GUPEA

Gothenburg University Publications Electronic Archive

GUPEA is a platform for e-publishing of theses, student essays and other research publications.

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  • Receptor Localisation, Protein Interactions and Structural Mechanisms of Ligand-Gated Ion Channels Regulating Plasticity and Behaviour in C. elegans
    (2026-01-21) Cesar, Leona Carla
    Learning and memory depend on the ability of neural circuits to adapt in response to experience, a process known as synaptic plasticity. At the molecular level, this adaptability is regulated by specific changes in receptor localisation, tra>icking and signalling strength at synapses. Using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism, this thesis explores how ligand-gated ion channels (LGICs) and their associated proteins influence neuronal plasticity and behaviour. The LGC-50 serotonin-gated cation channel plays a central role in the link between serotonergic signalling and memory formation. Its specific location within the RIA interneuron determines the stability of aversive olfactory memory. The deletion of a short intracellular M3-4 loop motif disrupts receptor tra>icking while preserving channel function, thereby distinguishing normal learning from impaired memory persistence. These findings demonstrate that receptor redistribution is a critical step in the process of linking serotonergic signalling to lasting behavioural adaptation. The copine-like protein NRA-1 has been identified as a regulator of chemotactic behaviour, demonstrating the influence of receptor-associated proteins on neuronal signalling through intracellular interactions. Structural, imaging, electrophysiological and behavioural analyses of the polymodal anion channel LGC-39 demonstrate how it integrates cholinergic and aminergic inputs. Acetylcholine and octopamine bind to a shared extracellular pocket, but they stabilise distinct conformations. This leads to ligand-specific gating in AVA neurons and octopamine dependent modulation of reversal behaviour. Together, these studies reveal conserved molecular principles by which ligand-gated ion channels and their partners regulate experience dependent plasticity. By linking receptor structure and tra>icking to behaviour, they provide an integrated view of how synaptic signalling mechanisms support learning and memory.
  • Same Job, Different Conditions: Job Quality Gaps between Foreign-Born and Native-Born Platform Couriers in Gothenburg
    (2026-01-20) Zuzanna Szymanska; University of Gothenburg/Department of Business Administration; Göteborgs universitet/Företagsekonomiska institutionen
    During the last decade, app-based delivery platforms have become part of everyday city life in Sweden. At the same time, there are still clear differences between Swedish-born and foreign-born workers when it comes to getting stable and secure jobs even though Sweden is known for its strong labour market institutions. This thesis looks at delivery couriers in Gothenburg and focuses on how social networks influence the quality of their work. Here, job quality mainly refers to how stable income and working hours feel and how much control workers think they have over their daily routines. The study is based on an online survey with 23 couriers. The analysis uses ideas from Mixed Embeddedness and Segmented Labour Market Theory together with perspectives from economic geography, especially the idea of proximity. The results show that Swedish-born and foreign-born couriers enter and organise platform work in different ways. Many foreign-born workers start through friends, people from the same country or online rider communities. They also more often work through intermediated arrangements. Swedish-born couriers describe the job as something they manage more independently. The findings show that social networks help workers get into the job and offer useful support but they can also limit workers in the long run. Those who rely heavily on close co-ethnic networks often face more idle time and weaker predictability in their earnings and schedules. More hours on the app do not automatically translate into greater stability. Another important result is that foreign-born couriers seem more distant from formal institutions. Many are unsure where to seek help and rarely use formal support channels, while Swedish-born workers more often feel confident doing so. This shows why informal networks become so important even in a country with strong labour market institutions. The study suggests that platform delivery work in Gothenburg belongs to the secondary labour market but not all couriers experience it in the same way. Geography matters too as job quality is shaped not only by app design and contracts but also by where workers move in the city, who they meet and how close they are to useful information and support.
  • The Geography of a FinTech Hub. A study of the FinTech hub in Stockholm
    (2026-01-20) Fredrik Brunell; University of Gothenburg/Department of Business Administration; Göteborgs universitet/Företagsekonomiska institutionen
    FinTech is a relatively new industry, a sector where traditional finance industry meets hightech firms which has led to new financial products and altered the way we today make payments, borrow, lend and invest. In addition, the rise of the FinTech sector has produced many new firms and startups. The objective with this report was to study the FinTech cluster in Stockholm. The two research questions were firstly to define the shape of the FinTech cluster and how it relates to the incumbent FABS cluster, secondly to find forces that shape the financial geography of the Stockholm FinTech hub. Based on a spatial mapping of the visiting addresses from 66 FinTech and financial firms (FABS) located in Stockholm two distinct cluster were identified. The result of the mapping suggests the financial geography of the Stockholm FinTech cluster is highly concentrated with firms located in a condensed area in the centre of Stockholm. Furthermore, the FinTech cluster is located outside, but still very much adjacent to the FABS cluster. Using prior empirical studies, the framework of cluster theory, and an interview with a successful FinTech firm in Stockholm, this report suggests a few factors shaping the Stockholm FinTech cluster. Consistent with prior studies, the finding in this report is that a important force driving the spatial development and growth of the FinTech cluster is customer proximity and personal relations. Being closely located to the FABS cluster enhances the opportunity for knowledge spillover between new technology and old finance which can lead to new innovative products, new firms and economic growth.
  • Träning under graviditet och dess effekt på depressiva symtom postpartum - En systematisk översikt
    (2026-01-20) Slätthagen, Elin; Göteborgs universitet/Institutionen för neurovetenskap och fysiologi; Gothenburg University/Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology
    Background: Postpartum depression is one of the most common complications following childbirth and it appears with different symptoms which affect the new mother. There are clear guidelines regarding physical activity during pregnancy, that results in positive effects for the physical as well as the mental health. Physiotherapists are important in working preventively to promote the health of pregnant women Aim: The aim of this systematic review was to examine the scientific evidence for whether physical exercise during pregnancy has effects on postpartum depression. Methods: The literature search was performed in the PubMed, CINAHL and Scopus databases. The found articles were reviewed based on title and abstract, of which select articles were read in full text. Eight articles were included in this review. Subsequently, the methodological quality, evidentiary value and clinical relevance of the articles were assessed. This was the basis for the evidence rating of this systematic review. Results: Three of the eight included studies demonstrated that exercise during pregnancy reduced depressive symptoms postpartum. However, most of the included studies demonstrated that lower levels of depressive symtoms postpartum was found within the intervention group. Two of the studies indicated clinical relevance and were deemed to have moderate evidentiary value. Overall, limited scientific evidence was established for this systematic review, regarding the effect of exercise on postpartum depression. Conclusion: This systematic review demonstrated that physical exercise during pregnancy may have an effect on postpartum depression. However, the scientific evidence was limited. Further studies with a sufficient metodological quality are required to support the conclusion with certainty.