S. Daniel Abraham Honors Student Theses

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The S. Daniel Abraham Honors Program, begun with a major gift from philanthropist S. Daniel Abraham in 1999, has attracted students of ever-higher academic caliber to the college, where they engage in once-in-a-lifetime research opportunities and forge rewarding relationships with faculty mentors. Students in the S. Daniel Abraham Honors Program enroll in honor courses, enjoy faculty mentoring, and complete a major research project. In addition, they participate in exciting extracurricular events - outstanding speakers, cultural outings to top NYC destinations, and leadership workshops. Read more. For more information please contact: Director Cynthia Wachtell wachtell AT yu.edu 646.592.4157 215 Lexington Ave, Room 616

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Open Access
A study of nutraceuticals: Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract' s selective cytotoxicity to human oral carcinoma
(Yeshiva University, 2013-12-16) Kessler, Erica (Liebman); Weisburg, Jeffrey
This paper studies the field of nutraceuticals, with a specific concentration on the selective cytotoxicity of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract to human oral carcinoma. In my research at Yeshiva University's Stem College for Women, under the supervision of Dr. Harvey Babich, Dr. Alyssa Schuck, and Dr. Jeffrey Weisburg, we studied the potential anticancer properties of grape seed extract. We found that for GSE, without standardization, although different extracts may show anticancer potentials, their modes of toxic action vary greatly - from toxicity due to their proanthocyanidins per se (as shown herein) to toxicity from their prooxidant nature arising from decomposition, autooxidation reactions. Coupled with this divergence of toxic mechanisms is that most GSE supplements are manufactured and consumed for their antioxidant nature. Yet, however, such plant-derived polyphenol nutraceuticals are potentially very important in regard to cancer therapies, especially as a commonality among most studies is that these extracts are selectively toxic to cancer cells, without an adverse effect on normal cells. As nutraceuticals become increasingly popular and widespread, it is imperative that doctors and nurses become educated in this field in order to understand their uses and effects. As a future nurse, I understand that patients view their health care providers as their advocates, and the trust these patients have in their caretakers must be upheld. Studying nutraceuticals and their effects has not been incorporated into formal education in most health professions, so I encourage all future and current medical professionals to understand the pros and cons of nutraceuticals so as to provide the best care for their patients.
Open Access
A survey of the Lithuanian Yeshiva Movement
(Yeshiva University, Stern College for Women, 2024-04-11) Scharf, Nili; Olson, Jess
World War II and the Holocaust instigated the tragic decimation of the Lithuanian Yeshiva Movement. Most of the yeshivot were destroyed, and the students were murdered or sent to Nazi concentration camps. The network of Lithuanian yeshivot could have been entirely forgotten, and its significant impact on Torah study could have been lost forever. •Today, the inverse is true. Despite the trials and tribulations, European Jews were able to rebuild vibrant Jewish communities following the Holocaust. Although most Lithuanian yeshivot were never rebuilt in their original locations, almost all of them have been reestablished since the Holocaust in Israel, America, or both. They are not shadows of their former glory; the yeshivot were rebuilt bigger and better than before. More people learn Torah today in the reestablished Lithuanian yeshivot than in their golden age in Europe. (from Conclusion)
Open Access
A theoretical and experimental analysis of the structures and mechanisms of action of antifreeze proteins
(Yeshiva University, Stern College for Women, 2024-05-02) Shtern, Tara; Drori, Ran
The mechanism through which ice grows and methods of preventing its growth are complex and continuously being discovered. This review explored the concepts of thermal hysteresis and ice recrystallization from a theoretical and experimental perspective, addressing the issues of biological and synthetic materials that can induce thermal hysteresis activity, ice recrystallization inhibition activity, or both. Additionally, the results of recrystallization inhibition and adsorption rate experiments run in the Drori Lab were presented, allowing for a practical application of the concepts discussed. (from Conclusion)
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The Abandoned Wife, Torah, and Jewish Survival in Lamentations Rabbah and “Agunah”.
