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Previous research regarding asymmetrical warfare has usually not considered airpower, meanwhile previous researchers and theorists of airpower oversee the small nations circumstances in aerial warfare. Therefore, this paper will analyze the asymmetrical factors connected to small nations airpower. The air forces that are going to be analyzed are Israeli Air Force during the six-day war and the Iraqi Air Force during Operation Desert Storm. The analysis will be conducted by applying the theory of SPOT-Bombing by Shaun Clarke in a case study. The paper seeks to highlight and see which of the asymmetrical factors contribute to success for small nations air forces in conflicts with a larger enemy. The results indicate that IAF: s ability to fulfill factors such as tempo, effect, asymmetrical response, minimizing casualties, initiative and use of other methods all contributed to the success during the six- day war while IrAF only partially managed to fulfill the factors minimizing casualties and use of other methods. Some conclusions that can be drawn from the analysis are that some factors seem to be more important than others. It also shows that there is a correlation between the factors, where fulfilling one of them contributes to fulfilling others. The paper also finds that Clarke’s theory does not present all factors regarding asymmetrical airpower. More research on the subject may contribute to better understanding of the asymmetrical factors.

Chronic exposure to the ubiqutious airborne fungus, Alternaria alternata, has long been implicated in the development and exacerbation of human allergy and asthma. Alt a 1 was identified previously by several groups as the major allergen secreted by A. alternata, due to its IgE-specific reactivity with sera from atopic patients. Despite the well-documented clinical importance of Alternaria and its major allergen, little knowledge exists regarding their role and interaction with the innate immune system. Here for the first time we characterize the innate immune response to A.alternata and verify the significance of Alt a 1 in contributing to this response in human airway cells and murine models. Our studies establish a baseline response for both a chronic and single-challenge murine inhalation model with Alternaria spores. Both models demonstrate live conidia induce a robust response, arguably more pathologically relevant compared to studies employing Alternaria extracts. We also elucidate the overall importance of Alt a 1 by utilizing recombinant Alt a 1 protein, A. alternata (Δalt a 1) deletion mutants, and an A.alternata (Alt a 1+) overexpression mutant. Both Alt a 1 protein and A. alternata conidia stimulated production of pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines in mice after a single intranasal challenge. Infiltration of effector cells (macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils, and lymphocytes) into the lungs along with other hallmarks of airway inflammation was observed. In addition, Alt a 1 protein and conidia evoked secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in treated human airway epithelial cells while the Alt a 1+ overxpression mutant induced a significantly higher response. In contrast, spores of Δalt a 1 caused an attenuated response in both human cells and murine lungs suggesting that this single protein may play a major role in inducing the innate immune response in airway epithelium at the organismal level. Finally, we identified key biochemical properties of the Alt a 1 protein including a single histidine required for esterase activity and a unique RXLR-like motif which controls Alt a 1's ability to bind external lipids and enter human airway cells. Overall, these results improve our understanding of how Alternaria induces innate immunity and identifies possible therapeutic targets within allergenic proteins. / Ph. D.

