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Title: SEX TRAFFICKING: FLORIDA'S RESPONSE TO THE INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZED CRIME.
Creator: Torres, Candice, Sadri, Dr. Houman, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Florida has the second-highest incidence of human trafficking in the country. Sex trafficking of women into and out of the state of Florida is defined by various terms from international, national and local terms. The United Nations defines sex trafficking in Article 3, paragraph (a) of the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children, Supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime as: "Trafficking in persons...
Show moreFlorida has the second-highest incidence of human trafficking in the country. Sex trafficking of women into and out of the state of Florida is defined by various terms from international, national and local terms. The United Nations defines sex trafficking in Article 3, paragraph (a) of the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children, Supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime as: "Trafficking in persons: shall mean the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation". This study explores the experiences of women who have been trafficked as well as the recruitment strategies by which women are trafficked and to what extent their life changes. This study aims to understand the extent to which local nonprofits in the state of Florida have tackled the issue as well as the international, federal and state government laws are enforced. The findings will provide useful guidelines to help nonprofits in the state of Florida work together to combat the issue as well as be used as an informative research proposal for the community to push stronger legislation and raise more awareness.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFH0003857, ucf:44688
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0003857

Title: The Female Human Trafficker in the Criminal Justice System: A Test of the Chivalry Hypothesis.
Creator: Francis, Brielle, Huff-Corzine, Lin, Corzine, Harold, Pritchard, Adam, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The involvement of women in human trafficking within the United States has received limited research attention. Human trafficking encompasses labor, sex, and organ trafficking (Roberts, 2012). In 2009 the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reported that women play a significant role in human trafficking. Nagel and Johnson (1994) conclude that, historically, female offenders have stayed at the edge of the criminal justice system. Generally, theories about prosecution and...
Show moreThe involvement of women in human trafficking within the United States has received limited research attention. Human trafficking encompasses labor, sex, and organ trafficking (Roberts, 2012). In 2009 the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reported that women play a significant role in human trafficking. Nagel and Johnson (1994) conclude that, historically, female offenders have stayed at the edge of the criminal justice system. Generally, theories about prosecution and conviction outcomes derive from the study of male offenders. Women can be involved in all aspects of the human trafficking organizations, from the recruitment, to the supervision of prostitutes and to the finances. Pulling from the chivalry theory framework, this study used data sourced from the FBI on human trafficking offenders and their sentencing outcomes to compare the discrepancies between men and women. The current research adds to the existing literature by examining the gender discrepancy on human trafficking case outcomes. The analysis measures how gender influences court-related decisions.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006302, ucf:51591
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006302

Title: THE EFFECTS OF DEVELOPMENT ON POLICIES IN THE PREVENTION OF INTERNATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING.
Creator: Szczerba, Christopher, Sadri, Houman, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Governments and leaders across the globe almost universally agree that human trafficking is a modern atrocity that has harshly negative effects for individuals, communities, entire states and the international community. Nevertheless, they are not in agreement on how best to investigate cases and provide aid to victims. Many states lack the resources to effectively create and implement policies. Governments must act to protect their citizens and people within their borders. Policies are...
Show moreGovernments and leaders across the globe almost universally agree that human trafficking is a modern atrocity that has harshly negative effects for individuals, communities, entire states and the international community. Nevertheless, they are not in agreement on how best to investigate cases and provide aid to victims. Many states lack the resources to effectively create and implement policies. Governments must act to protect their citizens and people within their borders. Policies are necessary to correctly identify victims, investigate accusations, bring cases to trial and prevent vulnerable populations from becoming victimized through awareness. This thesis asserts that there is a link between the development level of a state and its ability to limit the grotesque crimes of trafficking that occur within its borders. Using the United Nation's annual report which details the development ranking of individual states, it is possible to comparatively analyze the ability of these states to comply with international standards established by the United States of America in the protection of victims of human trafficking. Special attention is paid to the challenges that societies face when there are drastic changes to states' economic activity or political stability and how these affect the frequency of trafficking occurrences and a government's ability to respond.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFH0004579, ucf:45158
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004579

Title: SOCIAL WORK STUDENT PERCEPTIONS OF LABOR TRAFFICKING.
Creator: Mulhern, Margaret, Leon, Ana, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Human Trafficking in Florida is a growing issue that affects individuals and communities on a micro, mezzo, and macro level. Although legislative efforts and changes in agency policies have raised awareness about this problem, limited awareness and research examines awareness of labor trafficking as one form of human trafficking. This exploratory-descriptive study used a convenience sampling technique to explore the perceptions of 45 Bachelors (BSW) and Masters (MSW) level social work...
Show moreHuman Trafficking in Florida is a growing issue that affects individuals and communities on a micro, mezzo, and macro level. Although legislative efforts and changes in agency policies have raised awareness about this problem, limited awareness and research examines awareness of labor trafficking as one form of human trafficking. This exploratory-descriptive study used a convenience sampling technique to explore the perceptions of 45 Bachelors (BSW) and Masters (MSW) level social work students on the prevalence and nature of labor trafficking. The findings from the research show students have a general idea of labor trafficking and believe in equal access to human rights for victims. However, majority of students were unaware of current legislation to aid victims in Florida, and the prevalence of men as victims. Implications from this study show a need for further education within social work policies that aid labor trafficking victims, and a need for additional research to identify specific ways students can learn about human trafficking.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFH0004581, ucf:45202
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004581