(Stern College for Women Yeshiva University., 2019-05-07) Klahr, Leah; Shires, Linda
Dinah’s role as a Torah interpreter and writer in “Agunah,” mirrors not only that of the abandoned woman in the midrash, but of Baron herself. This paper begins with a modern midrash written by Danah Fulbur, a woman who challenges women’s exclusion from contributing their voices to the ever-growing tapestry of Torah. While the men who authored midrashim freely used woman in parables, comparing them to objects of all kinds, Fulbur illustrates how these parables highlight not only the objectification of women, but also their inability to share their own Torah insights and parables. In “Agunah,” Baron breaks through this glass ceiling by subverting a midrash that parabolizes the pain of an abandoned woman. Baron portrays how every parable is not merely a parable, but a live story, both literal, metaphorical, and dynamic. Through adding her own voice of interpretation to the midrash, Baron welcomed the next generation of women to continue using their voices to both challenge, and redeem, the Jewish people. [from Conclusion]
Open Access
Abortion Legislation: Insight into the Reality of Constitutional Infringement by the Federal Government
(2021-04-27) Well, Daniella; Katz, Amanda
Considering the issues of abortion and government intrusion on constitutionally mandated rights is complex and is not always clear. This paper has addressed insufficient abortion rulings by the Supreme Court enacting a rule that does not take into account certain mitigating factors, such as anencephaly. In addition, by addressing the Biden-Harris Administration’s attempt at further government overstepping in the realm of public health and COVID-19, this paper attempts to clarify that the government may continue to run roughshod over civil liberties. To respond to these issues, education and evaluations of candidates on the part of the American people are crucial. John Adams, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, stated that “[liberty] must at all hazards be supported. We have a right to it, derived from our Maker. But if we had not, our fathers have earned, and bought it for us, at the expense of their ease, their estates, their pleasure, and their blood” (Adams). To fulfill the desires and vision of the Founding Fathers, it’s incumbent upon the American people to pursue liberty and seek out meaningful methods of transformation for the unstable system that currently exists.
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Academic Cheating in Undergraduates: Examining Associated Factors
(Stern College for Women, 2017-05-30) Apfel, Anna
Academic cheating has become a major problem nationwide, with rates only continuing to increase. Therefore, factors associated with academic cheating have been widely studied in psychology in order to cultivate effectual methods to prevent academic cheating. Past studies have shown that peer competition, a low grade point average, and majoring in business have all been associated with higher rates of cheating. In light of this research, a survey study was proposed to look at the relationships between graduate school competition, enrollment in an honors program, and rates of academic cheating. Possible interventions to prevent future academic cheating, including intermediations at the graduate and primary education levels, were suggested.
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The Activism of Rabbi Marshall Meyer in the Period of the Argentinian Junta, 1976-1983.
(Stern College for Women. Yeshiva University.., 2018-08-23) Grossman, Hannah; Perelis, Ronnie
The situation in Argentina under the junta from 1876-1983 can be hard to comprehend. On one level, so many in the country were tortured and killed in ruthless and violent ways, treated with a complete lack of human dignity. On the other hand, so many in Argentina, whether out of fear, ignorance or misjudgment, did nothing in the face of horror. This was true just as well for the Jewish community, which did not- or perhaps could not- react forcefully to the anti-Semitism and violence which afflicted them. This only makes what Marshall Meyer did even more remarkable and significant. He became one of the foremost protesters against the junta, taking a stand for what he felt was right, even as a relative outsider; however, he went even further and not only spoke out with words, but saved and improved lives with his actions, even at a risk to himself and his family. As a rabbinic figure, he had the ability to give comfort and solace to those who needed it in extremely trying times; as a public figure and foreign national, he was able to raise a hue and cry, and work on behalf of the many prisoners he met. This is true whether for the Jacobo Timermans, the high profile writers who became world-renowned in their struggles for freedom, or for the Debora Benchoams, the young and innocent prisoners who were swept up in the madness: he was an advocate, and a spiritual and emotional beacon. There has been very little in English written in depth about Meyer’s work in Argentina, and while this still must be done by someone with access to the Spanish sources, it seems important that this has been begun, even if in a small way. (From Conclusion)
Open Access
Adaptations of Austen: How Does Multimedia Impact Our Ability to Read Between the Lines of "Pride and Prejudice" and "Emma"?
