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It's Not What You Say It's How You Say It! Leveraging Social Engineering Cues for Cyber Awareness Training
No full textThe full text of this item is not available at this time because the author has placed this item under an embargo until December 12, 2026.Phishing attacks are a major security vulnerability targeting the human element of the cyber security ecosystem. While there is significant activity on improving software phishing detection, developing these tools is often done to catch up to the ever-changing tactics utilized by illicit actors. This dissertation seeks to challenge the understanding of phishing response training by exploring the social engineering aspect of phishing attacks. Social cues are heuristic cues the human element relies on to make low-effort decisions. Attackers will leverage social cues in their delivery to influence the target to respond to the phishing email. However, in contrast to the varied ways phishing emails can present themselves, a finite number of social cues can be used for a social engineering-style phishing attack. Therefore, this research explores the psychology literature on social cues, particularly a subset of social cues called persuasion principles. In this study, three persuasion principles--authority, scarcity, and reciprocity--influence decision-making and, in turn, vulnerability to phishing emails. Through that exploration, this research study was conducted, training participants to recognize social cues as an immunization tactic against phishing emails. This study is comprised of two components. First, in this study, participants from a local academic institution were randomly assigned a social cue underwent social cue training based on their randomly assigned social cue. Participants were tasked with assessing whether a series of emails were phishing or not. Then, a month after the initial phishing assessment, participants were sent a mock phishing email through their email address. The participants? responses to those emails were then recorded to evaluate the retention of the training. Together, both portions of the study represent the effects of the social cue training in the short term and the lasting effect of the training over the long term.
Combined, the results of the study provide insight into the effectiveness of social cue training in recognizing social engineering attempts of phishing. Social cue training represents an additional approach to combat social engineering attacks.Information Systems and Cyber Securit
Mass Transport of Metallic Fission Products in Advanced Particle Fuels
No full textThe U.S. is entering a new era of nuclear reactor technologies. Development of the Generation-IV High Temperature Gas Reactor (HTGR) began in the early 2000s and continues today under the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Gas Reactor Fuel Development (AGR) Program. To date, seven irradiation tests have been conducted under the AGR Program to evaluate the fuel performance of Tristructural Isotropic (TRISO) fuel in HTGR systems, and two of the seven irradiation tests has been subjected to Post Irradiation Examination (PIE) studies. Although the AGR program has achieved remarkable results, including near-zero failure rates, significant uncertainties remain regarding fundamental mechanisms, such as fission product diffusion in the various layers of the TRISO particle. This work comprises three primary studies aimed at assessing key fission products (Nd, Ce, Pd, and Ag) identified during AGR PIE and exploring their interactions within TRISO layers and UO2+UCx (UCO) fuel kernels.
Arc melt synthesis and SEM/EDS/XRD characterization of Rare Earth (RE) carbides, specifically the Nd-C and Ce-C systems, were conducted, providing valuable thermodynamic insights into their stability in irradiated nuclear fuels. Additionally, the diffusion behavior of Ag and Pd were investigated through various high temperature annealing experiments in surrogate TRISO particles and UCO fuel kernels. Complementing these experimental studies, simulations using BISON modeling were performed to evaluate Ag diffusion behavior under high-temperature conditions in irradiated TRISO particles.
