of nonjudgmental awareness and attentional focus, …

A Spatial Understanding Of Calcium Carbonate Saturation Along The Eastern Coast Of Aotearoa New Zealand: Pacific Oysters Case Study, Anna Isabel Kaufman, Angelina Arcidi

The Crown: Syracuse Honors Research Journal

As ocean acidification continues to become a pressing issue as a result of climate change and increased carbon uptake in the ocean, many species, including the Pacific Oyster, are at risk. This may be due to a decrease in pH levels and, therefore, a decreased calcite saturation state, which in turn hinders their ability to grow and maintain their calcium carbonate shell. The aquaculture in Aotearoa, the Māori word for New Zealand, has become an important socio-economic component for both Māori and Pākehā Aotearoa New Zealand (ANZ) citizens. The following research geographically focuses on the eastern coast of ANZ around …

Ubqln2 Puncta Formation Dependency On Expression, Domain Structure, And Heat Stress, Mallory Brown

The Crown: Syracuse Honors Research Journal

Ubiquilin 2 (UBQLN2) is a protein that recognizes ubiquitinated substrates and transports them to degradation machinery such as the proteasome. This pathway is crucial for protein quality control and disruptions in it may lead to neurodegenerative diseases such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). UBQLN2 can coalesce to form puncta within the cell. Puncta are still liquid droplets but are separate from the dilute surrounding. It has been shown in vitro that certain domains of the UBQLN2 protein are crucial for its ability to form droplets. However, the influence of these droptlets within cellular UBQLN2 is less understood. The following research …

The Dangers Of Being "Reef Safe": How "Reef Safe" Marketing Fails Consumer Protection Laws At Federal And State Levels, Molly Thorpe

Loyola of Los Angeles Law Review

The rise of the environmentally-conscious consumer has a corresponding side effect: environmentally-friendly advertising. Because environmental marketing is largely based on science, the average consumer lacks the requisite scientific literacy to determine whether a company’s product claims are legitimate. Although there are consumer protection laws that govern environmental marketing at both the federal and state levels, some forms of advertising fail to meet these standards, including “reef safe” sunscreen claims. “Reef safe” marketing alleges that certain types of sunscreen are better for the coral reefs than others.

This Note argues that “reef safe” advertising violates national and state consumer protection laws. …

Care Court: Unconstitutional And Ineffective, Samantha Moulton

Loyola of Los Angeles Law Review

The Community, Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment Act (CARE) subjects Californians with schizophrenia and related disorders to a grueling, invasive, and coercive court process that strips them of their fundamental rights. Worse yet, CARE forces people into this process for no reason because involuntary outpatient commitment does not work to reduce hospitalization, increase compliance with medication, or improve treatment outcomes. CARE is not only unconstitutional—it is morally objectionable. This Note first analyzes how CARE violates the due process clause by subjecting individuals who are not dangerous to themselves or others to a court proceeding and to potential involuntary commitment. Then, it …

Shedding Light On Seasonal Depression: Practical Strategies For Pediatric Care, Mike Smith, Sara R. Gould

Pediatrics in Practice: A CME Podcast

As daylight fades and winter approaches, pediatricians often see an uptick in mood-related concerns among children and adolescents. In this episode, we explore how to recognize the signs of seasonal depression, differentiate it from other mood disorders, and apply evidence-based interventions. Our expert guest shares practical screening tools, treatment options—including light therapy and behavioral strategies—and tips for partnering with families and schools to support mental health during the darker months. Whether you’re in primary care or a specialty clinic, this conversation offers actionable insights to help you guide patients through seasonal challenges.

Click here to stream the podcast episode.

Multiple Application Models For Monte Carlo Analysis In Excel, Tom Arnold, Deniz Besik, Xia (Summer) Liu, Nancy Tran

Finance Faculty Publications

Monte Carlo simulation techniques are performed in Excel with multiple applications for option pricing: a single Geometric Brownian motion (GBM) process, a GBM process with volatility bootstrapping, and two correlated GBM processes.  This leads to the creation of a “generic” Monte Carlo simulation framework that can be applied to many different models in addition to the demonstrated commercial real estate valuation/transaction model.   Because the models are all programmed in Excel with minimal VBA programming, the techniques become very accessible for practitioners.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Various Monte Carlo simulation techniques are implemented in Excel to perform option pricing applications with (1) a …

The Impact Of Social Media On Social Inclusion: A Case Study On Gun Violence, Ruolin Xu

Honors Scholar Theses

As TikTok increasingly becomes a primary platform for everyday communication and even an important venue for political communication, concerns have emerged about the potential negative effects of its algorithmic design. Prior research suggests the effect of echo chamber that social media may reinforce users' pre-existing attitudes by repeatedly exposing them to belief-consistent contents and limiting opportunities to encounter diverse viewpoints. Such selective exposure can undermine social inclusion by reducing individuals' openness toward people who hold different backgrounds or political beliefs. Meanwhile, gun control, as one of the most polarizing sociopolitical issues in the US, provides a particularly relevant context for …