(New York, NY. Stern College for Women. Yeshiva University., 2020-05-06) Wiesenberg, Elka Basya; Nachumi, Nora
This paper will explore the experience of reading an Austen novel, specifically the effects of narrative style, including Austen’s narrator and free indirect discourse, and study the original novels, followed by the listed onscreen adaptations, to explain the ways the camera can but does not always properly translate Austen’s narratives while preserving the experience of the novel; this paper will illustrate the ways that each adaptation succeeds or fails to replicate the Austen experience. It will argue that BBC/A&E’s Pride and Prejudice does not align us as entirely with Elizabeth as the novel because it spends too much time on Mr. Darcy’s perspective. It will show that Miramax’s Emma does not focus on Emma’s individual perspective enough, as it is often shot from a far lens, but properly aligns us with her perspective through voiceovers and the times is does close in on her facial expressions. The paper will discuss the shortcomings of The Lizzie Bennet Diaries in establishing Elizabeth’s reliability and Emma Approved’s success with that same lack of credibility. Overall, this paper will prove that onscreen adaptation can evoke the Austen experience, it just does not always do so. (from Introduction)
Embargo
Adsorption rates measurements of an insect antifreeze protein to ice
(Yeshiva University, 2023-04-27) Miller, Elisheva; Drori, Ron
Antifreeze proteins (AFPs), a subset of ice-binding proteins (IBP), are found in various types of organisms that survive sub-freezing temperatures. AFPs adsorb to the surface of endogenous ice crystals and inhibit their growth, thereby preventing freezing injuries and death. The activity of an AFP is quantified by measuring the thermal hysteresis (TH) activity, which is the gap between the melting and freezing points created by the adsorption of the protein to the ice surface. GrAFP, an AFP found in a primitive arthropod, consists of nine polyproline type II (PPII) helix bundles. The helix bundle assembly allows for easy manipulation of the ice-binding site (IBS), which can impact the activity of the protein. GrAFP relies on hydrogen bonding to achieve its native fold, which leads to thermal instability. TmAFP, a protein stabilized by disulfide bonds rather than hydrogen bonding, has a higher TH activity compared to GrAFP and this can be due to the presence of stronger disulfide bonds. The adsorption rate of AFPs to ice (Kon) positively correlates with the TH activity of AFPs. In this thesis, Fluorescence microscopy coupled to coldstages and fluorescent-labelled AFPs were used to measure the adsorption rates of GrAFP to ice at various concentrations in an ultimate goal to obtain the value of Kon. Comparing the adsorption rate of GrAFP obtained here (0.010 μM-1s-1) with that of AFGP1-5 (0.013 μM-1s-1) shows that AFGP1-5 has a slightly higher rate. However, in the presence of borate, which deactivates the glycoprotein, GrAFP has a higher rate. The adsorption rate of AFPIII from an eelpout (0.008 μM- 1s-1) is also lower than that GrAFP. These results provide important insights into the structureactivity relationship of AFPs and illustrate the correlation between the TH activity of an AFP and its adsorption rate. Future experiments include measuring the adsorption rates for mutant GrAFP with different IBS sizes to better understand this structural effect on the TH activity, which increases with the size of the IBS.
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Advancing the Adaptation of a Dissonance-Based Eating Disorder Prevention Program for the Orthodox Community.
