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This study explores the dynamics of government spending composition in Pakistan, focusing on its impact on economic growth and poverty reduction. The study analyzes subcategories of public expenditures, including current and capital spending, and functional classifications such as education, health, physical infrastructure, and defence. Using the ARDL framework, the study finds a long-run relationship between public spending and economic growth, with capital spending positively impacting GDP growth while current expenditures have a negative effect. Education and physical infrastructure expenditures contribute positively to economic growth, while health expenditures negatively impact the long run. The study also disaggregates health and education expenditures to analyze their economic impacts. Expenditures on research and curriculum development in education and subsidiary transportation services positively affect economic growth. However, primary and secondary education expenses and tertiary education expenditures do not show a significant growth impact. Similarly, expenditures on hospital services, patient health services, and research and development in health do not contribute to economic growth. The study concludes that the composition of public expenditures is related to poverty reduction, with total government spending and investments in education, health, and physical infrastructure playing a significant role in poverty reduction.

Introduction. The aim of the project was to conduct a systemic design study to evaluate Australia'sopportunities and barriers for achieving a technological advantage in light of regional military technological advancement. It focussed on the three domains of (1) cybersecurity technology, (2) information technology, and (3) space technology. Research process. Employing a systemic design approach, the study first leveraged scientometric analysis, utilising informetric mapping software (VOSviewer) to evaluate emerging trends and their implications on defence capabilities. This approach facilitated a broader understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of defence technologies, identifying key areas for further exploration. The subsequent survey study, engaging 828 professionals across STEM, space, aerospace, defence/ law enforcement, and ICT, aimed to assess the impact, deployment likelihood, and developmental timelines of the identified technologies. Finally, five experts were interviewed to help elaborate on the findings in the survey and translate them into implications for the ADF. Findings. Key findings revealed significant overlaps in technology clusters, highlighting ten specific technologies or trends as potential force multipliers for the ADF. Among these, cybersecurity of critical infrastructure and optimisation and other algorithmic technologies were recognised for their immediate potential and urgency, suggesting a prioritisation for development investment. The analysis presented a clear imperative for urgent and prioritised technological investments, specifically in cybersecurity and information technologies, followed by space technologies. The research also suggested partnerships that Australia should develop to keep ahead in terms of regional military modernisation. Implications. To maintain a competitive edge, there is an urgent need for investment in the development and application of these technologies, as nearly all disruptive technologies identified

The emergence of new challenges and threats in the modern world raises the issue of creating alliances and sub-alliances that could ensure security issues in the Baltic countries and Eastern Europe as a whole. This, in turn, requires the definition of a new security system, built taking into account regional interests and new approaches to the system of collective provision of stable development. Global institutions in the context of new military conflicts show their inability to make decisions or their unwillingness to define new frameworks and conditions of security. Based on this, it seems important to form a new regional sub-alliance in Europe to ensure security and interpret the Trimoria alliance. The formation of military alliances leads to increased interaction between countries both in the military sector and in the economy as a whole. Within the alliances, a practically unified security system is formed, which works on the same standards, strengthening control over trade policy and forming a common control within the framework of military policy or security policy and protection from real or potential threats.

The purpose of this research is to investigate the question: How does the EU face a security dilemma in response to China’s AI ambitions? The thesis explores the theory of the security dilemma associated with neorealist/structural realist approaches as it aims to predict the behaviour of states in an international anarchic system. The pace of the AI race and its applications in military use contribute to a rising security threat because Europe is lagging China and US in its strategy to become a global leader in AI. Growing tensions globally, including the war in Ukraine, together with a backdrop of deteriorating diplomatic relations with China bring political urgency to Europe’s security dilemma. The exclusion of AI for military use from the scope of the AIA implies a lack of EU-wide legal and ethical provisions for military use of AI. Member States will inevitably adopt different approaches leading to inefficiencies and divergences in oversight. Europe should develop a framework for accommodatingdual-use and military AI for defensive and offensive objectives. With a risk of member states adopting different positions, the Commission is likely to introduce a new post for a Defence Commissioner to respond to the unfolding security dilemma. European security dilemma risk mitigation includes establishing a competitive AI ecosystem within meaningful timelines, extending the development of foreign policy thataccommodates response to security threats from innovative AI-led military developments in other states, and greater collaboration with US and China to influence future standards for use of autonomous weapons system and digital security.

