URSS SHOWCASE
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Mon, 16 Mar 2026 07:26:40 +0000 kacper.saar@warwick.ac.uk (URSS SHOWCASE) https://warwick.ac.uk/terms/privacy Zend_Feed http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss
Behavioural Barriers and growth of slums in Urban Karnataka https://urss.warwick.ac.uk/items/show/1051
Title
Behavioural Barriers and growth of slums in Urban Karnataka
Subject
Econometrics, Behavioural Economics
Date
2025
Contributor
Anirudh Nagaraj
Abstract
This study investigates the relationship between urban slum populations and key economic indicators across districts in Karnataka, integrating behavioural economics insights into conventional regression analysis. Using district-level data on Gross District Domestic Product (GDDP), Per Capita Income (PCI), and slum populations, an Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression model was estimated to examine the economic determinants of slum persistence. The model explains approximately 67.7% of the variation in slum populations (R² = 0.677) and reveals a statistically significant positive association between GDDP and slum population.
Wed, 17 Dec 2025 10:35:06 +0000
Genotyping and Characterisation of Transgenic Mice In a Rheumatoid Arthritis Model https://urss.warwick.ac.uk/items/show/1050
Title
Genotyping and Characterisation of Transgenic Mice
In a Rheumatoid Arthritis Model
In a Rheumatoid Arthritis Model
Subject
Rheumatoid arthritis and the receptors, molecules and immune cells involved in its pathophysiology.
Creator
Ekom Akanimo
Date
2025
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterised by persistent synovial inflammation, joint destruction, and pain. While immune mechanisms underlying RA are well established, emerging evidence highlights an important role for neuro-immune crosstalk in disease progression. In particular, mast cells and transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels may contribute to inflammatory signalling within the synovium. This study aimed to genotype and characterise transgenic mouse models of RA to investigate the roles of mast cells and TRP channels, with a focus on TRPM2 and TRPM8. Wild-type, heterozygous, conditional knockout, and global knockout mice were analysed. Genotyping was performed using PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis to confirm genotype. Histological analysis of mouse knee joints was conducted using haematoxylin and eosin staining to assess tissue morphology, toluidine blue staining to identify mast cells, and immunostaining to detect TRP ion channel expression. Protein analysis was performed using ELISA to quantify inflammatory mediators, including IL-6, PGE₂, and Substance P, alongside Bradford assays to determine total protein content. PCR successfully confirmed the generation of transgenic mouse lines. Histological analysis revealed synovial inflammation and mast cell infiltration characteristic of RA, while immunostaining identified TRPM2 and TRPM8 expression within inflamed joints. TRPM2 knockout mice exhibited reduced inflammatory features compared to wild-type controls. ELISA confirmed the presence of key inflammatory mediators, supporting a mechanistic link between neuronal signalling and mast cell-driven inflammation. Collectively, these findings support a contributory role for mast cells and TRP ion channels in RA pathology and highlight their potential as therapeutic targets.
Sun, 14 Dec 2025 17:56:44 +0000
Does Microfinance Drive Entrepreneurship? Evidence from India’s Microfinance Scheme (PMMY) https://urss.warwick.ac.uk/items/show/1049
Title
Does Microfinance Drive Entrepreneurship? Evidence from India’s Microfinance Scheme (PMMY)
Subject
Development Economics – Microfinance and Enterprise Growth
Date
2025
Contributor
Aayush Bhandari
Abstract
This study examines the impact of the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) on enterprise creation in India, addressing a gap in the literature that emphasises loan trends rather than causal outcomes. Using panel data from 33 states and union territories between 2011–2021, fixed-effects regressions estimate the relationship between per-capita PMMY disbursements and MSME registrations. The results show a marked rise in MSME formation after the scheme’s launch in 2015, with per-capita lending associated with nearly one additional MSME per 1,000 people in the following year. This relationship remains robust after controlling for income, banking infrastructure and national shocks, though significant variation exists across states. Wealthier states display stronger impacts, while poorer or infrastructure-constrained regions benefit less. Interviews with beneficiaries support these patterns, indicating that although PMMY improves credit access, sustained enterprise growth also depends on market access, financial literacy and broader institutional support.
Mon, 01 Dec 2025 23:52:43 +0000
Diophantine Estimates on Automorphism Groups of Infinite Regular Trees https://urss.warwick.ac.uk/items/show/1048
Title
Diophantine Estimates on Automorphism Groups of Infinite Regular Trees
Subject
Group Theory, Probability
Date
2025
Contributor
Timucin Oisin Gunaydin
Abstract
We prove a weaker version of the Diophantine property for the automorphism group of an infinite regular rooted tree of degree $d\geq 3$.
