Sectarianism has become the magic word with which many scholars and politicians describe the current Middle East politics. Much of the existing literature presumes that most of the state and non-state actors of the region are divided over Shia and Sunni blocs led by Iran and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabi (KSA) respectively. However, so far scholars have left out the Kurds within their studies on sectarianism. Scholars have not explicitly pointed out why they are disinterested in sectarianism among the Kurds; it might be due to the perception that the Kurds are mostly Sunnis who have an ethnic and not a religious cause. The main aim of this research is to look at sectarianism in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) and find out whether or not of this perception is true. To do so, this research rejects the general application of the English term "sectarianism" in the first place as a theme to explain the politics of the Middle East. Instead, in the first chapter it is argued that there are three tiers of relations among regional actors: 1) state-state realpolitik, which is based on geopolitical realities among Turkey, Iran and the KSA, 2) political sectarianism (taifiyya) among sectarian groups such as the MB, Wahabis and Shia, often conducted through political agents like state and non-state actors, and 3) the civil and non-violent sect-sect theological sectarianism (madhabiyya) among those three sects. In the second chapter this new understanding of sectarianism is then applied on the domestic politics of the KRI. It is argued that while there is theological sectarianism in the KRI, there is no political sectarianism. The third chapter explores the foreign relations of the KRI. It argues that the KRI as an unrecognized state, acts rationally to survive. It evades sectarianism and deemphasizes its demands of international recognition. Alternatively, the KRI pursues 'Regional Acceptance Policy' within which the Kurdish leadership persuades the regional powers, especially Turkey and Iran, that the de facto state will not declare independence, in return, they ask regional powers' acceptance of the KRI as a legitimate actor with its unique status. / Doctor of Philosophy / Throughout the 20th century ethno-nationalism was the strongest sentiment in the Middle East. Within the past decade or so, however, Islam's two main sectarian identities, Shia and Sunni, have become extraordinarily strong, if not stronger than ethno-national identities. The common understanding of the region's politics is that Iran, as a Shia majority country, has allied with the other Shia non-Persian countries and actors, such as Iraq and Hezbollah. The Sunni countries, on the other hand, have gathered around the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) against Iran or Shias in general. There is also, however, a common perception that Kurds are the only people in the Middle East who have not become sectarian. This research is to see whether this perception towards the Kurds is true, and if it is, why? The first chapter argues that the English term "sectarianism" fails to explain the current politics of the Middle East. Instead, it is argued, there are two different forms of sectarianism in Islam; one is about theological disagreements, which in Arabic is called "madhabiya", the other is about the political competition among the various Muslim groups which in Arabic is called "taifiya". Regardless of the religious factor, states of the Middle East act rationally based on geopolitical realities. Political sectarianism comes emerges especially when those sectarian groups mobilize under political parties and armed militia groups. Sects and states sometimes cooperate for mutual interests and hence it appears that the entire conflicts of the region are driven by sectarian motivations. The second and third chapters then explore sectarianism in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) within this new understanding. The KRI acts like the state actors based on its interests and not its Sunni sectarian identity. Contrary to the common perception towards the unrecognized state which assumes that the KRI's ultimate goal should be international recognition (IR), it is here argued that the KRI prioritizes 'regional acceptance' (RA) over IR. Within the KRI there is theological sectarianism among Salafists, Sufis, and political Islamists. However, there is no political sectarianism because the Kurdish government has neutralized and unarmed the sectarian groups.

The aim of this thesis, named Geopolitics of contemporary unreconized states, is to analyze the factors influencing the international status of unrecognized states by identifying the geopolitical interests of external actors. For the aim of this thesis unrecognized states will be called the de facto states. The thesis is divided into two main chapters and several subchapters. The first chapter is devoted to introducing the main hypothesis, research questions, and conceptualizing the following concepts: de facto state, sovereignty, self-determination, secession, and international recognition. The second part of the thesis consists of case studies of following de facto states: Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Nagorno-Karabakh, Transnistria, Taiwan, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and Somaliland. The aim of each case study is to answer the research questions and to verify the main hypothesis which reads as follows: International status of de facto states results from the geopolitical interests of external actors. The conclusion will be drawn at the end of the thesis. This thesis is an instrumental case study.