In order to reduce the environmental impacts from the defence sector, different textiles suitability as camouflage nets has been evaluated in this bachelor thesis. Apart from being eco-friendly, the textiles must meet the requirements for camouflage application, i.e. keeping a low signature in different environments. Due to vital functions in camouflage materials, the textiles suitability for camouflage must be carefully elaborated. Life cycle assessments were performed on polyester and hemp to evaluate the differences in environmental impacts. Five different dyeing methods has been performed on the textiles to evaluate their suitabilityfor camouflage, in terms of dyeing quality, the optical effects and its correlation to using ecofriendly dyeing methods. The different dyeing methods performed were acid dyeing, reactive dyeing, screen printing and two variations of dyeing with natural colorants. This thesis also highlights the usage of fire retardants and their effect on environment and signature. By performing a fire retardant test, the effect of fire retardant on each textile could be evaluated, as well as the textiles natural ability to resist fire. The different dyeing methods delivered high colour quality and depending on the usedwavelength region, they were suitable for creating a low signature. This implies a high potential for using more eco-friendly dyeing methods for camouflage materials in the future. With life cycle assessments of polyester and hemp, conclusions could be made about the difference in environmental impacts from these textiles. Hemp showed benefits in the end-of-life stage of the products due to its high biodegradability and possibility for biogas productionas as well as potentially reduced hazardous emissions compared to polyester. Optical measurements were performed on organic cotton, hemp, polyester and wool by using spectroscopy. The diffuse hemispherical reflectance was measured for each textile and compared to a reference background t

The increasing digitization within the defence sector makes the business more vulnerable to potential attacks, threatening sensitive information and system functionality. Balancing the requirements of availability and confidentiality is crucial for ensuring secure and reliable IT systems. This study examines the trade-offs between these two aspects within the context of the Swedish defence sector and requirements engineering. By analyzing relevant standards, guidelines, and frameworks, and conducting interviews with personnel working on projects for the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), this research explores real-world practices in achieving a balance between availability and confidentiality. The findings highlight the complexity of balancing these aspects and underscore the importance of understanding the specific system, its function, and operational context, along with adapting to evolving threats and requirements. The study suggests that FMV’s methods could be improved., Den ökande digitaliseringen inom försvaret gör verksamheten mer sårbar för potentiella attacker, vilket hotar känslig information och systemfunktionalitet. Att balansera kraven på tillgänglighet och konfidentialitet är avgörande för säkra och tillförlitliga IT-system. Denna studie undersöker avvägningarna mellan dessa två aspekter inom ramen för den svenska försvarssektorn och kravhantering. Genom att analysera relevanta standarder, riktlinjer och ramverk, samt intervjua personal som arbetar med projekt för Försvarets Materielverk (FMV), utforskar denna avhandling praktiska tillämpningar för att uppnå en balans mellan tillgänglighet och konfidentialitet. Resultaten belyser komplexiteten i att balansera dessa aspekter och betonar vikten av att förstå det specifika systemet, dess funktion och operativa kontext, samt att anpassa sig till föränderliga hot och krav. Studien föreslår att FMV:s metoder skulle kunna förbättras.

Bees use thoracic vibrations produced by their indirect flight muscles for powering wingbeats in flight, but also during mating, pollination, defence and nest building. Previous work on non-flight vibrations has mostly focused on acoustic (airborne vibrations) and spectral properties (frequency domain). However, mechanical properties such as the vibration's acceleration amplitude are important in some behaviours, e.g. during buzz pollination, where higher amplitude vibrations remove more pollen from flowers. Bee vibrations have been studied in only a handful of species and we know very little about how they vary among species. In this study, we conducted the largest survey to date of the biomechanical properties of non-flight bee buzzes. We focused on defence buzzes as they can be induced experimentally and provide a common currency to compare among taxa. We analysed 15,000 buzzes produced by 306 individuals in 65 species and six families from Mexico, Scotland and Australia. We found a strong association between body size and the acceleration amplitude of bee buzzes. Comparison of genera that buzz-pollinate and those that do not suggests that buzzpollinating bees produce vibrations with higher acceleration amplitude. We found no relationship between bee size and the fundamental frequency of defence buzzes. Although our results suggest that body size is a major determinant of the amplitude of non-flight vibrations, we also observed considerable variation in vibration properties among bees of equivalent size and even within individuals. Both morphology and behaviour thus affect the biomechanical properties of non-flight buzzes.