Title: UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM VAMP8 SNARE HOMOLOGUE.
Creator: Camacho Ferreira, Katherine, Chakrabarti, Debopam, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Malaria is one of the worlds most deadly infectious diseases and results in almost a million deaths each year, largely in children under the age of five in Sub-Saharan Africa. Outside Africa, malaria is responsible for a large number of cases in the Amazon rainforest of Brazil, Middle East, and in some areas of Asia . According to the World Health Organization, there was an estimated 655, 000 deaths from malaria in 2012. Malaria is caused by a eukaryotic Apicomplexan parasite, Plasmodium,...
Show moreMalaria is one of the worlds most deadly infectious diseases and results in almost a million deaths each year, largely in children under the age of five in Sub-Saharan Africa. Outside Africa, malaria is responsible for a large number of cases in the Amazon rainforest of Brazil, Middle East, and in some areas of Asia . According to the World Health Organization, there was an estimated 655, 000 deaths from malaria in 2012. Malaria is caused by a eukaryotic Apicomplexan parasite, Plasmodium, which has three distinct life cycles occurring in the midgut of the female Anopheles mosquito, the liver of the human host, and human erythrocytes. When the parasite infects the erythrocyte, some induced cell host modifications are made in order to accommodate growth. During its intra-erythrocytic life cycle, the malaria parasite traffics numerous proteins to a set of unique destinations within its own plasma membrane including the digestive vacuole, the apicoplast, rhoptries, and micronemes. Vesicular transport is an essential process in eukaryotic cells. This coordinated process is responsible for moving thousands of proteins between compartments within the cell. Essential to the targeting and fusion of protein transport vesicles in eukaryotes are SNAREs (soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptors), a family of fusogenic proteins that are localized to distinct intracellular compartments . Studies performed in our laboratory have identified 18 proteins putatively belonging to the PfSNARE family . To date the exact role of PfSNAREs in the unique trafficking pathways of malaria is undetermined. Of particular interest to our study is PfVAMP8. In model eukaryotic organisms, VAMP8 containing vesicles deliver cargo to lysosomes and are involved in endocytosis. The food vacuole of the parasite is very similar to that of lysosomes and is essential to parasite survival. The study aims to identify the organelle(s) to which PfVAMP8 is localized and characterize membrane-association properties of this parasite's R-SNARE protein. We believe that PfVAMP8 would localize to unique compartments in the parasite protein network flow. An in depth understanding of its mechanisms and localizations could be a key in developing novel anti-malarials. This study aims to identify the organelle(s) to which PfVAMP8 are localized, determine the trafficking determinants of this protein and determine this proteins' expression and membrane association during the intra-erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum. Our immunofluorescence studies with known biological markers reveals that, PfVAMP8 passes through the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi, and localizes to the food vacuole during trophozoite and schizont stage. Further characterization of the membrane association properties of the protein in this study reveals that PfVAMP8 is a soluble integral membrane protein with amphipathic characteristics.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFH0004525, ucf:45157
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004525

Title: THE PLIGHT OF FOREIGN NATIONAL WOMEN IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: COERCION AND TRAFFICKING AS FACTORS OF IMPRISONMENT.
Creator: Lokey, Sarah, Nacarrato-Fromang, Gina, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Within the United Kingdom (UK) prisons exists Foreign National women (FNW), a unique demographic of women who are non-UK citizens who have committed crimes within the UK. It is important to delve deeper into the issue before judgment is made, however, it seems as though in most circumstances, most citizens are not willing or perhaps even unknowledgeable that such a population within prison exists. Therefore, it is important to educate others about the issues that FNW in prison face. This...
Show moreWithin the United Kingdom (UK) prisons exists Foreign National women (FNW), a unique demographic of women who are non-UK citizens who have committed crimes within the UK. It is important to delve deeper into the issue before judgment is made, however, it seems as though in most circumstances, most citizens are not willing or perhaps even unknowledgeable that such a population within prison exists. Therefore, it is important to educate others about the issues that FNW in prison face. This research focuses on the issues such as lack of special services for the women such as translation and family contacts, lack of assistance with applications for asylum, general fear for returning to the home country, and why the women came to the country to begin with. Once the general public becomes aware of these issues, these women can move forward as legislation and assistance can be provided to them. The lack of resources for FNW can lead to isolation, fear, loss of family ties, and even death, should they be forced to return to a dangerous country or situation. While this issue is a worldwide problem, this research will specifically address FNW in prison in the United Kingdom (UK), and the policies and assistance, or lack thereof that the UK has provided thus far. Furthermore, the research will address the issue of the UK's Automatic Deportation Policy and whether or not FNW are being charged with harsher punishment than the UK national women with similar crimes.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFH0004349, ucf:44987
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004349

