Recent Submissions

  • Continued Fraction Approximations Demonstrated Through The Musical Chromatic Scale

    Kasman, Reva; Knowles, Nicole (2024-05-01)
    In this paper, we approximate an irrational number using continued fractions through an example of a musical problem. We first define the chromatic scale. To delve into why the chromatic scale only has twelve notes, we discuss the topic of Pythagorean Tuning and how it utilizes mathematics to create scales. Since using Pythagorean Tuning to approximate the length of a scale results in an irrational number, we introduce the notion of continued fractions. These can be calculated by either using the Euclidean Algorithm or the Continued Fraction Algorithm. We define the term best approximation and finally, we use these components to solve our musical question.
  • Consumer Perception Focus on Brand Alliance

    Bahnan, Nisreen; Okoro, Jeremiah (2024-05-01)
    Brand alliance is a marketing strategy where two brands collaborate. Brand alliances are fascinating, but the outcomes are difficult to predict. Studying why brands decide to join a brand alliance and what successful brand alliances have traditionally looked like can help identify profitable opportunities. Consumer reactions to brand alliances are also an important aspect of this relationship. Consumer feedback can be gathered instantly through social media analysis. Brand alliances are an increasingly common phenomena, as companies realize that these partnerships will cost fewer resources and can generate more revenue. This paper investigates the concept of brand alliance, specifically why brand alliances form and what aspects of brand alliance make the strategy successful. The focus will be on two kinds of brand alliances: ingredient branding and co-location.
  • Bicycle Infrastructure And Accessibility In Boston’s Environmental Justice Communities

    Ratner, Keith; Swindell, Laura (2024-05-01)
    This project focused on bicycle infrastructure in Boston, including the city's count of bicycle infrastructure and cycling accessibility. Infrastructure included Bluebike stations from November 1st, 2023, and bicycle trails from the 2020 MassDOT Bike Inventory. Accessibility explored the gaps in Boston's bicycle infrastructure in environmental justice (EJ) 2020 census block groups. As of the 2020 Census, 460 of the 581 census block groups in Boston are EJ designated, meaning that approximately 79.17% of census block groups are EJ designated. 2020 EJ designated census block groups' count of bicycle infrastructure and their accessibility to bicycle infrastructure in Boston, MA were analyzed in ArcGIS Pro using spatial joins, distance accumulation, and a suitability modeler. The average number of bicycle trails in a 2020 EJ census block group was 4.22, while the average number of Bluebike stations in a 2020 EJ census block group was less than 1 (0.465). Bicycle lanes were the most common bicycle trail type across the EJ designated census block groups, but 139 (30.22%) of the EJ 2020 census block groups had zero bicycle trails, showcasing a need for bicycle trail connection in these areas. More than the majority, or 302 (65.65%), of EJ designated census block groups had 0 Bluebike stations as of November 1st, 2023. Accessibility to bicycle infrastructure was highest in the neighborhoods surrounding Downtown, such as the North End, West End, Beacon Hill, Back Bay, Fenway, South End, Chinatown, and the South Boston Waterfront. Accessibility was more varied elsewhere, particularly in the West Roxbury, Hyde Park, Brighton, Dorchester, Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, and Roslindale neighborhoods. Bicycling is an essential aspect of multimodal transport and should be constantly evolving and improving.
  • Depression And Gender Role Conflict In Young Adult Men

    Mark, Christopher; Rodriguez, Paula (2024-05-01)
    While women are reported to have higher rates of depression than men, new research has found that this discrepancy may be the result of an artificial deflation of depression rates in men. Men may experience atypical depressive symptoms which are not accounted for in traditional diagnostic measures, resulting in missed and/or incorrect diagnoses in men. Atypical symptoms may also be attributed to the way men adhere to gender norms. The present study will investigate how men's experiences with depression differ from prototypical depressive experiences, as well as the potential factors influencing the atypical symptoms men often encounter. It is predicted that, when diagnostic tools measuring for atypical symptoms are used, men will experience greater externalizing symptoms as compared to women. Additionally, it is predicted that men and women will have equal rates of depression, thus addressing the discrepancies in rates of depression between men and women. Finally, men with greater adherence to male gender norms will have higher rates of gender role stress, and, thus, will be more likely to experience externalizing symptoms. Participants completed a survey regarding depressive symptoms and stress regarding gender norms. Upon completion of data collection, these results will then be analyzed for rates of both prototypical and atypical depressive symptoms in men and women, as well as how gender and adherence to gender roles impact depressive symptoms. This study was limited by size, survey completion rates, and funding. Further research is needed to explore the discrepancy of depression rates between men and women and address the issue.
  • Leibniz, Calculus, and The Hyperreal Numbers