The results from this work provide a comprehensive microscopy and crystallography assessment of the RE-C binary systems, which was severely lacking in the literature. In surrogate TRISO diffusion couples, Pd was found to not only chemically attack the SiC layer, but also induced multiple locations of laminar OPyC cracking. Pd-UCO diffusion couples were also conducted for the first time and showed diffusion through the UCO kernel via grain boundary diffusion and vapor diffusion. Ag was found to be unreactive when coupled to all TRISO layers during high temperature studies in absence of irradiation. Instead, BISON modeling was used to further probe Ag in TRISO systems. Results from AGR-1 Compact 4-2-2 PIE testing were used to empirically derive Ag diffusion coefficients in SiC, contributing to the ongoing effort to model fission product release in TRISO fuel. Together, these studies provide a comprehensive assessment of fission product diffusion and their impact on fuel performance in advanced nuclear systems.Physics and Astronom
Disability Accommodation and Accessibility in Post-secondary Education: A Preliminary Study
No full textAccommodations are a critical component of accessibility for students with disabilities in post-secondary education. Although the purpose of accommodations is to ensure that students with disabilities have equal opportunity to excel within a learning environment, only a minute portion of the disabled population registers to acquire accommodations in university. Numerous barriers that students with disabilities encounter when obtaining accommodations have been identified in previous literature; however, our research intends to exhaustively examine the nature of prominent barriers at a local university and particularly amongst unregistered students. By understanding why various barriers exist and the limitations they impose on students, universities and other influential systems can attempt to alleviate these obstacles inhibiting accessibility in post-secondary education. This study explores disability as a political identity, evaluates attitudes towards disability in the U.S., and discusses proposed barriers in education from past research. It then analyses data from a survey given to students with neurodevelopmental, mental or emotional, or learning disabilities that are not registered with student disability services. Through descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis, this study identifies prominent barriers alongside student regard for accommodation effectiveness. Finally, this study provides guidance in targeting these disparities to educational institutions.Psycholog
Labor Market Integration of African Immigrants: The US in a Comparative Perspective
No full textThis dissertation provides a thorough understanding of the labor market integration specifically the employment and occupation outcomes of African immigrants in comparison to other immigrant groups and native-born individuals in both the United States and key European countries, specifically Spain and Italy. The study examines factors shaping their integration, such as employment outcomes, educational selectivity, and occupational preferences. Adopting a comparative perspective, the research seeks to unveil both the shared characteristics and distinctive features in the integration experiences of African immigrants compared to other immigrant groups in the United States and Europe. This study employs two datasets, namely IPUMS ACS (2016-2020) and IPUMS International (2000, 2001 & 2011), to investigate the employment patterns of African immigrants relative to other immigrant groups and native-born individuals. Additionally, it assesses the employment outcomes of African immigrants in the United States, Italy, and Spain, aiming to discern the influence of host country factors and educational selectivity on employment trends. Furthermore, the study examines the impact of education and host country on the occupational engagement of African immigrants in high-skilled occupations within Italy, Spain, and the USA. Gender-specific analyses are conducted to account for potential disparities in migration patterns and labor market participation between males and females. Through logistic regression analyses and the inclusion of interaction effects involving education, place of birth, and host country, the findings reveal noteworthy variations in the employment dynamics of African immigrants compared to other immigrant cohorts and native-born individuals in the United States. Additionally, surprising insights emerge regarding the employment patterns of African immigrants in Italy, Spain, and the USA, along with their involvement in skilled labor across the three examined countries.Applied Demograph
Dietary Supplementation with 23-Hydroxy Ursolic Acid Reduces the Severity and Incidence of Acute Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) in a Murine Model of Multiple Sclerosis