Title: Demanding Reduction: An Exploration of County-Level Characteristics Associated with Areas of Human Trafficking in Florida.
Creator: Diaz, Madelyn, Huff-Corzine, Lin, Corzine, Harold, Holmes, Stephen, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Research on the prevalence of human trafficking (HT) is relatively scarce, even though more attention has been brought to this human rights issue in the past couple of decades. Widely known as a form of modern day slavery, trafficking of persons for sexual exploitative reasons to earn a profit for the trafficker occurs in every major city across the country, despite common misconceptions that it only thrives in foreign countries. To expand on limited existing literature on human trafficking,...
Show moreResearch on the prevalence of human trafficking (HT) is relatively scarce, even though more attention has been brought to this human rights issue in the past couple of decades. Widely known as a form of modern day slavery, trafficking of persons for sexual exploitative reasons to earn a profit for the trafficker occurs in every major city across the country, despite common misconceptions that it only thrives in foreign countries. To expand on limited existing literature on human trafficking, this research study explores possible correlations among areas of high violent crime rates, drug arrests, the presence of demand reduction strategies, sociodemographic variables, and tourism measures among the Florida counties to determine if they can act as predictive measures to locate areas where a human trafficking arrest is the most likely to occur. These relationships were investigated through the Offender Based Transaction Systems (OBTS), documented court actions filed by prosecutors between 2012-2016 of human trafficking arrests, and comparing it to violent crime rates and drug arrest rates for the Florida counties using data from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, in conjunction with demand reduction efforts. The results from this study did not support the hypothesis that the higher rate of violent crime and drug arrest rates would significantly increase to the presence of a human trafficking arrest. Instead, demand reduction efforts, e.g. street and web sting operations, neighborhood action, and public awareness, emerged as the only significant variable that predicted the likelihood of a human trafficking arrest occurring in a county. These findings stress the importance of reduction efforts targeting the leading consumers in this lucrative market; the demand for sex from sex buyers.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0006994, ucf:51621
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006994

Title: Human Trafficking for Sexual Exploitation in Southeast Asia.
Creator: Niamvanichkul, Nodwarang, Sadri, Houman, Morales, Waltraud, Houghton, David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study centers on the political aspects of human trafficking and sexual exploitation in Southeast Asia. Specifically, the human trafficking is a security studies concern because it is not only a social issue, but also a security threat. Just as with drug trafficking, human trafficking has security consequences. The study analyzed human trafficking issues in the following three countries in Southeast Asia: Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia. These three countries were chosen due to the high...
Show moreThis study centers on the political aspects of human trafficking and sexual exploitation in Southeast Asia. Specifically, the human trafficking is a security studies concern because it is not only a social issue, but also a security threat. Just as with drug trafficking, human trafficking has security consequences. The study analyzed human trafficking issues in the following three countries in Southeast Asia: Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia. These three countries were chosen due to the high levels of human trafficking. In each of the chosen cases, there is an examination of human trafficking issues in terms of political structures, political policies, economy, and international aid. Findings showed that individual economic status was the most important factor in human trafficking. Regime type, although important, did not show as significant results when compared to individual economic status. However, there was a positive relationship found between international organizations and human trafficking. Recommendations were made concerning the formulation and implementation of political policies. If international organizations take action in each of the three countries, then the problem of human trafficking can decrease.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0004901, ucf:49659
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004901

Title: JUSTICE: THE USE OF FOOD, EDUCATION, AND THE LAW TO COMBAT HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA.
Creator: Grandchamps, Nicholas, Naccarato-Fromang, Gina, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Human trafficking is an ever-growing crime in this century. It is estimated that there are 29.8 million slaves around the world todayï¿½16.36% of which are located in sub-Saharan Africa. The sub-Saharan region is a region in which human trafficking is combatted ineffectively due to a lack of food, lack of access to education, lack of post-education opportunities and lack of proper legislation. This thesis explores the environment in which human trafficking is taking place in sub-Saharan...
Show moreHuman trafficking is an ever-growing crime in this century. It is estimated that there are 29.8 million slaves around the world todayï¿½16.36% of which are located in sub-Saharan Africa. The sub-Saharan region is a region in which human trafficking is combatted ineffectively due to a lack of food, lack of access to education, lack of post-education opportunities and lack of proper legislation. This thesis explores the environment in which human trafficking is taking place in sub-Saharan Africa, and proposes potential changes that will theoretically disallow human trafficking to take place in the region. The only way in which an environment conducive to trafficking in persons will ever change is through establishing partnerships amongst governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other international organizations. Through the analysis of case law from the United Nations Human Trafficking Case Law Database, data from the World Bank, the United States State Department Trafficking in Persons Reports, the United Nations Global Reports on Human Trafficking, and various reports from NGOs, this thesis evaluates the approaches taken by various governments in sub-Saharan Africa to change the environment in which human trafficking thrives. Through raising awareness of the environment of sub-Saharan Africa, and by describing three ways in which human trafficking can be combatted effectively, such as the use of food, education, and the law, this thesis contributes not only to the legal discipline, but also to helping combat trafficking in persons effectively throughout the world.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFH0004584, ucf:45203
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004584