Sun, 30 Nov 2025 02:49:43 +0000
Harnessing The Gut-Brain Axis: Can Probiotics Be Used As An Alternative Treatment In Clinical Depression By Modulating The Gut Microbiota? https://urss.warwick.ac.uk/items/show/1046
Title
Harnessing The Gut-Brain Axis: Can Probiotics Be Used As An Alternative Treatment In Clinical Depression By Modulating The Gut Microbiota?
Subject
Warwick Medical School
Creator
Naeem Ahmed
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests a significant bidirectional interaction between the gastrointestinal system and the central nervous system, known as the gut–brain axis. This systematic review evaluates whether probiotics can serve as an alternative or adjunctive treatment for clinical depression through modulation of the gut microbiota. Current literature indicates that specific probiotic strains may influence neurotransmitter production, reduce systemic inflammation and improve gut barrier integrity. These mechanisms have been found to be implicated in depressive pathology. While several clinical trials demonstrate modest but promising antidepressant effects, heterogeneity in probiotic formulations, study durations and patient populations limit definitive conclusions. Overall, probiotic therapy represents a potential low-risk intervention with biological plausibility, but further high-quality, standardised trials are needed to determine efficacy, optimal strains and dosage for depressive disorders.
Fri, 28 Nov 2025 20:24:36 +0000
How Effective is Monetary Policy for Macroeconomic Stabilisation when Environmental Sustainability is a Central Bank Objective? https://urss.warwick.ac.uk/items/show/1044
Title
How Effective is Monetary Policy for Macroeconomic Stabilisation when Environmental Sustainability is a Central Bank Objective?
Subject
How Effective is Monetary Policy for Macroeconomic Stabilisation when Environmental Sustainability is a Central Bank Objective?
Date
2025
Contributor
Soham Warikoo and Monisha Pandhi
Abstract
This paper examines how central banks integrating sustainability initiatives into monetary policy affects macroeconomic stability. Using quarterly data for 184 countries from 2001 to 2024, we assess whether membership in the Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS), as a proxy to show whether a central bank is sustainable, influences five macroeconomic variables: inflation, inflation volatility, GDP growth, GDP volatility, and unemployment. A series of pooled OLS and fixed effects regressions are used, while semi-structured interviews with central bank officials complement the quantitative analysis. The results indicate that NGFS membership is generally associated with greater macroeconomic stability in high-income economies, reflected in lower inflation, stronger growth, and reduced volatility. Interviewees from high- and middle-income countries agreed that their central banks did not recognise a trade-off between sustainability in central banking, and the effectiveness of monetary policy. However, regression results indicate that middle- and low-income countries experience trade-offs, possibly due to weaker institutional capacity and resource constraints.
Sat, 15 Nov 2025 00:46:46 +0000
Investigating the function of Bacillus subtilis PBP2B PASTA domains https://urss.warwick.ac.uk/items/show/1043
Title
Investigating the function of Bacillus subtilis PBP2B PASTA domains
Subject
Life Sciences
Creator
Claudia Parker
Date
2025
Abstract
Penicillin Binding Protein 2B (PBP2B) is an important protein involved in cell division of Bacillus subtilis. This protein contains two Penicillin binding and Serine and Threonine kinase Associated (PASTA) domains, but the role of these domains remains unknown. Here, I investigated the role of the Bacillus subtilis PASTA domains using microscopy and single-molecule tracking.
Tue, 11 Nov 2025 17:03:31 +0000
Self-assembly behaviour of amphiphilic poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)-poly(2-phenyl-2-oxazoline) copolymers https://urss.warwick.ac.uk/items/show/1042
Title
Self-assembly behaviour of amphiphilic poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)-poly(2-phenyl-2-oxazoline) copolymers
Subject
Polymer Chemistry
Creator
Gabriel Rosario-Whyte
Date
2025
Contributor
James Lefley
Tue, 11 Nov 2025 07:11:47 +0000
Off-license Prescribing of Fenofibrate for Diabetic Retinopathy https://urss.warwick.ac.uk/items/show/1040
Title
Off-license Prescribing of Fenofibrate for Diabetic Retinopathy
Subject
Warwick Medical School
Creator
Callum Parker and Imogen Wright
Date
2025
Contributor
Professor Vinod Patel
Tue, 04 Nov 2025 14:27:42 +0000
The Role of Wild Crop Relatives in the Spread of Potato Crop Pathogens https://urss.warwick.ac.uk/items/show/1039
Title
The Role of Wild Crop Relatives in the Spread of Potato Crop Pathogens
Subject
Plant pathogens
Creator
Isabelle McCloskey
Date
2025
Mon, 03 Nov 2025 19:24:02 +0000