No full text23-Hydroxy ursolic acid (23-OH UA) is a potent atheroprotective and anti-obesogenic phytochemical, with anti-inflammatory and inflammation-resolving properties. In this study, we examined whether dietary 23-OH UA protects mice against the acute onset and progression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS). Female C57BL/6 mice were fed either a defined low-calorie maintenance diet (MD) or an MD supplemented with 0.2% wgt/wgt 23-OH UA for 5 weeks prior to actively inducing EAE and during the 30 days post-immunization. We observed no difference in the onset of EAE between the groups of mice, but ataxia and EAE disease severity were suppressed by 52% and 48%, respectively, and disease incidence was reduced by over 49% in mice that received 23-OH UA in their diet. Furthermore, disease-associated weight loss was strikingly ameliorated in 23-OH UA-fed mice. ELISPOT analysis showed no significant differences in frequencies of T cells producing IL-17 or IFN-γ between 23-OH UA-fed mice and control mice, suggesting that 23-OH UA does not appear to regulate peripheral T cell responses. In summary, our findings in EAE mice strongly suggest that dietary 23-OH UA may represent an effective oral adjunct therapy for the prevention and treatment of relapsing–remitting MS.Molecular Microbiology and ImmunologyChemistr
Utility of Single Items within the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R): A Bayesian Network Approach and Relative Importance Analysis
No full textThe Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R) comprises four content-specific items widely used to assess the history of suicide-related thoughts, plans or attempts, frequency of suicidal ideation, communication of intent to die by suicide and self-reported likelihood of a suicide attempt. Each item focuses on a specific parameter of the suicide-related thoughts and behaviors construct. Past research has primarily focused on the total score. This study used Bayesian network modeling and relative importance analyses on SBQ-R data from 1160 U.S. and 1141 Chinese undergraduate students. The Bayesian network analysis results showed that Item 1 is suitable for identifying other parameters of the suicide-related thoughts and behaviors construct. The results of the relative importance analysis further highlighted the relevancy of each SBQ-R item score when examining evidence for suicide-related thoughts and behaviors. These findings provided empirical support for using the SBQ-R item scores to understand the performances of different suicide-related behavior parameters. Further, they demonstrated the potential value of examining individual item-level responses to offer clinically meaningful insights. To conclude, the SBQ-R allows for the evaluation of each critical suicide-related thought and behavior parameter and the overall suicide risk.Psycholog
Pathogenomes of Shiga Toxin Positive and Negative Escherichia coli O157:H7 Strains TT12A and TT12B: Comprehensive Phylogenomic Analysis Using Closed Genomes
No full textShiga toxin-producing <i>Escherichia coli</i> are zoonotic pathogens that cause food-borne human disease. Among these, the O157:H7 serotype has evolved from an enteropathogenic O55:H7 ancestor through the displacement of the somatic gene cluster and recurrent toxigenic conversion by Shiga toxin-converting bacteriophages. However, atypical strains that lack the Shiga toxin, the characteristic virulence hallmark, are circulating in this lineage. For this study, we analyzed the pathogenome and virulence inventories of the <i>stx</i>+ strain, TT12A, isolated from a patient with hemorrhagic colitis, and its respective co-isolated <i>stx</i>&minus; strain, TT12B. Sequencing the genomes to closure proved critical to the cataloguing of subtle strain differentiating sequence and structural polymorphisms at a high-level of phylogenetic accuracy and resolution. Phylogenomic profiling revealed SNP and MLST profiles similar to the near clonal outbreak isolates. Their prophage inventories, however, were notably different. The attenuated atypical non-shigatoxigenic status of TT12B is explained by the absence of both the &Phi;Stx<sub>1a</sub>- and &Phi;Stx<sub>2a</sub>-prophages carried by TT12A, and we also recorded further alterations in the non-Stx prophage complement. Phenotypic characterization indicated that culture growth was directly impacted by the strains&rsquo; distinct lytic phage complement. Altogether, our phylogenomic and phenotypic analyses show that these intimately related isogenic strains are on divergent Stx(+/stx&minus;) evolutionary paths.Molecular Microbiology and ImmunologySouth Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Disease
Thermal Evaluation of the Initial Concept 3.X Vehicle at Mach 7
No full textHigh-speed global surface temperature distributions and heat flux measurements on the Initial Concept 3.X vehicle (IC3X) model were investigated at the UTSA Mach 7 wind tunnel, examining angles of attack of 0&deg; and 5&deg; at a freestream unit Reynolds number (Re) ~7 &times; 10<sup>6</sup> m<sup>&minus;1</sup>. A ruthenium-based, fast-responding, temperature-sensitive paint (fast-TSP) prepared in-house was applied to a 7.1% scale model of the vehicle. Static calibration was performed to convert the intensity measurements into surface temperature values. The surface temperatures and derived heat flux fields conformed to the predicted trends, which was corroborated by Schlieren flow visualization. Notably, the average surface temperature variation was identified to range from 6 to 34 K at a 0&deg; angle of attack and from 11 to 44 K at a 5&deg; angle of attack, with the most pronounced gradient detected at the stagnation point. Additional measurements provided a detailed thermal assessment of the model, including estimations of the stagnation point heat flux, the convective heat transfer coefficient, and the modified Stanton number. Statistical and time series analyses of the data collected revealed the absence of prevailing unsteady phenomena, suggesting that the tested design geometry is well suited for hypersonic flight applications. These experimental outcomes not only shed light on the aerothermodynamics experienced during high-speed flight but also underscore the effectiveness of fast-TSP in capturing both quantitative and qualitative thermal data.Mechanical Engineerin