Title: HEPATIC LIPASE REGULATES LIPOPROTEIN TRAFFICKING IN HEPATOCYTES.
Creator: Thibeaux, Simeon, Siddiqi, Shadab, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The production of very low density lipoprotein and high density lipoprotein particles by the liver is a tightly regulated process, which begins with synthesis and assembly of core protein components in the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Factors influencing the production and metabolism of these particles are of immediate medical relevance, as their malfunction or hyperactivity can lead to an assortment of disease states. Hepatic lipase is a secreted liver enzyme, with many previously described...
Show moreThe production of very low density lipoprotein and high density lipoprotein particles by the liver is a tightly regulated process, which begins with synthesis and assembly of core protein components in the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Factors influencing the production and metabolism of these particles are of immediate medical relevance, as their malfunction or hyperactivity can lead to an assortment of disease states. Hepatic lipase is a secreted liver enzyme, with many previously described roles in the metabolism and clearance of both high and low density lipoproteins. Increased production and assembly of this enzyme is an indicator of metabolic dysfunction, while its absence or insufficiency leads to pre-mature atherosclerosis and death. The present study shows that this enzyme's role in lipoprotein metabolism is not confined to the degradation and clearance of these particles after they have been secreted. Experiments using co-immunoprecipitation targeted at hepatic lipase demonstrate that this protein interacts with ApoA1 and ApoB100, the core protein components of HDL and VLDL respectively, at the ER level in hepatocytes, as part of an enormous multi-subunit protein complex. This interaction with ApoA1 leads to decreased competence of hepatocytes to secrete HDL, which confers a pro-atherogenic phenotype. Analysis of ER to Golgi VLDL transport vesicles, produced with a cell-free in vitro budding assay, has revealed that hepatic lipase is co-secreted between these compartments with immature VLDL particles. Further analysis of cytosol isolated from hepatocytes demonstrates an interaction between hepatic lipase and the LDL-receptor related protein in a post-Golgi vesicle; the significance of which will be investigated in future studies.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFH0004736, ucf:45366
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004736

Title: A COMPARATIVE STUDY: WOMEN'S RIGHTS IN KAZAKHSTAN, UZBEKISTAN, AND TAJIKISTAN.
Creator: Ginn, Megan A, Sadri, Houman, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: After 1991 five countries emerged out of the fall of the Soviet Union to create a new region: Central Asia. No longer dominated by Soviet rule these countries fought to overcome barriers to independence and struggled to be seen by the international community as developed countries. However, these countries were far from developed and had to pay the high cost of human rights to get what they desired. This study researches and analyzes how Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan have traded the...
Show moreAfter 1991 five countries emerged out of the fall of the Soviet Union to create a new region: Central Asia. No longer dominated by Soviet rule these countries fought to overcome barriers to independence and struggled to be seen by the international community as developed countries. However, these countries were far from developed and had to pay the high cost of human rights to get what they desired. This study researches and analyzes how Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan have traded the rights of women to achieve a placebo of development. Two of the largest violations of women�s rights that have manifested because of the government�s direct actions are domestic abuse and sex trafficking. The government�s structure and leadership, the economic opportunity for women, and the cultural acceptance have all been orchestrated by the government to create a society where women�s rights are unheard of. The actions taken by the three governments seem extensive on paper and international covenants yet are never implemented to help society. Through this research women�s rights in the Central Asian countries of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan are examined through the prevalence and acceptance of both domestic violence and sex trafficking. The international conventions, domestic policies, and actions taken by political leaders are examined to better understand the underlying reasons that contribute to the persistence of these attitudes.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFH2000067, ucf:45515
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000067