This article aims to broaden the understanding of Operational Depth (OD) by rethinking how it can be perceived. The emphasis when doing so is dedicated to cognitive effects, thus another dimension of depth, compared to the mainstream physical- or temporal approaches to depth in military thought. The empirical focus draws on Israel and explicitly the case of the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah to provide an example where a lack of physical depth is skillfully handled, hence the title Wizards of Depth. The empiric inquiry is guided by an analytical framework, departing from a theoretical elaboration where OD is approached as a circular trinity: the ability to project, absorb, and manoeuver available coercive assets along offensive and defensive lines of operation. By using this definition in concert with the analytical framework, the article represents a mediation − a dialectic practice between the linear approaches to operations of the West and the more circular, often non-contiguous, and evolving perceptions found further east. When doing so, the article demonstrates how depth can be perceived in various ways, subsequently providing possible avenues to extend depth for actors beyond the Israeli example. A qualitative approach is employed, drawing on extensive fieldwork in Israel.

Using a perspective external to the Swedish Armed Forces this study examine the Swedish management of capability and technology development focusing on defence equipment. The study analyses a value chain that identifies activities from strategy definition to delivered capability in the case of Swedish management of capability and technology development. In general the study show that Swedish Armed Forces has a structured system supporting each activity in the value chain. However, challenges and potential for improvement can be found throughout the value chain. Especially an effective translator between, what Industries would call Voice of the Customer and Voice of the Engineer, could improve the effectiveness at both the Armed Forces and the Defence Industry.

This thesis uses a sociological communities of practice approach and the concept of imaginaries to analyse the interaction of foreign policy decision and implementation during the UK’s ‘Comprehensive Approach to the Helmand War. My objective is to address a lacuna in the foreign policy analysis literature on implementation and to explain the UK’s involvement in Helmand systematically, not just as a faulty decision or an inadequate implementation, but via the interaction of both. I argue that ‘stagist’ conceptions of decision and implementation in foreign policy analysis have served only to obscure implementation and that analysis of the two needs to embrace a sociological view of the individuals and groups involved to appreciate the duality and constant interaction of the two. I show that understanding of this interaction is greatly aided by embracing a third concept; design which mediates decision and implementation and is qualitatively different to them. I also argue that the Helmand case study allows us to identify critical ‘stress factors’ between the social ecology of intervenor’s organisations and the problem being dealt with which could prove useful in explaining the path of other foreign policy interventions. I show that the UK’s ‘Comprehensive Approach’ to the Helmand War was anything but. A practice of valuing consensus at the strategic decision level above all else and a process of socially constructing the Helmand decision between the prime minister and the military obscured deep ontological disagreements whilst entirely different epistemologies undermined comprehensiveness at the design level. As a result the implementation level was deeply fragmented and incapable of significant learning on the topic of how to practice stabilisation in Helmand.

The EU has for a long time been moving towards taking more responsibility for its own security through the creation of programmes such as the Common Defence and Security Policy (CSDP) and the European Defence Fund. Increased uncertainty regarding security has caused many states to reconsider their defence arrangements, especially internationally. NATO, the long-established security provider in the transatlantic region, and the EU are seeing a greater functional overlap, which comes with a number of drawbacks. NATO is also concerned with a potential decrease in United States engagement in European security, which can ultimately lead to a so-called discontinuity challenge among the European States. Finland and Sweden have recently abandoned their military non-alignment for membership in NATO. This begs the question of why these states join NATO when they are already part of the EU’s CSDP and how these two states view the functional relationship between the EU and NATO. The study shows that both Finland and Sweden see the EU and NATO as having complementary roles and that cooperation between them should only be increased. Both organizations are seen as necessary for European security. Two of the main motivations for joining NATO are the increased aggression from Russia as well as being a way to improve relations with the US and maintain US engagement in European security.

Due diligence is a frequently used concept that describes measures aimed at preventing and mitigating adverse impacts and risks. Due diligence should be highly relevant to the defence industry: It is estimated the combined arms sales of the world’s top 100 armsproducing and military services companies to have been $531 billion in 2020, of which 21 per cent (or $109 billion) was derived from the arms sales of 26 European companies. Such an overall market size is accompanied by a general recognition of the adverse impacts that exported arms may have in either intended countries or ultimate destinations. Despite the recognition of adverse impacts, relatively limited attention has been paid to due diligence and the associated liability of arms-exporting companies compared to those applicable to some other business sectors.