A high percentage of unrecognized myocardial infarctions (UMIs) seen at delayed-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DE-MRI) are not detected by ECG. DE-MRI-detected UMIs are independent predictors of cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease. In an elderly population, subjects with DE-MRI-detected UMIs do not have increased Framingham risk score or increased prevalence of artery stenosis in whole-body MR angiography as patients with recognized myocardial infarctions (RMI). Further investigation on the pathogenesis of DE-MRI-detected UMIs focus on the need to decide the management of these subjects. From the Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors, 248 subjects underwent cardiac MRI at age 70 and from these, 185 underwent a 5-year follow-up MR. DE-MRI-detected UMIs had lower signal intensity than RMIs probably reflecting different composition of their tissues. Subjects with UMI scar had increased levels of NT-proBNP, a predictor of increased risk of cardiovascular events. After 5 years, UMI scars were in their majority seen on the same location and with the same size, and their prevalence increased. Subjects with an UMI did not differ from subjects without a scar in terms of coronary stenosis assessed by computed tomography angiography or signs of ischemia on exercise test. In conclusion, DE-MRI-detected UMI scars are a frequent finding in an elderly population and its prevalence increases with age. The increased levels of NT-proBNP indicate that subjects with an UMI might have an increased rate of future cardiovascular events but the findings that these scars might have a different contrast distribution volume on MRI and that they are not related to CAD are indicators that they probably have a different etiology from RMIs. The prognosis of DE-MRI detected UMI scars in the general population is still unknown and therefore the clinical management of these individuals is yet to be defined.

The title of the thesis: The Identification of Substances in Real Samples Using Portable Raman Spectrometer The portable Raman spectrometer Ahura First Defender is a device designated for identifying unrecognized solid and liquid substances. The aim of this diploma thesis was to test the efficiency of the portable Raman spectrometer First Defender and to draw up a draft of the methodology for its manipulation. The objects of the investigation were the accuracy of results and collection of findings coming out of measuring tests using the device mentioned above. The introduction part briefly describes problems of chemical monitoring within Fire Rescue Service of the Czech Republic. As a partly solution of the problems could be the use of the portable spectrometer First Defender. Further are described problems of sampling and possibilities of sample detection through means of chemical reconnaissance. As next, there is described the device itself including the principle of Raman effect that allows the device to identify unrecognized solid and liquid chemical substances. The practical part explains the procedure and the way of applied measuring tests when using the device. The results are summarized in charts and the percentage of successful performed tests analyzed in charts. Findings concerning the manipulation with the device, methods for sample modification and the influence of sample matrix on the identification of selected chemicals in observed samples are introduced in the discussion. Professional knowledge and experience were used to draw up guidelines for the identification of substances in real samples conceived as general informational source describing procedures, rules, and recommendations. Upon all outcomes and findings, there was confirmed the hypothesis of greatly beneficial using Raman spectrometer in Fire Protection Units when identifying unknown substances at places of intervention at the end of the thesis.

Aim: The overarching aim of the thesis was to explore the occurrence and clinical importance of two manifestations of myocardial injury; unrecognized myocardial injury (UMI) and altered levels of cardiac biochemical markers in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: A prospective multicenter cohort study investigated the prevalence, localization, size, and prognostic implication of UMI in 235 patients with stable CAD. Late gadolinium enhancement cardiovascular magnetic resonance (LGE-CMR) imaging and coronary angiography were used. The relationship between UMI and severe CAD and cardiac biochemical markers was explored. In a substudy the short- and longterm individual variation in cardiac troponins I and T (cTnI, cTnT) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were investigated. Results: The prevalence of UMI was 25%. Subjects with severe CAD were significantly more likely to exhibit UMI than subjects without CAD. There was a strong association between stenosis ≥70% and presence of UMI in the myocardial segments downstream. The presence of UMI was associated with a significant threefold risk of adverse events during follow up. After adjustments UMI was associated with a nonsignificant numerically doubled risk. The levels of cTnI, NT-proBNP, and Galacin-3 were associated with the presence of UMI in univariate analyses. The association between levels of cTnI and presence of UMI remained significant after adjustment. The individual variation in cTnI, cTnT, and NT-proBNP in subjects with stable CAD appeared similar to the biological variation in healthy individuals. Conclusions: UMI is common and is associated with significant CAD, levels of biochemical markers, and an increased risk for adverse events. A change of >50% is required for a reliable short-term change in cardiac troponins, and a rise of >76% or a fall of >43% is required to detect a long-term reliable change in NT-proBNP.