Title: THE ENDOCYTIC PROTEIN NUMB REGULATES APP METABOLISM AND NOTCH SIGNALING: IMPLICATIONS FOR ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE.
Creator: Kyriazis, George, Chan, Sic, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Increased production of amyloid beta (A-beta) peptide, via altered proteolytic cleavage of amyloid protein precursor (APP), and abnormalities in neuronal calcium homeostasis play central roles in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Notch1, a membrane receptor that controls cell fate decisions during development of the nervous system, has been linked to AD because it is a substrate for the gamma-secretase protein complex in which mutations cause early-onset inherited AD. Numb is...
Show moreIncreased production of amyloid beta (A-beta) peptide, via altered proteolytic cleavage of amyloid protein precursor (APP), and abnormalities in neuronal calcium homeostasis play central roles in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Notch1, a membrane receptor that controls cell fate decisions during development of the nervous system, has been linked to AD because it is a substrate for the gamma-secretase protein complex in which mutations cause early-onset inherited AD. Numb is an evolutionarily conserved endocytic adapter involved in the internalization of transmembrane receptors. Mammals produce four Numb isoforms that differ in two functional domains, a phosphotyrosine-binding domain (PTB) and a proline-rich region (PRR). Recent studies showed that the PTB domain of Numb interacts with the cytoplasmic tails of APP and Notch but the functional relevance of these interactions with respect to AD pathogenesis is not clear. In the current studies, we proposed to investigate the biological consequences of the interaction of the Numb proteins with APP and Notch in neural cells stably overexpressing each of the four human Numb proteins. In the first part of our studies, we found that expression of the Numb isoforms lacking the insert in the PTB (SPTB-Numb) caused the abnormal accumulation of cellular APP in the early endosomes, and increased the levels of C-terminal APP fragments and A-beta. By contrast, expression of the Numb isoforms with the insert in PTB (LPTB-Numb) leads to the depletion of cellular APP and coincides with significantly lower production of APP derivatives and A-beta. The contrasting effects of the Numb isoforms on APP metabolism were not attributed to differences in the expression of APP nor the activities of the various APP-processing secretases. In the second part of our studies, we found that expression of SPTB-Numb protein enhances neuronal vulnerability to serum deprivation-induced cell death by a mechanism involving the dysregulation of cellular calcium homeostasis. Neural cells expressing SPTB-Numb exhibited enhanced Notch activity, which markedly upregulated the expression of transient receptor potential canonical 6 (TRPC6) channels enhancing calcium entry in response to store depletion. We also found that serum deprivation increased TRPC6 expression, mediating the serum deprivation-induced death in neural cells. Interestingly, expression of LPTB-Numb protein suppressed serum deprivation-induced activation of Notch and the subsequent upregulation of TRPC6 and cell death. Finally, we showed that the Numb proteins differentially impact Notch activation by altering the endocytic trafficking and processing of Notch. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that aberrant expression of the Numb proteins may influence APP metabolism and Notch-mediated cellular responses to injury by altering their endocytic trafficking and processing.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002233, ucf:47917
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002233

Title: How Political Violence Helps Explain Organized Crime: A Case Study of Mexico's "War on Drugs".
Creator: Fulk, Alanna, Ash, Konstantin, Wilson, Bruce, Mirilovic, Nikola, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This thesis examines research from the disciplines of political science and criminal justice to develop a theory that explains geographic variation in violence related to organized crime. Large-scale organized crime violence exhibits characteristics of both ordinary crime violence and political violence, but these subjects are generally analyzed separately. However, as large-scale organized crime has become more prevalent and violent in recent years, most notably in Latin America, studies,...
Show moreThis thesis examines research from the disciplines of political science and criminal justice to develop a theory that explains geographic variation in violence related to organized crime. Large-scale organized crime violence exhibits characteristics of both ordinary crime violence and political violence, but these subjects are generally analyzed separately. However, as large-scale organized crime has become more prevalent and violent in recent years, most notably in Latin America, studies, including this one, have attempted to cross disciplinary boundaries in order to better explain trends in organized crime onset, termination and violence. This thesis argues that although the overall goal of organized crime groups is not to take control of a country, both organized crime groups and insurgent groups confront the state's monopoly on violence, leading to evident similarities in the way they use violence to attain their goals. They both use violence to maintain control over resources, take control from other groups and retaliate against the government. Previous literature has demonstrated that control is directly linked to geographic variation in political violence and through case studies of organized crime violence in Honduras and Brazil, as well as negative binomial regression analysis of organized crime violence in Mexico, this thesis finds that control is also directly linked to geographic variation in organized crime violence.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007457, ucf:52688
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007457