The objective of this thesis is to generate and enhance technical specifications for mooring equipment designated for the Swedish Navy, as commissioned by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration. The technical specifications will primarily emphasize the capacity to endure various load scenarios imposed by the Swedish Defence on the mooring equipment. This technical report constitutes a preliminary investigation in collecting technical requirements where the mechanical characteristics will be of focus. The investigation assessed the elasticity characteristics of mooring ropes, considering their dependence on length and loading rate. As the mooring ropes are exposed to large forces and environmental circumstances, this study focused on investigating the impact of a used and worn rope, with the conclusive finding that the worn rope exhibited a substantial decline in its strength characteristics. The thesis work will examine the different load cases, encompassing both slow and shock loadings, with the result that Young's modulus does depend on the loading rate and that the magnitude of damping in the rope holds notable significance. The mooring goods must also endure extreme conditions without failing prematurely while still conforming to the performance requirements of the personnel handling the ropes. Therefore, a study is included regarding how much impact the weather conditions may have on the mooring ropes and which parameters are important. The thesis also outlines the importance of considering similar handling standards for new mooring goods, given the expectation of future procurement. It is crucial to avoid certain mistakes during handling, which can severely damage personnel and equipment. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the new mooring ropes meet the current handling standards to maintain safety and avoid costly accidents. This report emphasizes the significance of adhering to proper handling standards in procuring and deploying mooring goods f, Syftet med detta arbete är att utveckla samt förbättra de tekniska specifikationer som FMV idag besitter angående de tampar \& förtöjningsgods som är avsedda för den svenska flottan, på uppdrag av Försvarets Materielverk, FMV. Denna rapport är en förstudie för samlandet av tekniska krav där fokuset främst ligger på de mekaniska egenskaperna ur ett hållfasthetsmässigt perspektiv. Undersökningen bedömde elasticitetsegenskaperna hos förtöjningsrep med hänsyn till deras beroende av längd och belastningshastighet. Eftersom dessa förtöjningsrep utsätts av diverse stora krafter och miljöförhållanden så undersöktes även vilken påverkan detta har på repen. Detta undersöktes genom att jämföra ett nytt mot ett gammalt och slitet rep. Båda av samma modell och tillverkare. Denna jämförelse ledde till slutsatsen att det använda repet besatt en betydande nedgång i samtliga sina egenskaper ur ett förtöjningsperspektiv. Avhandlingen kommer undersöka repens, främst amfibiebataljonens, olika belastningssituationer, inklusive både långsamma och plötsliga belastningar för att utvärdera de olika lastfallen de kan tänkas utsättas för. Detta resulterade i att elasticitetsmodulen verkar ha ett beroende av lastningshastigheten och visar på viskoelastiska egenskaper samt att dämpningsfaktorn har en betydande storlek hos tampen. Förtöjningsutrustningen måste även klara en rad olika miljöförhållanden utan att plötsligt ge vika, samtidigt som de uppfyller prestandakraven hos besättningen. Därför följer även en utredning kring hur mycket väderförhållandena kan påverka repen samt vilka parametrar som är viktiga att ta hänsyn till. Rapporten syftar även till att betona vikten av standardisering för ny förtöjningsutrustning med tanke på eventuell framtida upphandling. Det kan vara avgörande att undvika misstag vid hantering, vilket kan resultera i skador på besättning och utrustning. Därför är det viktigt att se till att nya förtöjningsrep uppfyller och upprätthåller de aktuella standarder som f

This chapter outlines the findings of the volume. The authors outline a framework for a versatile approach to land warfare. First, they establish a structure of the myriad elements and factors influencing land forces, presenting a continuum of land operations modelling the use of conventional capacity and kinetic effects at different levels of conflict intensity and the role of land forces visualizing the heterogeneity of possible conflict environments where land forces may be deployed. Thereafter, the chapter presents two schematic models; the first locates land forces in the broader operating environment by outlining how the strategic environment, conflict intensity, interoperability, and multi-domain operations are constitutive enablers and/or constraints to activities in the land domain. The second outlines how the capabilities of forces in the land domain need to be understood as a function of the interaction between own capabilities, the adversary, the human- and physical terrain, and the information environment. The multidimensional demands placed on land forces in contemporary and future operational environments necessitate a conscious multi-pronged approach to the development of land warfare capabilities, aimed at gaining a versatile edge on tomorrow’s battlefields. In turn, this concerns both the build-up and construction of capabilities, and the means by which they are deployed and utilized in future conflict. The chapter argues that the achievement of versatility should be a crucial aim of contemporary land forces. As outlined in the integrated versatility model, versatility builds on two interrelated and mutually reinforcing qualities in a military organization, adaptability and flexibility. Together, they compose the underlying preconditions for truly versatile land forces.