    Poitevin, Pedro; Tarr, Trevor (2024-05-01)
    Our ideas revolving around Calculus, Philosophy, Law, and Theology are often so clouded that we forget to acknowledge the people behind these ideas. Through this way of thinking, we forget to look at the foundations that took countless years and even lifetimes to construct out of what we believe to be nothingness. What if I were to say everything mentioned in the first sentence was revolutionized by a German mathematician, philosopher, and logician's name is Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz. The first part of this paper will focus on outlining his contributions to the foundations and invention of Calculus, disagreements between him and Newton, Leibniz's notation for Calculus, and other works in other areas such as law, metaphysics, and theology. This paper does not cover details including birth, death, spouses, etc. as those take away from the goals of this paper. The second part focuses on Abraham Robertson's construction of the Hyperreal Numbers and their applications proving that Leibniz's intuition of infinitesimals and Calculus correct. Accurate recognition of one's work is critical in maintaining not only credibility over future pieces of work but also recognizing the accomplishments of one's work. Understanding Leibniz's work and the instrumental construction of Calculus and infinitesimals allows us to also focus on the foundations of our modern societies and trace where many of our common ideas and innovations stem from. Ultimately, by the end of this paper, one should have a better understanding of the impact Leibniz, infinitesimals, and the foundational understandings of Calculus.
  • "The Importance Of Transparency In Municipal Governance"; A Case Study Of North Shore Massachusetts

    Krebs, Lorri; Hubisz, Elden J. (2024-05-01)
    The United States has a turbulent past filled with the use of force and displays of negativity regarding public engagement. There are laws enacted protecting the public, allowing a positive exchange of information, and ensuring the availability of resources. This research will explore the factors influencing citizen engagement: What are the factors influencing citizen participation in local government, and what municipalities encourage these interactions? An incident in Massachusetts where a private citizen was denied their civil rights at a ZBA meeting, provides the context to explore the limits of public interactions and government transparency. Using a grounded theory approach, survey data was collected and analyzed along with socioeconomic and geographic factors to create a GIS (Geographic Information System) product that could be useful in examining citizens’ participation in local government. I will test the limits of public interactions and governmental transparency in a survey open to SSU students and North Shore townspeople. The data will show a correlation between interactions, location, and several different factors such as race, income, social status, employment, business ownership, and utilization of governmental services. Using the grounded theory approach, the collected data will be used to create a GIS product. Conclusions and suggestions drawn from pairing the GIS product with survey data will be offered to strengthen interactions in both urban and regional planning as well as civic engagement across geographies.
  • Changes In Exercise Habits Of Adults During The COVID-19 Pandemic

    Gallo, Anne Marie; Gaber, Jamie (2024-05-01)
    This study explores the changes in exercise habits of college students during the Covid-19 pandemic. The focus is on how exercise plans changed before, during, and after the pandemic. A survey was conducted among 424 Salem State University undergraduate students to see the shifts in the type of workouts and frequency of exercising pre-, during, and post-pandemic. Results show that 61.21% of participants had to alter their exercise plan due to the pandemic. With many gyms and sports teams stopping during the pandemic, it led to a shift in which more people switched to cardio and weight lifting—not having as much equipment or any equipment forced people to change their old routines for exercise. Despite all the challenges during the pandemic, 51.1% of participants returned to their exercise routines from before the pandemic started. Of the individuals surveyed, 34.88% did not return to their regular routines, meaning they either found new routines during the pandemic or did not want to pick up their exercise habits where they last left them. This study focuses on how people can adapt and are determined when it comes to doing physical activity, no matter the challenges. This research shares strategies to promote exercise while sustaining both physical and mental health in case of other future uncertainties.
  • The Impact Of COVID-19 On The Budgeting Strategies Of Entertainment Companies