(New York, NY. Stern College for Women. Yeshiva University., 2020-05-06) Feder, Yael; Yeshiva University, degree granting institution.; Greif, Rebecca
Bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder are two of the eight eating disorder diagnoses. Eating disorder prevention programs reduce the prevalence of eating disorder risk factors, such as those delineated in the dual pathway model: pressure to be thin, thin ideal internalization, body dissatisfaction, negative affect, and dieting behavior. The Orthodox community is similar to the rest of society in that it is not immune to eating disorders. There have been studies of a culturally adapted dissonance-based eating disorder prevention program for the Orthodox community. More research needs to be done to better understand the role and need of such a program in the Orthodox community.
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The Advantages of Community: Wellbeing in communal living and a look into the Jewish Community
(Yeshiva University, 2022-04-28) Rochlin, Abigail; Chalik, Lisa
With today’s technology, people across the globe can connect like never before. Although there are some who are finding meaning in this ability, there is a major problem across the world: people are lonely. An antidote to this problem is building strong communal ties. This paper examines the importance of communal living by highlighting some of the benefits that often are associated with having a strong sense of community. Specifically, three main areas are discussed: high rates of volunteerism, increased happiness, and a decrease in mortality. The paper then examines how religious communities may be an archetype of a healthy community. It then dives deeper into the Jewish community and discusses key findings of the American Jewish community and the larger global Jewish community. Finally, it discusses areas in which more research could be done to explore more specific benefits of religious community life.
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Affordable Care Act Enrollment: Analysis of Variation in Nationwide Implementation and Implications for Health Equity
(Stern College for Women, 2015-04) Zimilover, Madeline Tavin
Signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) promised to radically alter the healthcare landscape of America. Through its numerous policies, the goal of the act was to improve healthcare accessibility and affordability, reforms that are crucial for a country striving to create equity in public health. The new insurance “marketplaces” were opened to the American public in October 2013, and there have been two enrollment periods to date. Enrollment numbers per state have varied widely, with some states, such as Maine, enrolling 60% of qualified individuals, and others, like Minnesota, enrolling only 22% of qualified individuals. (Kaiser Family Foundation 2015, “Marketplace Enrollment As a Share of the Potential Marketplace Population”). Why have some states been far more successful at expanding coverage than others? Answering this question is crucial if we wish to understand the factors that provide the most access to coverage. To explain this variation, we investigate the impact of a broad range of demographic and political factors, and discuss the efficacy of enrollment campaigns and advertising. This allows us to determine an understanding of the current successes and failures of ACA enrollment, an analysis that will be enlightening to policymakers who aim to expand ACA enrollment in the future.
Open Access
Algorithmic Bias: A New Age of Racism
(2021-04-30) Schneider, Shira; Broder, Alan
This paper surveyed multiple manifestations of algorithm bias in different areas and highlighted the impact of incorporated bias. Facial recognition technology is used for a range of purposes, including photo tagging, identifying suspects and even autonomous vehicles. Risk assessment instruments are used throughout the criminal justice process to determine decisions such as length of sentencing and probation. Health care algorithms are used to distinguish sicker individuals to offer additional care and resources. The studies shown in this paper suggest that there are biases embedded in each of these algorithms. Because of their wide scope, racism has been reinforced on a massive scale. Algorithms are intended to make life easier, but these types of algorithms are concerning because they amplify systemic racism. Society should question how much we should rely on such technology until better solutions are found and regulations are put into place.
Open Access
Algorithmic Trading
(Yeshiva University, 2022-05-19) Leitner, Talia; Teitelman, Lawrence
This paper gives an overview of algorithmic trading. It is intended to inform interested traders of the value of incorporating algorithms into their trading strategies. They must also be warned of the dangers of implementing faulty algorithms. This paper highlights the usefulness of categorizing algorithms. An overview of the most popular algorithms is also given. Methods for comparing the performance of different algorithms in trading specific stocks is discussed. The metrics used to evaluate their performance is also mentioned. Challenges within the field of algorithmic trading are important for traders to consider when choosing which algorithms to implement in specific situations. Finally, the integration of machine learning into the field of algorithmic trading is discussed. This revelation has significantly broadened the scope of algorithmic trading. Machine learning now serves as an essential tool for traders to compete in the fast-paced markets of modern day.