Development And Validation Of A Pronation-Supination Testing Protocol For Rat Elbow Joint Function, Genevieve Jarrell

Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science Independent Study

Post-traumatic joint contracture (PTJC) of the elbow results in pain, stiffness, and loss of motion that can substantially impair daily function. While flexion-extension deficits in PTJC have been well characterized, the effects on pronation-supination remain poorly understood due to limited testing capability. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a method for quantifying rat elbow pronation-supination motion to better characterize elbow dysfunction. An existing load-controlled cyclic testing protocol was adapted using a rack-and-pinion system to convert linear displacement into forearm rotation, generating torque-displacement curves from which range of motion (ROM) and stiffness were evaluated. The protocol was …

When Prayers Aren’T Enough: The Need For Mission Formation And Professional Development For Lay Faculty At Catholic Colleges And Universities, Lucy A. Pesce

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Current literature suggests that administration and faculty must make a more intentional effort within Catholic higher education to articulate the mission of these religiously-affiliated institutions in response to two current issues: dwindling numbers of clergy and vowed religious faculty and administrators, and fewer students nationwide who self-identify with any form of organized religion. However, few studies have examined the experience of lay faculty at Catholic institutions who are entrusted with advancing the mission, regardless of their religious affiliation, and their professional development needs.

Using the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities’ Catholic Identity and Mission Assessment (CIMA) as a framework …

The Implementation Of Tact And Bidirectional Intraverbal Training In Teaching A Foreign Language: A Systematic Replication, Karen Parra Caballero

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The current study replicates and extends Yamaguchi and Matsuda (2024) to evaluate the effects of foreign tact and bidirectional intraverbal training on teaching foreign-language vocabulary to adults. An adapted alternating-treatments design was used to evaluate the effects of learning vocabulary of a foreign language through tact teaching (tacting a picture in French), foreign-native intraverbal teaching (vocalizing a French word in the presence of the Spanish word), and native-foreign intraverbal teaching (vocalizing a French word in the presence of the Spanish word). Each teaching condition had an assigned stimulus set for teaching, and an additional stimulus set was included as a …

Tangible Recommendations To Execute California Assembly Bill 3099: A Proactive Approach To Combatting The Missing And Murdered Indigenous People Crisis, Hannah Marquis

Loyola of Los Angeles Law Review

Indigenous people across the United States experience disproportionately high rates of violence and relatedly high rates of murders and disappearances. This phenomenon has been coined the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Crisis (MMIP), and as a state with one of the largest Indigenous populations, California also has one of the largest MMIP caseloads. While California has recently taken action towards combatting the MMIP crisis, these have been largely “reactive” steps aimed at bolstering law enforcement responses to already occurring MMIP cases. As it stands, there is a gap in solutions that have a “proactive” focus aimed at lessening the risk …

Table Of Contents - The Crown, Vol. 2, The Crown

The Crown: Syracuse Honors Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Compositional Verification In Tla+, John Nguyen

The Crown: Syracuse Honors Research Journal

Formal verification is a subfield of computer science concerned with verifying the correctness of systems using mathematical techniques. It is easy to see from a cursory view that a pro-gram or protocol “does something,” but it is more difficult to see if it “does what you want it to do.” Formal verification allows developers to create a specification of a system that can be automatically verified as satisfying desired properties – formulating “what you want it to do” and proving it. One effective approach of formal verification is inductive invariant inference. An inductive invariant for a property P in a …

Development Of An Evidence-Based Nutrition Protocol For Professional Pickleball Athletes, Laura Morales

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Professional pickleball has expanded rapidly, yet sport-specific nutrition guidance remains absent. Current information available to athletes comes largely from non-professional or industry sources and lacks an evidence-based foundation. This project aims to address that gap by developing a nutrition protocol tailored specifically for professional pickleball players. The approach synthesizes data from pickleball workload studies, racket-sport physiology, and established sports nutrition consensus statements. Key focus areas include fueling strategies, protein distribution for recovery, hydration and sodium planning, heat acclimation and cooling practices, travel and jet-lag management, altitude considerations, and evidence-based supplementation. By integrating findings from racket-sport analogs and intermittent high-intensity training …

Commonthought (2025), Commonthought Staff

Commonthought

This issue features works created by Lesley University students and covers a broad range of topics. The work itself crosses many disciplines from creative writing to visual arts.

Tennessee State Veteran's Homes Board, December 2025, Tennessee. Comptroller Of The Treasury.

Performance Audit Reports

No abstract provided.

Toorak Real Estate Holdings V. Llc V. Griffins

All Decisions

In this post-foreclosure holdover case involving an unregulated tenancy, the court granted the tenant's motion to dismiss the petition. The landlord, a limited liability company (LLC), failed to comply with Limited Liability Company Law § 206 by only publishing notice of its initial articles of organization for five consecutive weeks instead of the statutorily required six. Citing precedent, the court rejected the landlord's argument that it had cured this defect, holding that incomplete publication meant the defect remained uncured. Consequently, the landlord was precluded from maintaining the action, and the petition was dismissed.