[pt] O luto é um processo natural e esperado diante do rompimento de um vínculo significativo. Socialmente ainda é desconsiderado o pesar perante a perda gestacional/neonatal, sendo uma categoria de Luto Não Reconhecido. Os homens são socialmente incitados a evitar suas emoções e a não entrar em contato com seus sentimentos, existindo a ideia de que eles não se enlutem pela perda de um(a) filho(a) no período gestacional/neonatal. O presente estudo pretendeu pesquisar a vivência de homens sobre o luto na perda de um(a) filho(a) no período gestacional/neonatal. Para isso, foi realizada, inicialmente, uma revisão da literatura de estudos do tema, na qual foram encontrados poucos registros sobre o assunto, os existentes sendo internacionais. Após essa etapa, foi realizado um estudo exploratório por meio de 10 entrevistas semi-estruturadas, baseadas em um roteiro previamente delineado. Foram realizadas 3 entrevistas piloto. A análise dos resultados foi feita a partir do Método de Explicitação do Discurso Subjacente (MEDS). Do discurso dos sujeitos emergiram 8 categorias de análise: Foi perda mesmo… e eu também senti; Cuide dela e segure firme, porque você precisa ser forte!; Não vamos falar sobre isso; Algo mudou entre nós; Ritual: um momento singular, para uma experiência singular; Algumas coisas tornaram esta experiência mais fácil… Outras coisas a tornaram ainda mais difícil; Existe um sentido para o que eu vivi; No futuro eu quero... Como resultado destaca-se o fato de os homens sentirem diversas emoções profundas ante a perda de um filho no período gestacional/neonatal, ainda que, muitas vezes, não encontrem um suporte social efetivo. Em relação aos rituais de despedida, os homens encontram-se divididos quanto a sua realização. Entretanto, o relacionamento conjugal parece ser a fonte de apoio necessária para vivenciar as emoções e saírem fortalecidos dessa experiência. A maioria dos homens parece ter conseguido encontrar um sentido para suas experiências, percebendo que são pessoas melhores após perderem os(as) seus(uas) filhos(as). A partir da perda, muitos têm uma perspectiva de futuro e de reconstrução de suas vidas, desejando ter mais filhos ou mudar de cidade. Ficou evidente que, quando existe a oportunidade, os homens falam abertamente sobre como foi, para eles, a experiência de perder os(as) seus(uas) filhos(as). / [en] Mourning is a natural and expected process in the face of breaking a meaningful bond. Socially it is still disregarded the regret against gestational/neonatal loss, being a category of Unrecognized Grief. Men are socially urged to avoid their emotions and not to get in touch with their feelings, and there is the idea that they do not get involved in the loss of a child in the gestational/neonatal period. The present study aimed to investigate the experience of mourning in the loss of a son/daughter in the gestational/neonatal period. For this, a literature review was initially carried out in which few studies on the subject were found, all of which are international. After this step, an exploratory study was carried out through 10 semi-structured interviews, based on a previously delineated script. Two pilot interviews were held. The analysis of the results was made from the Explanation Method of the Underlying Discourse (MEDS). From the discourse of the subjects emerged 8 categories of analysis: It was loss even ... and I also felt; Take care of her and hold it tight, because you have to be strong !; Let s not talk about it; Something has changed between us; Ritual: a singular moment for a singular experience; Some things have made this experience easier... Other things have made it even more difficult; There is a sense to what I have lived; In the future I want to ... As a result, the fact that men feel several deep emotions about the loss of a child in the gestational/neonatal period is highlighted, although often they do not find effective social support. Regarding the farewell rituals, men are divided as to their accomplishment. However, the marital relationship seems to be the source of support needed to experience the emotions and come out strengthened from this experience. Most men seem to have managed to find meaning in their experiences, feeling that they are better people after losing their children. From the loss many of them have a future perspective and reconstruction of their lives, desiring to have more children or change to another city. It became clear that when there is an opportunity, men openly talk about how it was for them the experience of losing their children.

Author Samuel Lavoie Thesis Diplomacy and Diplomatic Institutions of Unrecognized De Facto States Somaliland, Transnistria and Artsakh (2020) Abstract As a topic, international recognition has been increasingly studied over the past twenty years, particularly since Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence from Serbia in 2008. This thesis attempts to advance our understanding of the underlying causes of the inability to gain political recognition by examining several factors that have been omitted from the academic literature. Specifically, it examines several key aspects of the diplomatic institutions, personnel, and approaches of three unrecognized de facto states that meet most of the criteria for statehood under international law, but have so far received no recognition recognized states. These entities are Somaliland, Transnistria, and Artsakh. This paper also draws on partially recognized states and finds that geopolitical and ideological factors generally prevail over diplomatic ones as the main drivers of political recognition. This is especially true when an entity is located in an area of fierce rivalry for influence, such as the PMR and the Republic of Artsakh. However, while remaining a secondary factor, diplomacy becomes more important for international recognition when the interests of...

CHARLES UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES Institute of Political Studies Department of Geopolitical Studies Master's Thesis Unconventional power of small states: a comparative case study of Lithuania and Taiwan (ROC) Abstract: The hypotheses of the leading international relations theories, especially realism, face fundamental criticism for not explaining the behavior of some small states, who lack material power but play an effective and influential role in the international arena. To fill in this oversight, the contemporary discourse of small states challenges the resource-based understandings of power and seeks new avenues to explain how some small states succeed in "punching above their weight." Most recently, Dr. Tom Long (2017) synthesized previous academic researches and proposed that the small state's power can be best understood as originating in three categories: derivative, collective, and particular-intrinsic. This thesis aims to contribute to the argument that small states can possess unconventional power to advance their influence and achieve their national interests. It uses Dr. Tom Long's three categories of unconventional power, as a basis for the comparative case study of Taiwan and Lithuania - two small states that have notoriously challenge the notion of "how a small state should...