Title: Apolipoprotein-AI Regulates Hepatic VLDL Secretion by Controlling Intracellular VLDL-Trafficking.
Creator: Gurwani, Bhavesh, Siddiqi, Shadab, Masternak, Michal, Naser, Saleh, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Cardiovascular diseases cause 17 million deaths annually, which is estimated to increase to 23 million deaths by the year 2030. One of the major risk factors for the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases is increased secretion of very-low density lipoproteins (VLDL) by the liver; however, reduced VLDL-secretion causes fatty liver disease. Synthesis and secretion of VLDL by the liver plays an important role in maintaining overall lipoprotein homeostasis. Assembly of VLDL occurs along with...
Show moreCardiovascular diseases cause 17 million deaths annually, which is estimated to increase to 23 million deaths by the year 2030. One of the major risk factors for the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases is increased secretion of very-low density lipoproteins (VLDL) by the liver; however, reduced VLDL-secretion causes fatty liver disease. Synthesis and secretion of VLDL by the liver plays an important role in maintaining overall lipoprotein homeostasis. Assembly of VLDL occurs along with the expression of apolipoproteinB-100 (apoB100) and its lipidation at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) level. Once formed in the ER lumen, the nascent VLDL is transported to the Golgi for its maturation. In the Golgi compartment, the nascent VLDL acquires apolipoproteinAI (apoAI), more triglycerides, and its apoB100 undergoes phosphorylation and glycosylation. These modifications are necessary for VLDL-exit from the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and this step is mediated by post-Golgi VLDL transport vesicle (PG-VTV). The transport of mature VLDL from the TGN to the plasma membrane (PM) is required for its secretion by the liver but remains to be studied. Our group has shown that the nascent VLDL particles do not contain apoAI, however, VLDL acquires apoAI in the cis-Golgi compartment. Interestingly, apoAI comes off the VLDL as soon as VLDL is secreted into the blood. We hypothesised that apoAI plays an important role in post-TGN VLDL trafficking and thus controls VLDL secretion by the liver. To determine the role of apoAI in the formation of PG-VTV and VLDL secretion, we knocked down apoAI in the hepatocytes using apoAI specific siRNA. The deficiency of apoAI did not have any effect on the expression of apoB100 and other apolipoprotein synthesis that are involved in VLDL synthesis; however, VLDL secretion was significantly reduced. Next, we overexpressed apoAI using plasmid with apoAI gene sequence and checked for the effects in VLDL secretion from the hepatocytes. We observed a significant increase in VLDL secretion from apoAI-overexpressing hepatocytes which is consistent with knockdown results. To determine the role of apoAI in post-TGN trafficking of the mature VLDLs, we isolated sub-cellular organelles from apoAI knockout (apoAI KO) and control mice. Subsequently, we performed in vitro PG-VTV budding assays to assess the effect of apoAI silencing on PG-VTV formation from the TGN. Our results strongly suggest that the deficiency of apoAI increases PG-VTV formation (i.e. TGN-exit of mature VLDL) but significantly reduces VLDL-triglyceride secretion from the hepatocytes. We conclude that apoAI controls VLDL secretion by the liver by regulating post-TGN trafficking of mature VLDL.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006685, ucf:51908
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006685

Title: HUMAN TRAFFICKING FOR LABOR PURPOSES: AN ANALYSIS OF IMMIGRATION POLICY AND ECONOMIC FORCES WITHIN THE UNITED STATES.
Creator: Owen, Candace, Morales, Waltraud, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Human trafficking is an international crisis which has emerged as a human rights issue of the highest priority for many nations. This is not a new occurrence, although the onset of globalization has provoked increased intensity in this international crime. Recent studies, including the U.S. State Department's 2009 Trafficking in Persons Report have predicted that the recent global economic crisis will inflate these numbers to an even larger number of victims. This thesis will investigate...
Show moreHuman trafficking is an international crisis which has emerged as a human rights issue of the highest priority for many nations. This is not a new occurrence, although the onset of globalization has provoked increased intensity in this international crime. Recent studies, including the U.S. State Department's 2009 Trafficking in Persons Report have predicted that the recent global economic crisis will inflate these numbers to an even larger number of victims. This thesis will investigate these phenomena ultimately asking: Do immigration policies and economic conditions contribute to the recent proliferation in cases of human trafficking for labor purposes? Moreover with the recent global economic crisis, has consumer demand affected an increase in cheap migrant labor furthering vulnerabilities that create prime situations for human trafficking and forced labor? This thesis will investigate these questions by focusing on the geographic parameters of the United States and Mexico due to their physical proximity and the history of immigration between these neighboring countries.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0003908, ucf:48735
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003908

Title: The Russian Connection: How Russia Became a Leader in the World's Human Trafficking Market.
Creator: De Mauro, Anthony, Mousseau, Demet, Dolan, Thomas, Boutton, Andrew, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This thesis assesses how the history of the USSR and its collapse affected the human trafficking market. By conducting a historical analysis of the Soviet Union, key aspects of Soviet society were determined that allowed for the human trafficking market to establish and operate extremely lucratively; a focus on some of the established factors of human trafficking including corruption, law enforcement, the economy, organized crime, and the dissolution of the Soviet government. While this...
Show moreThis thesis assesses how the history of the USSR and its collapse affected the human trafficking market. By conducting a historical analysis of the Soviet Union, key aspects of Soviet society were determined that allowed for the human trafficking market to establish and operate extremely lucratively; a focus on some of the established factors of human trafficking including corruption, law enforcement, the economy, organized crime, and the dissolution of the Soviet government. While this thesis highlights the historical factors of Russian human trafficking, this thesis does not determine why human trafficking exists beyond the surface exploitation that human trafficking consists of. This thesis also does not explore or explain why Russian human trafficking continues to exist for nearly twenty-five years after the collapse of the Soviet Union. This thesis does conclude that the history of the Soviet Union is almost tailor made for the purposes of human trafficking, with the combination of organized crime, an economy that constantly struggled, a government that was full of corruption and focused on too many endeavors, and a population that faced starvations, a lack of material goods, and political persecution all contributed to Russia having a large supply (population) of victims to be potentially exploited.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006450, ucf:51444
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006450