Oxidative stress plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of many chronic and acute inflammatory diseases. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are two key mediators that are known to induce cellular and tissue oxidative stress. The generation of ROS and RNS is mediated by innate immune signaling processes. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a major inflammatory signal, is known to be a potent inducer of ROS/RNS. Thus, strategies that may block LPS-mediated generation of free radicals may hold promise in treating various inflammatory disease processes. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying LPS-mediated ROS/RNS production are not fully defined. Interleukin-1 Receptor associated kinase (IRAK-1), an intracellular kinase downstream of Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4) has been shown to contribute to the inflammatory cascade associated with LPS-TLR4 signaling pathway. However, its role in ROS production has not been defined. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that IRAK-1 plays an important role in regulating ROS/RNS production. Both in vitro and in vivo studies were conducted to investigate the role of IRAK-1 in modulating free radicals as well as oxidative stress. In vitro studies demonstrate that IRAK-1 is a critical molecule involved in the induction of ROS/RNS. IRAK-1 deletion ablated free radical production following LPS challenge in a variety of cell types including macrophages, fibroblasts and microglia. Mechanistically, we observed that IRAK-1 is required for optimal expression and activity of NADPH oxidase subunits and iNOS. IRAK-1 deletion reduced LPS-triggered p47phox membrane translocation, suppressed NOX-1 expression and protein levels as well as hampered Rac1 activation. On the other hand, IRAK-1 deletion sustained antioxidative enzyme activity and levels in IRAK-1-/- macrophages and fibroblasts. In terms of the in vivo physiological consequences, IRAK-1-/- mice exhibited attenuated lipid peroxidation in vital organs, attenuated histopathological lesions in liver and kidney, and reduced endotoxemia-associated mortality. Taken together, IRAK-1 may, at least in part, serve as an important therapeutic target in the treatment of various inflammatory disease processes. / Ph. D.

Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by mammalian host cells is a double-edged sword. ROS are clearly beneficial in directly killing pathogens and as a signaling molecule to alert macrophages and neutrophils to the site of infection. However, ROS are also capable of damaging host cells by destroying DNA, oxidizing proteins and lipids, inactivating enzymes, and eliciting apoptosis. Therefore the balance of ROS generation and clearance is essential for homeostasis. Although multiple mechanisms can contribute to the generation of ROS, NADPH oxidase (Nox) is a primary producer. In terms of clearance, several ROS scavenging enzymes are induced by Nrf2, a sensor of excessive ROS. The mechanisms behind the skewing of this balance toward prolonged accumulation of ROS under chronic inflammatory conditions are not well understood. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a major component of the Gram-negative bacteria cell wall, is specifically recognized by Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). LPS triggers robust activation of Nox and ROS production through TLR4, while also activating Nrf2 and ROS clearance. Intracellular pathways regulating ROS generation and clearance mediated by TLR4 are not well defined. Since interleukin-1 receptor associated kinase 1 (IRAK-1) is a key downstream component of TLR4, we test the hypothesis that IRAK-1 may play a critical role in maintaining the balance of LPS triggered ROS generation and clearance. Using wild type and IRAK-1 deficient murine embryonic fibroblasts, we tested the dynamic induction of Nox1 (a key NADPH oxidase) and Nrf2 by varying dosages of LPS. Our data confirm that high dose LPS (as seen in acute bacterial infection) induced both Nox1 and Nrf2. The generation of Nox1 is IRAK-1 dependent. Low dose LPS (as seen in chronic metabolic endotoxemia) fails to induce Nrf2 and induces mild and prolonged expression of Nox1. Cells pre-challenged with low dose LPS are primed for more robust expression of ROS following a second LPS challenge. The conclusions and implications generated by this study are that chronic low dose endotoxemia (prevalent in adverse health conditions) may skew the balance of ROS generation and clearance to favor prolonged ROS accumulation, and that IRAK-1 represents a potential therapeutic target to treat chronic inflammatory diseases. / Ph. D.