International politics have become ever more volatile over the last decade, increasing the risk of large-scale military violence. Yet the precise character of future war will depend on a range of factors that relate to adversaries, allies, technology, geographical scope and multiple domains of warfighting. Few would question that land forces will be important also in the foreseeable future. However, given that the battlefield is in a state of transformation, so is the mission, purpose and utilization of land forces. Indeed, the future conduct of land warfare is subjected to serious and important questions in the face of large and complex challenges and security threats. Advanced Land Warfare explores the evolving role of land forces, paying particular attention to the changes that have taken place in the art of commanding and executing combat, as well as the role of rapid technological innovation and information dissemination in shaping warfare. The book provides insights into key contemporary developments in land warfare and presents case studies on land tactics and operations in different national contexts, drawing on the best of theory, practice, and professional experience and featuring chapters written by leading international scholars and practitioners. Relating to the realities of the modern battlefield, the book addresses a number of critical questions about land tactics and operations, combining a conceptual basis with empirical examples of tactical thinking and practice and emphasising the importance of understanding the perspectives of various national armies, in order to provide a current understanding of the central issues of land warfare. This chapter is structured as follows. First, the development of land warfareis briefly outlined, before key current and future challenges in the operational environment are examined. In the following section, the future character ofwar and the transformation of the battlefield is addressed. Thereafter, the structure

The current state of competition in outer space puts countries' strategic space capabilities at the centre of their strategic planning. International organisations are becoming aware of the need to protect space assets in the face of a growing number of threats, which will require additional efforts in terms of means to mitigate their effects. The rapprochement between space and defence, in order to be able to act in this new scenario, favours the participation of defence and security organisations and requires States to provide the defence dimension required for this purpose. Spain, both through the Ministry of Defence and in other initiatives that require its participation, is prepared to contribute to this call from NATO, the European Union and the United Nations, with the means available and the measures that its country context allows., El estado actual de competición en el espacio exterior sitúa a las capacidades estratégicas espaciales de los países en el objetivo de la planificación estratégica de todos ellos. Los organismos internacionales están cobrando conciencia de la necesidad de proteger los activos espaciales ante un creciente número de amenazas, lo que requerirá de un esfuerzo adicional en cuanto a medios para mitigar sus efectos. La aproximación entre el espacio y la defensa, para poder actuar en este nuevo escenario, propicia la participación de los organismos de defensa y seguridad y exige a los Estados el aporte de esta dimensión de defensa que se requiere para ello. España, tanto a través del Ministerio de Defensa como en otras iniciativas que requieren de su concurrencia, está preparada para contribuir a esta llamada desde la OTAN, Unión Europea y Naciones Unidas, con los medios disponibles y las medidas que su contexto país le permitan.

El estado actual de competición en el espacio exterior sitúa a las capacidades estratégicas espaciales de los países en el objetivo de la planificación estratégica de todos ellos. Los organismos internacionales están cobrando conciencia de la necesidad de proteger los activos espaciales ante un creciente número de amenazas, lo que requerirá de un esfuerzo adicional en cuanto a medios para mitigar sus efectos. La aproximación entre el espacio y la defensa, para poder actuar en este nuevo escenario, propicia la participación de los organismos de defensa y seguridad y exige a los Estados el aporte de esta dimensión de defensa que se requiere para ello. España, tanto a través del Ministerio de Defensa como en otras iniciativas que requieren de su concurrencia, está preparada para contribuir a esta llamada desde la OTAN, Unión Europea y Naciones Unidas, con los medios disponibles y las medidas que su contexto país le permitan., The current state of competition in outer space puts countries' strategic space capabilities at the centre of their strategic planning. International organisations are becoming aware of the need to protect space assets in the face of a growing number of threats, which will require additional efforts in terms of means to mitigate their effects. The rapprochement between space and defence, in order to be able to act in this new scenario, favours the participation of defence and security organisations and requires States to provide the defence dimension required for this purpose. Spain, both through the Ministry of Defence and in other initiatives that require its participation, is prepared to contribute to this call from NATO, the European Union and the United Nations, with the means available and the measures that its country context allows.