    Jain, Sanjay; Pennimpede, Kayla (2024-05-01)
    The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in unprecedented disruptions across various sectors, profoundly impacting the entertainment sector. This study investigates the detailed effects of the pandemic on the financial strategies of three leading entertainment companies: The Walt Disney Company; Live Nation Entertainment Incorporated; Six Flags Entertainment Corporation. This research charts a comparative analysis of stock performance pre-pandemic, during its peak, and in the current landscape, compared with the S&P 500 index and the S&P Small Cap 600 Index, as provided by Bloomberg. This study aims to offer essential insight into the enduring repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on prominent companies, and their strategies for navigating these unprecedented challenges. This research also reveals the complex financial paths of these entertainment companies following the closure of their theme parks and venues. This uncovered the underlying dynamics that govern their weakening financial status. In addition to this analysis, this study also compared a comprehensive array of financial metrics, including an analysis of earnings per share, revenues, liquidity analysis, profitability indicators, capital structure, asset turnover ratios, and market value. The results indicated the financial weakening amidst the pandemic-induced challenges. The research findings demonstrate a substantial downturn in stock values and financial metrics during this period across these entertainment companies. The pandemic has created an enduring impact on their fiscal viability and a damper on strategic initiatives. The research indicated weakening trends and financial troubles for the long-term sustainability of these entertainment companies.
  • The Evolution of Accounting: The True Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Future Accountants

    Jain, Anurag; Labbe, Jordyn (2024-05-01)
    This thesis serves to investigate the ways in which artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the accounting industry. The major research questions are: How is AI impacting the field of accounting? What are the potential impacts of AI on employment in the accounting field? To answer these questions, various AI methodologies were found. These methodologies do not have the same level of intelligence; therefore, they were organized under a framework of intelligence for better understanding. Similarly, the most practiced accounting processes were identified and arranged based upon the intelligent framework. After this process was completed, we arrived at the relationship between accounting processes, the applicable AI methodologies, and the associated levels of intelligence. This mapping enables us to see more clearly that the implementation of AI will impact accounting processes differently. Some processes are poised for an imminent take-over by AI. Other processes seem unlikely to be taken over by AI.  These conclusions may be used to assist future accountants and prepare them for the evolving industry that is requiring technological skills. These conclusions provide a more realistic assessment for future accountants.
  • La guitarra con sentido y razón: How the Chilean New Song Defined a Generation

    Chomsky, Avi; Worrall, Tommie (2024-05-01)
    This thesis analyzes the development of the New Song movement in Chile from its inception in the 1950s with the music recovery efforts of Violeta Parra, through its heyday in the 1960s and early 1970s during the years of Salvador Allende's Popular Unity government, to its legacy following the Pinochet coup of 1973. This thesis examines the New Song movement's musical origins, political messages, and connections to the most pressing issues of its time, including the domestic urban-rural divide and the involvement of the ordinary people in the nation's political sphere.
  • How Recent Innovative Developments Of Prosthetics Have Affected Athletes And Shaped Their Performance

    Sprenkle, Amy; Hollingsworth, Kaia (2024-05-01)
    Paralympic athlete potential has reached an all-time high: thanks to the power of prosthetics. This literature review aims to explore and address how the latest developments in prosthetics have impacted athletes and their ability to perform in everyday life, as well as competitive sporting events. For this purpose, the most recent and innovative prosthetics will be critically examined. Recent technological breakthroughs have yielded better performance results over the years in the Paralympic games. Prosthetic devices are far more advanced today than they were even ten years ago.These modern prosthetics have unlocked a new world of athletic potential. Modern prosthetics and therapies are solely responsible for an increase in satisfaction for Paralympic athletes and their athletic performance results.
  • Teaching Higher Level Vector Concepts To Elementary Age Students By Exploring The Use Of Gamification

    Murray, Maura; Morton, Kara; Melin, Kelly (2024-05-01)
    Mathematics has been known by many students to be their least favorite subject due to the complexity of the concepts, and the way in which this subject has historically been taught. However, with how practical mathematical skills are in so many diverse fields, helping foster a student's positive relationship with math is extremely beneficial for their academic and career growth. This literature review explores how educators can make math education more engaging starting from the elementary school level while also providing students with a good math foundation that will support them in higher grades and beyond their schooling. This goal can be accomplished by introducing elementary age students to the higher-level math concept of vectors. With the application of vectors in careers ranging from STEM fields to animation, students will see how practical and useful math can be in the outside world. Combining this concept with researched-based math engagement strategies, such as gamification and hands-on activities, will help support students' intrinsic motivation with math. This literature review concludes with lesson plan resources that educators can use to effectively teach students this practical, higher level math concept in an engaging way.
  • A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Exploring The Effects Of Kinesiology Tape On Physical Performance