Open Access
Alignment of text of the Talmud with transcribed Daf Yomi shiurim using the minimum edit distance and the Smith-Waterman algorithms
(Yeshiva University, Stern College for Women, 2024-05-15) Linzer, Gila; Waxman, Joshua
...Whisper AI does a good enough job at transliteration for it to be easily identifiable as attempting to match this line in the Talmud, but it also makes a substantial amount of errors. Therefore, with the goal to fine tune the transcript to be as accurate as possible, the current transcription is the perfect candidate for an alignment algorithm. The goal of running this algorithm will be to align the lines of the transcription that are direct quotes from the Talmud with an English transcription of the Talmud. This paper will explore various algorithms and how they can be applied to this use case. This includes local and global alignment algorithms that are both brute-force algorithms and algorithms that utilize dynamic programming techniques. Editing algorithms will also be explored. The results will then be compared with a manual correction of the transcription errors. (from Introduction)
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America’s Deadliest Penalty: The Future of Capital Punishment in the United States.
(New York, NY. Stern College for Women. Yeshiva University., 2020-05-06) Markovitz, Shanee; Yeshiva University, degree granting institution.; Levine, Adina
In the United States of America, the controversy surrounding capital punishment spans across every state as well as more than 100 years of debate. Also referred to as the death penalty2, capital punishment includes “the practice of killing people as punishment for serious crimes,” 3 according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. While many other Western societies have abolished capital punishment from their legal systems4 either formally or in practice, the United States has yet to abandon this institution. However, the United States Supreme Court steadily limits the death penalty. ====== This paper includes a survey of twenty-five cases pertaining to capital punishment5. I begin by exploring the history of the death penalty. In Section II, I introduce the legal texts central to the death penalty debate, the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments, to make cases in this paper easier to understand within a broader constitutional context. (from Introduction)
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An apple a day keeps the doctor away: A review of scientific literature and novel research
(Yeshiva University, Stern College for Women, 2024-04-11) Grossman, Leeza (Zisi); Schuck, Alyssa
Apples have been a staple of a healthy diet for centuries. In recent years, there have been major breakthroughs uncovering the far reaching health benefits of apples. Apples have been shown to positively affect many organ systems like the digestive and immune system and combat and decrease risk of many diseases such as diabetes type 1 and type 2, obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. These health benefits can be attributed to polyphenols found in apples. Polyphenols are naturally occurring compounds with many hydroxyl groups mainly found in plants. Although the precise mechanism of action remains unclear, possible explanations mainly center around polyphenols’ antioxidant properties. This paper focuses on apples' effects on diabetes type 1 and type 2, obesity, and cancer and explores the mechanisms in which apple polyphenols effectively positively influence and treat these diseases to raise awareness of this superfood. Included in the paper is a synopsis of a novel research project conducted at SCW on the nutraceutical properties of apple extract to inhibit metastasis of oral tumor cells, specifically from the HSC-2 line.