Many nations are developing their military towards so-called Multi-Domain Operations with artificialintelligence (AI) as a pivotal component, despite identified challenges. Modern-day military operationsunderscore the need for updated battle management and cross-domain communication, central to theprinciples of Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2). AI's potential is obvious, and whileautonomous platforms revolutionize warfare, they introduce complexities in command and control (C2),which is also reflected in capability development. This study identifies suitable concepts for systemicanalysis of military capability and is the starting point in forming a framework for C2 capability developmentin the context depicted. A number of concepts are identified; Combat Power, Fighting Power, Joint functions,Warfighting functions, Elements of combat power, Warfighting Capability, DOTMLPF(I), TEPIDOIL,Fundamental inputs to capability, Defence lines of Development, and Military Power. The study alsohighlights their systemic character and guides the reader briefly in matching issues with suitable concepts.

Dutch Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Dutch Defense industry provided a novel research setting with hard-to-define innovation goals. Individuals from both sides of the PPP with practical experience in PPPs that focus on experimental development were interviewed. Within the Dutch MoD these were innovation coordinators within sub-organizations and within the Defense Industry these were leaders, Management of Technology (MoT)

The blue ocean of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) of the European Union is the object of study of this research, from a basically policy-making approach, focused on policy design. As a starting point, it takes content from geopolitics and realism theories that analyse why the common European defence policy is so problematic. The study explains the blue ocean tool with the case study of the F-35 aircraft. Based on their understanding, the red ocean strategy is described against the blue ocean strategy, contrasting a Europe within NATO and dependent on the US against a Europe as A²E (strategic actor and strategic autonomy).Subsequently, the scheme of four actions in the construction of a common defence policy in Europe is elaborated. The blue ocean matrix is structured, where the construction of a common defence policy in Europe is analysed, presenting what should be eliminated from the defence policy, what should be reduced, what should be increased and, finally, what should be created to achieve a common security and defence policy of the European Union (EU). Then, the four organizational barriers to achieving a European Armed Forces and the three key components of the change to the European Armed Forces are considered., El océano azul de la política común de seguridad y defensa (PCSD) de la Unión Europea es el objeto de estudio de esta investigación, desde una aproximación básicamente de policy-making, centrada en el policy design. Como punto de partida, toma contenidos de la geopolítica y las teorías del realismo que analizan por qué es tan problemática la política común de defensa europea. El estudio explica la herramienta del océano azul con el caso práctico de la aeronave F-35. A partir de su comprensión, se describe la estrategia del océano rojo frente a la estrategia del océano azul, contraponiendo una Europa en el seno de la OTAN y con dependencia de EEUU ante una Europa como A²E (actor estratégico y autonomía estratégica).Posteriormente, se elabora el esquema de cuatro acciones en la construcción de una política común de defensa en Europa. Se estructura la matriz del océano azul, donde se analiza la construcción de una política común de defensa en Europa, presentando aquello que debería eliminarse de la política de defensa, lo que debería reducirse, lo que se debería incrementar y, finalmente, lo que se crearía para alcanzar una política común de seguridad y defensa de la Unión Europea (UE). Luego, se plantean las cuatro barreras organizacionales para alcanzar unas Fuerzas Armadas Europeas y los tres componentes clave del cambio a las Fuerzas Armadas Europeas.

Pairwise trade-offs among the main dimensions of life history of plants, namely growth, reproduction and defence, have repeatedly tested with inconclusive results. Relationships between life history dimensions mediate the evolution of reproductive strategies, such as masting, as they are key to understand resource allocation, predator satiation and the response of plants to resource and climate variation. We carried out two long-term field experiments with 81 clonally replicated individuals from 6 genotypes to assess their response to increased resource availability (fertilization and control treatments) and simulated herbivory (low intensity mechanical wounding, high intensity mechanical wounding, needle clipping, jasmonate application and control treatments). The data set comprises 6 csv files containing between 6 and 19 variables each, with data on tree (ramet) growth (DBH), reproductive effort and performance (female and male strobili production, number of ripe cones, number of healthy seeds, total number of seeds and mean dry weight of seeds), nutrient content (P, C, N and C/N), production of defensive compounds (total resin and total phenolics) and realized herbivory damage (damage level produced by Pissodes castaneus) during six years (four reproductive cohorts).