Title: CENTRAL ASIAN SECURITY: WITH A FOCUS ON KAZAKHSTAN.
Creator: Bragg, Marcus, Sadri, Houman, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This work focuses on the influence of terror, extremism, trafficking and corruption on the regional security of Central Asia, with a particular emphasis on Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan is regarded as the most stable and financially developed state in Central Asia, yet domestic and regional stability are threatened by the rise in extremism, narcotics trafficking, institutional corruption and acts of terrorism. The challenges of trafficking and extremism within the region originated from outside of...
Show moreThis work focuses on the influence of terror, extremism, trafficking and corruption on the regional security of Central Asia, with a particular emphasis on Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan is regarded as the most stable and financially developed state in Central Asia, yet domestic and regional stability are threatened by the rise in extremism, narcotics trafficking, institutional corruption and acts of terrorism. The challenges of trafficking and extremism within the region originated from outside of Central Asia. Foreign organizations and ideologies are significant actors in progression of regional instability. Government response to these challenges can perpetuate or stymie the aforementioned threats to regional security. Repressive regimes inadvertently contribute to the propaganda of the non-state foes. A prominent solution is the international program referred to as border management. This program aims to support border security while also promoting economic growth and ensuring the protection of human rights. Improved borders promotes regional security, economic growth can potentially undermine the growth of corruption and human rights protection can undermine a large part of extremist propaganda.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFH0004604, ucf:45267
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004604

Title: Pembroke Circle: A Portrayal Of Social Themes Using Micro-budget Cinema.
Creator: Rousseau, Max, Stoeckl, Ula, Sandler, Barry, Peterson, Lisa, Gay, Andrew, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Pembroke Circle is a feature-length, micro-budget, digital motion picture, written, produced and directed by Max Rousseau as a part of the University of Central Florida's Masters in Fine Arts program in Digital Entrepreneurial Cinema. The filmmaker engaged some very difficult material in the micro-budget paradigm and grew personally and professionally in the process. This thesis documents the writing process, pre-production, fund-raising, production and post-production; all leading to the...
Show morePembroke Circle is a feature-length, micro-budget, digital motion picture, written, produced and directed by Max Rousseau as a part of the University of Central Florida's Masters in Fine Arts program in Digital Entrepreneurial Cinema. The filmmaker engaged some very difficult material in the micro-budget paradigm and grew personally and professionally in the process. This thesis documents the writing process, pre-production, fund-raising, production and post-production; all leading to the completion of a festival-ready feature film. It is the hope that this thesis will create an understanding of what it takes to make a micro-budget film and offer some help to future filmmakers embarking on a similar path.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0005243, ucf:50605
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005243

Title: Alpha-Tocopherol Reduces VLDL Secretion Through Modulation of the VLDL Transport Vesicle.
Creator: Clay, Ryan, Siddiqi, Shadab, Altomare, Deborah, Masternak, Michal, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The liver distributes serum triacylglycerol (TAG) via the very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and an increase in VLDL production may result in hyperlipidemia. VLDL synthesis consists of lipidation of Apolipoprotein B100 (ApoB) as it is co- translationally translocated across the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane, and this nascent VLDL particle must undergo subsequent maturation and post-translational modification in the Golgi. The ER-to-Golgi trafficking of VLDL represents the rate...
Show moreThe liver distributes serum triacylglycerol (TAG) via the very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and an increase in VLDL production may result in hyperlipidemia. VLDL synthesis consists of lipidation of Apolipoprotein B100 (ApoB) as it is co- translationally translocated across the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane, and this nascent VLDL particle must undergo subsequent maturation and post-translational modification in the Golgi. The ER-to-Golgi trafficking of VLDL represents the rate-limiting step in VLDL secretion and is mediated by the VLDL Transport Vesicle (VTV). Many in vivo studies have indicated that vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) supplementation protects against atherosclerosis and can reduce hepatic steatosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but its effects at the molecular level on hepatic lipid metabolism are poorly understood. To investigate the effects of alpha-tocopherol on hepatic VLDL secretion and cellular lipid retention, we performed several experiments in HepG2 (human) and McARH- 7777 (rat) hepatoma cell lines including pulse-chase experiments using 3H-oleic acid (3H- OA), confocal microscopy with BODIPY lipid droplet staining, and an in vitro VTV budding assay. Our results demonstrate a significant reduction of 3H-TAG secretion and ApoB media expression in response to 100 uM alpha-tocopherol, with a corresponding decrease in markers of VTV biogenesis in western blots of whole cell lysates (WCL) and retention of ApoB within the cell, indicating disruption of an early step in VLDL biogenesis. Further evidence indicates an increase in size and lipidation of the VTV and VLDL particle. BODIPY staining as well as 3H-TAG retention in WCLs was also sharply reduced. Overall, these results indicate that alpha-tocopherol reduces VLDL secretion, partially disrupts hepatic VLDL synthesis and VTV biogenesis, increases the lipidation of remaining VLDL particles, and diminishes overall cellular lipid droplet retention.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007617, ucf:52538
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007617