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An Analysis of "Duties of the Heart" in Light of the Historiography of Alchemy
(2021-04-27) Hirsch, Rivka; Rapp, Chaya
In his foundational work Duties of the Heart, R. Bachya ibn Paquda makes a comparison that is startling to the minds of modern readers. In the Shaar HaBitachon, “Gate of Trust,” R. Bachya sets up a juxtaposition between the man who trusts in G-d and the alchemist, detailing the ways the man who trusts in G-d is better off than even the alchemist, who produces gold and thus is the source of his own wealth. In order to understand R. Bachya’s stance on alchemy, it is crucial to explore the general perception of alchemy in the Middle Ages among both Jews and non-Jews and understand its historiography. Today alchemy is largely regarded as a pursuit of the occult, disconnected to science, which is the legitimate way to explore the nature of matter. But in truth, alchemy was the forerunner of modern chemistry, and operated using scientific means of investigation. While it incorporated spirituality and mysticism, all sciences and studies of natural philosophy did too, because in those times religion was inextricably linked to all other fields of study. It is with this background that various explanations for R. Bachya’s authorial choice are offered. This paper argues that R. Bachya’s goal is to make comparative theological points and he draws upon the accepted science of his time in this pedagogical purpose. This is argued in opposition to the view that R. Bachya doesn’t believe in the efficacy of alchemy at all. Interpreting R. Bachya’s comment provides new insight into the continuing historical debate over alchemy’s origins and its perception through the centuries by opening a window into the medieval Jewish perspective. I.
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An Analysis of Drug Resistance Mechanisms in Plasmodium vivax Malaria and ERα-Positive Breast Cancer and Their Implications for the Prevention Drug Resistance in Future Therapeutic Development
(Stern College for Women, 2015-12-16) Berman, Adi Yedidah
Drug resistance is currently one of the most critical health concerns. While the exact mechanisms of drug resistance remain unknown, certain aspects of it can be revealed by studying drug resistance from two perspectives: the microbe and the human cell. Two diseases that are notoriously difficult to treat due to the development of resistance mechanisms are malaria and estrogen receptor α (ERα)-positive breast cancer. The malaria parasite of the genus Plasmodium has developed several genetic mutations which allow it to circumvent the therapeutic actions of current antimalarials, indicating the importance of identifying novel drug targets. Plasmodium vivax Equilibrative Nucleoside Transporter 1 (PvENT1) has been identified as a potential drug target, but the potential of resistant mechanisms emerging to PvENT1 inhibitors through genetic mutations has yet to be sufficiently determined. Characterization of PvENT1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) showed that overall, the transporter’s function remains unchanged, indicating the potential success of PvENT1 inhibitors. Additionally, the development of endocrine therapy resistance offers a different perspective of drug resistance. It is found to occur in part due to the molecular cross-talk between the ERα and growth factor signaling pathways, such as the mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Combination treatments using endocrine therapy and mTOR inhibitors have been proposed to prevent the emergence of endocrine therapy resistance. The discovery of a direct link between the ERα and mTOR pathways, the binding of ERα to regulatory associated protein of mTOR (raptor), provides a new, viable target for mTOR inhibitors administered in combination with endocrine therapy. The findings presented in this work are therefore important steps in the ongoing effort to successfully identify new treatments for these two diseases. Moreover, this work expounds 3 upon the importance of furthering scientific understanding of drug resistance mechanisms, and of identifying novel treatments that would combat and prevent the development of drug resistance.
Open Access
An Analysis of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik’s Utilization of Dialectic
(New York, NY. Stern College for Women. Yeshiva University., 2020-05-06) Guindi, Linda; Shatz, David
Consequently, the Rav’s extension of Man’s perpetual dialectic condition to the meta-dialectic can be understood as representing the Rav’s consistency in his emphasis on perpetuity in regard to Man’s dialectic condition. Its extension exemplifies that while human scholars and philosophers may attempt to harmonize the human condition through an understanding of dialectical thinking, there is ultimately no escape from the perpetuity of dialectical oscillation. Given that the Rav’s perpetual interplay relies on this Man’s perpetual dialectic, the Rav’s meta-dialectic between Kierkegaard and Hegel can be understood as legitimizing the philosophical interplay throughout the Rav’s works. ====== Overall, the Rav maintains his ambiguity in his dialectical utilization in an effort to maintain consistency in its application. As we perpetually oscillate between victory and retreat, we ultimately do not know in which ethic our cycle ends. Nevertheless, while this exhaustive analysis may have ended in defeat, there is always halakha to turn to to cheat. (from Conclusion)

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