    Gillis, Jason; Doran, Emma (2024-05-01)
    Kinesiology tape is one of the most widely used therapeutic, sports products currently on the market. Most people have either seen the tape worn during televised or live sporting events, or maybe they’ve even worn the product themselves. Athletic trainers apply it to their athletes, professionals endorse the product, drug stores even carry the tape, it’s everywhere. KT tape is said to help prevent injuries, aid in a recovery period, and overall, just enhance performance, yet there is little clinical evidence that the product lives up to its claims. There is a need for more research so we can be sure of this product everyone is purchasing and using. More information needs to be available to the consumers and the professionals applying the tape. To determine the effectiveness of kinesiology tape on improving physical performance, specifically the measurement of power.
  • Interpreting Igneous Textures and Compositions of the Marblehead Neck Area for Comparison in Local Formation Event Sequencing

    Toraman, Erkan; Connor, Matthew (2024-05-01)
    This geologic study focuses on Marblehead Neck, a small Island connected by a bridge off Marblehead, MA, characterized by diverse igneous formations. The island, part of the Avalon terrane, has a makeup of igneous units. The prevailing map indicates exposures of Proterozoic Dedham Granite and Lynn Volcanics, yet the region's complexity challenges existing interpretations. These formations, crucial for deciphering the Dedham-Milford Zone's history in the area, prompt comparisons with Dedham Granite, Milford Granite, Lynn-Mattapan Volcanic Complex, and Middlesex Fells Volcanic Complex. Using Petrographic methods and comparing local lithologies, we can come to unravel the lithologies origins. Petrographic analyses of the lithologies reveal that granodiorite consists of plagioclase (60%), quartz (25%), K- feldspars (5%), hornblende (5%), biotite (5%) and includes metasedimentary xenoliths. The granite intrudes into the granodiorite and consists of K-feldspar (40%), quartz (35%), plagioclase (20%), minor hornblende (5%), and is devoid of metasedimentary xenoliths. The rhyolitic flows are mostly fine-grained groundmass, with some plagioclase phenocrysts and mafic inclusions. The subvolcanic unit is identified as dacite porphyry. These units showed field relations spanning different time periods. Overall, our results indicate the granodiorite unit is part of the Dedham Granite, Granite with the Spot Pond Granite, Rhyolite with the Lynn-Mattapan Volcanic Complex, and Dacite with later subvolcanic activity, possibly related to Lynn feeder dikes or later Pangea volcanism. This approach, incorporating fieldwork, remote reconnaissance, petrographic analysis, and petrographic comparison to known data, aims to refine the understanding of Marblehead Neck's geological evolution within the broader context of the Dedham-Milford Zone.
  • Women's Experiences with Postpartum Depression During the Covid-19 Pandemic: An Integrative Review of the Literature

    Williams, Cheryl; Constine, Emily (2024-05-01)
    Aim: The aim of this integrative review of literature was to assess the correlation between the rates of Postpartum Depression (PPD) during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Background: Risk factors of PPD include social isolation and stressful life events that were both occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: An integrative review of the information provided by ten scholarly articles from the EBSCO databases CINAHL and MEDLINE. These articles were then synthesized by theme in the literature review section. Analysis: Three major themes were used to separate the articles used for this integrative review. These themes included "The Importance of Social Support", " Significant Increase in Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic", and "Other Risk Factors During the Pandemic." Conclusions: Postpartum depression is a devastating mental health issue that many women deal with in the United States. Factors brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic increased the risk of PPD. There must be new pandemic-related implementations and more research done on PPD.
  • Taking Up Space: A Guide to the Artistry in Stage Managment

    Harvey, Michael; Barnes, Lily (2024-05-01)
    Like most college seniors, thinking about how to encapsulate four years of college into one project, document, etc. is a scary thing to think about. Throughout my time in undergrad, I noticed a lot of stage-management related texts were geared towards post-grad individuals and were written by professionals. While these resources are incredibly valuable and necessary, I wanted to make this guide for university-level stage managers from the perspective of a student. Think of this text as a diary. A journal entry. Advice from your big sister. And, for any educator who may be reading this, think of this as a tool to help understand your students a little bit better. It is only through sharing our perspectives that we can learn and grow as theatre makers. Take all I say with a grain of salt- this is not the absolute truth. What makes you powerful is your unique style. May this text empower you to draw closer to your authentic self.
  • Understanding the Role of Higher Education in Shaping Asian American and Pacific Islander College Students’ College Experiences and Cultural Identity