Title: Molecular Regulators of Post-Golgi VLDL Transport Vesicle (PG-VTV) Biogenesis.
Creator: Riad, Aladdin, Siddiqi, Shadab, Jewett, Travis, Naser, Saleh, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Amongst its numerous functions, the liver is responsible for the synthesis and secretion of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). VLDL particles play the important role of facilitating the transport of lipids within the aqueous environment of the plasma; yet high plasma concentrations of these particles result in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, while low VLDL secretion from the liver results in hepatic steatosis. VLDL synthesis in the hepatocyte is completed in the Golgi apparatus, which...
Show moreAmongst its numerous functions, the liver is responsible for the synthesis and secretion of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). VLDL particles play the important role of facilitating the transport of lipids within the aqueous environment of the plasma; yet high plasma concentrations of these particles result in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, while low VLDL secretion from the liver results in hepatic steatosis. VLDL synthesis in the hepatocyte is completed in the Golgi apparatus, which serves as the final site of VLDL maturation prior to its secretion to the bloodstream. The mechanism by which VLDL's targeted transport to the plasma membrane is facilitated has yet to be identified. Our lab has identified this entity. Our findings suggest that upon maturation, VLDL is directed to the plasma membrane through a novel trafficking vesicle, the Post-Golgi VLDL Transport Vesicle (PG-VTV). PG-VTVs containing [3H] radiolabeled VLDL were generated in a cell-free in vitro budding assay for study. First, the fusogenic capabilities of PG-VTVs were established. Vesicles were capable of fusing with the plasma membrane and delivering the VLDL cargo for secretion in a vectorial manner. The next goal of our study is to characterize key regulatory molecular entities necessary for PG-VTV biosynthesis. A detailed analysis was undertaken to determine the PG-VTV proteome via western blot and two-dimensional difference in gel electrophoresis. The identification of key molecular regulators will potentially offer therapeutic targets to control VLDL secretion to the bloodstream.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0005236, ucf:50602
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005236

Human Trafficking (5)	+ -
human trafficking (5)	+ -
Sex Trafficking (3)	+ -
Trafficking (3)	+ -
VLDL (3)	+ -

trafficking (3)	+ -
ApoB (2)	+ -
Central Asia (2)	+ -
Forced Labor (2)	+ -
Kazakhstan (2)	+ -
Lipoprotein (2)	+ -
Tajikistan (2)	+ -
Trafficking in Persons (2)	+ -
Uzbekistan (2)	+ -
VLDL secretion (2)	+ -
VTV (2)	+ -
organized crime (2)	+ -
2D DIGE (1)	+ -
APP (1)	+ -
Africa (1)	+ -
Agricultural Sector (1)	+ -
Alzheimer's (1)	+ -
ApoA1 (1)	+ -
ApoB100 (1)	+ -
Apolipoprotein (1)	+ -
Cambodia (1)	+ -
Child Soldiers (1)	+ -
Cholesterol (1)	+ -
Combat (1)	+ -
Criminology (1)	+ -

ETD Collection (11)	+ -
Honors Collection (9)	+ -

University of Central Florida (20)	+ -
Sadri, Houman (4)	+ -
Siddiqi, Shadab (4)	+ -
Corzine, Harold (2)	+ -
Huff-Corzine, Lin (2)	+ -

Masternak, Michal (2)	+ -
Morales, Waltraud (2)	+ -
Naser, Saleh (2)	+ -
Altomare, Deborah (1)	+ -
Ash, Konstantin (1)	+ -
Boutton, Andrew (1)	+ -
Bragg, Marcus (1)	+ -
Camacho Ferreira, Katherine (1)	+ -
Chakrabarti, Debopam (1)	+ -
Chan, Sic (1)	+ -
Clay, Ryan (1)	+ -
De Mauro, Anthony (1)	+ -
Diaz, Madelyn (1)	+ -
Dolan, Thomas (1)	+ -
Francis, Brielle (1)	+ -
Fulk, Alanna (1)	+ -
Gay, Andrew (1)	+ -
Ginn, Megan A (1)	+ -
Grandchamps, Nicholas (1)	+ -
Gurwani, Bhavesh (1)	+ -
Holmes, Stephen (1)	+ -
Houghton, David (1)	+ -
Jewett, Travis (1)	+ -
Kyriazis, George (1)	+ -
Leon, Ana (1)	+ -

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