Utifrån kvalitativa metoder är syftet med denna studie att förstå varför vissa irakiska kvinnor varken deltar i lönearbete eller förvärvat behärskningen av det svenska språket, trots att de har bott i Sverige under många år. Forskningen fokuserar på kvinnors roll inom familjen, hur de patriarkala strukturerna manifesteras, och hur kvinnornas uppfattning om kultur påverkar deras levnadssätt. Det empiriska materialet består av semistrukturerade intervjuer med fem gifta irakiska hemmafruar som har bott i Sverige i över 15 år och ännu inte har integrerat sig i arbetsmarknaden eller det svenska samhället språkmässigt. Teoretiskt baseras studien på begrepp relaterade till patriarkat, kultur och symboliskt våld. Tidigare forskning antyder att kvinnors underordning ofta kompletterar mäns dominans, och tystnad fungerar som ett sätt för kvinnor att motstå de patriarkala strukturer de befinner sig i. Resultaten från denna studie indikerar att patriarkatet i huvudsak manifesterar sig i den privata sfären, där männen drar nytta av kvinnors underordning. Samtidigt betraktar kvinnorna den arabiska kulturen som en form av patriarkalt förtryck. Även om samhället ofta betraktar dessa kvinnor som omedvetna om sin situation, visar denna studie att de är medvetna om sin verklighet och utövar motstånd på subtila sätt. / Based on qualitative methods, the aim of this study is to understand why some Iraqi women neither participate in paid work nor acquire mastery of the Swedish language, despite having lived in Sweden for many years. The research focuses on the role of women within the family, how the patriarchal structures are manifested, and how the women's perception of culture affects their way of life. The empirical material consists of semi-structured interviews with five married Iraqi housewives who have lived in Sweden for over 15 years and have not yet integrated into the labor market or Swedish society linguistically. Theoretically, the study is based on concepts related to patriarchy, culture and symbolic violence. Previous research suggests that women's subordination often complements men's dominance, and silence serves as a way for women to resist the patriarchal structures they find themselves in. The results of this study indicate that patriarchy mainly manifests itself in the private sphere, where men benefit subordination of women. At the same time, the women regard Arab culture as a form of patriarchal oppression. Although society often views these women as unaware of their situation, this study shows that they are aware of their reality and practice resistance in subtle ways.

Cette étude se veut une analyse architecturale de plusieurs maisons privées mises au jour sur quelques (6) sites archéologiques du Dynastique Archaïque (3ème millénaire av. J.- C.) en Mésopotamie afin de déterminer s'il existait une "maison type" à cette époque dans cette région du monde antique. L'introduction définit les cadres chronologique et géographique de cette étude et explique les éléments de la grille d'analyse ayant servi à recueillir les données. Chaque chapitre (6) décrit d'abord un site en fonction des éléments suivants: l'historique des fouilles et leurs publications, la localisation du site et sa stratigraphie, les vestiges d'architecture domestique et les voies de circulation. Puis, il analyse les maisons du site d'après leurs composantes architecturales. Chaque chapitre se termine par une synthèse des données recueillies. La conclusion interprète les résultats obtenus, critique la qualité de la documentation et attire l'attention sur de nouvelles approches d'analyse face à ce type de matériel. / Québec Université Laval, Bibliothèque 2013

Cette thèse se propose d’étudier un cadre général d’interprétation de l’évolution du comportement de la République islamique d’Iran dans sa région, comportement considéré comme la principale problématique internationale de cette dernière décennie. En d’autres termes, les éléments de focalisation de ce travail se situeront principalement au niveau de la région du Golfe, et plus précisément, au niveau de l’interaction existant entre l’Iran et son environnement immédiat. L’idée que sous-tend ce travail est qu’il existe une cohérence dans le cheminement politique et sécuritaire iranien qui se reflète suite à la problématique soulevée par l’intrusion d’un acteur global. Plus précisément, ce travail a pour objet la mise en lumière d’une corrélation forte entre, d’une part, les hypothèses offertes par l’analyse des dimensions sécuritaires, et d'autre part, l’évolution du positionnement iranien dans un système international à la structure singulière. / This thesis deals with the evolution of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s behavior in its region, this behavior being considered as the main international problem of the last decade. This research will focus on the Gulf Region and more precisely on the interaction existing between Iran and its immediate environment. The idea behind this work is that Iran’s political and safety evolution has been influenced by the issues arising from the intrusion of a global player. More precisely, this work intends to highlight a strong correlation between, on the one hand, theories coming from the analysis of safety aspects and, on the other hand, the evolution of Iran’s positioning within the new structure of the international system.