    Leong, Pamela; Pen, Erika K. (2024-05-01)
    While praised for being the “model minority” due to societal perceptions of their educational and economic achievements, systematic, institutional, and individual racism towards the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community still exists. This research study examines the role of higher education in shaping AAPI college students' college experiences and cultural identity. Using interview data from 15 AAPI college students from 9 different college campuses, this study reveals that college campuses discriminate against AAPI college students. Such institutional forms of discrimination impact AAPI college students through a lack of resources in supporting the multiple diasporas that make up the AAPI community or undermining racial discrimination students report. In response to pervasive institutional discrimination at their college campus, AAPI college students may have little choice but to seek out support from on-campus AAPI organizations. Indeed, the AAPI college organizations appear to be one of the only options on campus that culturally affirm the status, experience, and identity of Asian American/Pacific Islander students. Creating resources that specifically address the needs of different demographics instead of creating resources that incorporate the one-size-fits-all approach allows for students’ needs and perspectives to be heard in spaces that have oppressed them in the past.
  • Water Advocacy in Massachusetts: A Guide for Curious and Concerned Citizens

    Silvern, Steven; McCaul, Bailey (2024-05-01)
    This paper addresses the need for citizen engagement and action in the face of the ongoing man-made climate crisis that is rapidly depleting Earth's finite freshwater resources. Focusing on the Ipswich River in Essex County, Massachusetts, identified as the 8th most endangered river in America, the research done explores the interconnected challenges of excessive withdrawals, rising temperatures, droughts, floods, pollution, and invasive species paired with the multifaceted challenges surrounding water politics, highlighting the complexities of collaborative governance across multiple jurisdictions. The solution proposed is the creation of a climate action toolkit specifically tailored to freshwater bodies in Massachusetts, aiming to bridge the information gap between governing bodies, local organizations, and the average citizen to foster grassroots action. Existing water conservation toolkits, guides, and websites often target governing bodies and corporations, or provide low-effort, generic, and vague recommendations that are well-known in the current year. In contrast, this toolkit seeks to empower citizens with knowledge about their role in water management and inspire community and political mobilization through advocacy and lobbying education. Drawing on extensive research from scientific studies, environmental reports, and scholarly insights, this thesis advocates for the pivotal role of citizens in driving effective change. It emphasizes the need for accessible, localized tools that empower individuals to become informed decision-makers and proactive contributors to environmental conservation efforts.
  • Exploring Techniques To Help The Premature Infant Transition To Oral Feeding

    Williams, Cheryl; Jules, Rebecca (2024-05-01)
    Premature infants are subject to experiencing many complications as they are underdeveloped and require special care. One issue they experience are feeding difficulties and often have to be started on tube feeding. This integrative review aimed to explore different techniques to help the premature infant transition from tube feeding to oral feeding and evaluated the effectiveness of those techniques. A literature search using the databases CINAHL and Medline were used and seventeen articles from 2018-2023 were examined. Two techniques were discussed: non-nutritive sucking (NNS) and oral motor stimulation (OMS) and various variables were assessed to determine how effective they were on the premature infants and their readiness to transition to oral feeding. Both techniques were shown effective and showed positive results on the different variables that were evaluated. The results demonstrate that new mothers and nurses can use these techniques; however, a limitation to the studies was that there were more randomized studies compared to longitudinal studies.
  • Asthma Prevalence of Children in Massachusetts: Using Agriculture and Environmental Factors (Exposure to Pesticide)

    Laranjo, Laura; Chomba, Lisa (2024-05-01)
    Childhood asthma is known to harm the lungs' airways. Agriculture is being investigated to see if it has an impact on asthmatic children. The California Health Interview Survey was used to assess pediatric asthma prevalence per 100 students among Californians in all 58 counties for 2017–2018, while the Environmental Public Health Tracker was utilized for all 14 counties in Massachusetts. California recorded an increase in prevalence rates, while Massachusetts reported a decrease, ranging from 6% to 15.3% across all counties. These findings suggest that agricultural variables may be contributing to the rise in asthma prevalence among children in Massachusetts, with the assistance of the state with the highest number of asthma hospitalizations, California.

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