Modeling and Analysis of Voltage Ride-Through Performance of Inverter-Based Resources
No full textRenewable energy systems, particularly inverter-based resources (IBRs) like solar photovoltaics, wind turbines, and batteries, are becoming an increasingly important part of the power grid. However, IBRs present a variety of new stability and reliability phenomena that require the development of more sophisticated computer models for use in power system simulations. One emerging issue is that of voltage ride-through (VRT) and the reliability of IBRs in the face of disturbances and transients in grid voltage. This thesis presents work on the development and use of new IBR modeling logic for the purpose of studying VRT dynamics. First, a positive-sequence grid-following model of IBR electrical controls was built in PSCAD, based on the existing framework developed by the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC). This model was validated against its equivalent model in PSS/e. Second, new logic was developed in order to simulate VRT capabilities as outlined by recent standards developed by the IEEE. Third, the new model was used to perform a sensitivity study of a generic IBR's dynamic performance during a low-voltage disturbance. The results demonstrate that time constants associated with reactive current injection controls have the greatest impact on IBR VRT performance.Electrical and Computer Engineerin
A History of the Barrio de Laredo, 1741-1860
No full textThe University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) Center for Archaeological Research (CAR) was contracted by Adams Environmental, Inc. (AEI) and CPS Energy (CPS) to provide this archival review as alternative compliance with the Texas Antiquities Code, administered by the Texas Historical Commission Archaeology Division (THC) and Chapter 37 of the Municipal Code of the City of San Antonio, administered by the City of San Antonio’s Office of Historic Preservation (OHP). This alternative compliance is mitigation of a violation of the preceding statutory requirements in the public right-of-way along Flores and El Paso Street next to San Pedro Creek. That violation consisted of unauthorized excavation by the contractor working for CPS Energy. This occurred within an area specifically flagged for archaeological compliance by CPS Energy, the THC, and OHP under Texas
Antiquities Permit (TAP) Number 9700. Cynthia Muñoz served as the Principal Investigator and Clinton McKenzie served as
the Project Archaeologist. All three reviewing parties proposed that the UTSA-CAR provide a brief report on the affected area
in a separate document (McKenzie 2023). Further mitigation was required for the violation and a study of the wider area of the
historic Barrio de Laredo, also referred to as Laredito, was proposed as suitable mitigation. The production of an archival-historical
report on the Barrio de Laredo provides CPS Energy, THC, OHP, and others with published research on an area often impacted by
development and currently lacking holistic archival research.
This report will inform and support the review of impacts within the historic Barrio de Laredo area through an examination of land ownership undertaken from the first recorded grant in 1741 to 1860. The 1860 limitation is a direct result of the time and budgetary constraints incumbent on original research as well as the fact that post-1860 land assembly data is more readily available to researchers. Further, 1860 represents a turning point for the Laredito area because of changing land uses and the fractionation of originally large parcels into smaller holdings. The report also examines the location of presidial and municipal improvements constructed in the Barrio de Laredo during the Spanish Colonial period, including the first Black Powder Magazine, and an associated guard tower, and the presence of a community corral and municipal slaughterhouse (rastro). The report also traces the existence of a Spanish Colonial acequia system that transited north-to-south through the blocks on the east side of Laredo Street. Lastly, population studies and the demographics of the Barrio de Laredo are examined through analysis and comparison of the 1809 and 1820 census documents. The report includes nine appendices of supporting documents and data:
Appendix A: Extant Chain of Title for the Project Area
Appendix B: Revised Leal Index of Neighborhood of Laredo Street Properties
Appendix C: First Page of the 1809 Census of the Barrio de Laredo
Appendix D: 1809 Barrio de Laredo Census Household Data
Appendix E: 1809 Barrio de Laredo Census Heads of Households and Reported Property
Appendix F: 1809 Barrio de Laredo Census Prior Place of Residence and Date of Arrival
Appendix G: 1820 Barrio de Laredo Census Household Data
Appendix H: 1817 List of Confiscated Rebel Property
Appendix I: (Copy) Letter Report Documenting Compliance Failure and Providing Archival Historical Report in Lieu of Archaeological Monitoring Associated with CPS Energy Electrical and Gas Utility Work on Guadalupe St. Near Flores St. in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas. Center for Archaeological Research, The University of Texas at San Antonio. Letter Report, No. 173. McKenzie, C. M. M., October 2023.CPS Energ