Frågan om ett enat Irak har sedan en tid tillbaka diskuterats av såväl irakiska som utländska politiker, inte minst efter att de USA-ledda militära trupperna avtog och lämnade landet under 2011. Däremot har det varit svårt att uppnå ett enat irakiskt samhälle, sett till det faktum att landet består av många olika religiösa och etniska fraktioner som driver olika politiska agendor. Denna uppsats ämnar att jämföra hur en del utvalda villkor (avseende regerinsbildning, autonomi och representation) från Arend Lijpharts teori om konsociationalism har förändrats i Irak före och efter den kurdiska självständighetsomröstningen den 25:e september 2017. Det är en jämförande fallstudie med en kvalitativ metod. Resultatet visar att villkoret "maktbalans" inte var uppfyllt mellan 2005-2017, men att det delvis uppfylls från 2017 och framåt. Villkoret "flerpartisystem och representation" möttes till viss del mellan 2005 och några år framåt, dock inte från 2017 och framåt. Slutligen är villkoret "segmentell autonomi" uppfyllt under båda tidsperioderna, men efter det kurdiska referendumet har omständigheterna och relationerna mellan KRG och centralregeringen i Baghdad förändrats. / The issue of a united Iraq has for some time been discussed by both Iraqi and foreign politicians, not least after the US-led military troops declined and left the country during 2011. However, it has been difficult to achieve a united Iraqi society, considering the fact that the country consists of many different religious and ethnic groups that run different political agendas. This essay intends to compare how some selected conditions (regarding government formation, autonomy and representation) from Arend Lijphart’s theory of consociationalism have changed in Iraq before and after the Kurdish independence referendum the 25th of September 2017. It is a comparative case study with a qualitative approach. The result shows that the condition ”balance of power” was not fulfilled between 2005-2017, but that it is partly fulfilled from 2017 and onwards. The condition ”multi- party system and representation” was met to some extent between 2005 and a few years ahead, though not from 2017 and onwards. Lastly, the condition ”segmental autonomy” is fulfilled during both time periods, however after the Kurdish referendum, the circumstances and relations between KRG and the central government in Baghdad have altered in some ways.

Cela fait bientôt trois décennies que la population iranienne renversa la monarchie pro-occidentale de Mohammad Reza shah Pahlavi (1979). Une des conséquences inattendues de cette révolution sera la naissance de la République Islamique d'Iran; un État souvent qualifié de "révolutionnaire". Si l'on se fie aux néoconservateurs américains, depuis l'avènement de cette théocratie, les dirigeants iraniens mettent dorénavant de l'avant une politique étrangère réactionnaire "khomeyniste". Des charges facilement attribuables avec les récentes diatribes verbales du président iranien Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. L'objectif de ce mémoire est donc d'analyser la politique étrangère iranienne afin de voir si elle doit être qualifiée de pragmatique ou d'idéologique. Dans notre premier chapitre, nous verrons la théorie réaliste des relations internationales. Ainsi, nous analyserons de plus près les concepts comme l'anarchie du système, l'équilibre des puissances et le pragmatisme des dirigeants. Dans le même chapitre, nous étudierons l'apport des réalistes néoclassiques à ce champ d'étude, en nous concentrant sur un de leur apport: la question de la perception des dirigeants. Par conséquent, notre deuxième chapitre sera consacré à quatre facteurs qui affectent la perception des décideurs iraniens, soient l'histoire impériale de l'Iran, l'Islam shiite, les idéaux de la révolution de 1979 et les souvenirs de la guerre Iran-Irak (1980-1988). Dans notre troisième chapitre, en se concentrant sur six étude de cas, nous verrons comment la République Islamique d'Iran réagit lorsqu'elle est confronté à faire un choix entre sauvegarde de l'intérêt national et respect de l'idéologie officielle. Dans notre dernier chapitre, nous appliquerons le même cadre théorique réaliste néoclassique à la politique étrangère iranienne, mais cette fois-ci vis-à-vis des Arabes shiites du Liban et d'Irak. Nous verrons alors comment Téhéran use de son influence au Liban (à travers le Hezbollah) et en Irak (grâce à la majorité shiite) pour en retirer des avantages stratégiques.