The chapter focuses on the goals, strategies and likely impact of the current initiatives on the European Defence Technological Industrial Base (EDTIB) – i.e. the complex web of infrastructure, institutions, and ideas that convert state resources into the means of warfare.

National defence budgets face pressure from intergenerational escalating costs for complex defence products, such as fighter aircraft and submarines. These escalating costs originate from ever-increasing performance requirements due to the competitive nature of warfare. In combat, only winning is good enough. Therefore, the products’ performance is considered crucial for gaining an edge over an opponent. As the continuous development of ever-costlier complex defence products is not sustainable, it is high time for a path change towards affordability, meaning less costly products without any compromises in terms of operational requirements. However, the fact that this cost escalation has long been recognised as unsustainable indicates that a path change towards affordability will not be easy to achieve. Such a path change will likely require radical changes in product concepts – even though costs might be reduced in other ways, product concepts are believed to have the greatest potential. In accordance with this assumption, this thesis suggest that the phenomenon of continuous generation of ever-costlier complex defence concepts is ultimately sealed in the front end of innovation, where opportunities are identified and product concepts are defined. Accordingly, this thesis aims to explore how firms and customers can influence activities in the front end of innovation in order to successfully manage the affordability of complex defence products. This aim is approached through phenomenon-driven research performed in a set of four concatenated studies, represented by five papers. By letting successive studies be informed by preceding studies, new knowledge and theory are added to this under-researched topic. Empirically, several factors and aspects influencing the front end of innovation are identified as potential barriers to or enablers of path changes towards affordability. In addition, different measures that companies and customers can adopt to support such path, Nationella försvarsbudgetar är under press från de kontinuerliga kostnadsökningar som varje ny produktgeneration av komplex försvarsmateriel medför, t.ex. stridsflygplan och ubåtar. Dessa kostnadsökningar kommer av ständigt ökade prestandakrav vilka grundar sig i krigets natur som innebär att endast vinna är gott nog, och på grund av att prestandan på materielen anses ha en avgörande betydelse för att nå ett övertag över en fiende. Denna kostnadsutveckling för komplex försvarsmateriel är uppenbart inte hållbar i längden vilket innebär att det är hög tid att byta till ett utvecklingsspår som leder mot ”affordability”, det vill säga produkter som medför lägre kostnader utan att för den delen kompromissa operativa krav. Eftersom kostnadsutvecklingen ändå har fortsatt trots att den ansetts vara ohållbar sedan lång tid tillbaka, så indikerar det att en kursändring mot ”affordability” inte sker helt enkelt. Det antas därför att en kursändring mot ”affordability” kräver radikala förändringar på produktkonceptnivå, eftersom det är produktkoncepten som anses medge den största potentialen för kostnadsreduktioner, även om kostnader till del även rimligen skulle kunna reduceras på andra sätt. I enlighet med detta antagande föreslås det att fenomenet att allt dyrare generationer komplex försvarsmateriel utvecklas slutligen avgörs i ”front end of innovation”, där möjligheter identifieras och produktkoncept definieras. Av den anledningen är syftet med den här avhandlingen att undersöka hur företag och kunder kan påverka aktiviteterna i ”front end of innovation” avseende komplex försvarsmateriel, så att dessa aktiviteter på ett framgångsrikt omhändertar ”affordability”. Detta syfte eftersträvades att uppnås genom en fenomendriven forskning som genomfördes med hjälp av fyra sammanlänkade studier, resulterande i fem artiklar. Genom strategin att låta efterföljande studier inriktas av föregående studier har ny kunskap och teori successivt kunnat adderas till detta sedan tidigare under

Social engineering has been an extremely serious security threat for several years, and the number of social engineering attacks that have been executed, the majority of which have been successful, has been steadily increasing in rapid succession. This increase can be attributed to numerous factors, such as a general increase in the accessibility and affordability of networking services and sites. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has also led to an increase in the number of attacks that have been executed and has also contributed to social engineering attacks becoming more successful than ever, due to the fear and anxiety that has been become a prevalent issue due to the pandemic. While social engineering is still a detrimental issue to cyber security infrastructure and corporations everywhere no one solution can be implemented, either through the use of hardware or software, that can prevent social engineering attacks from occurring. In order to aid everyday users in gaining a better understanding and to inform them about social engineering, a set of research questions are proposed, where we seek to highlight modern social engineering attacks, present both scientific and practical defence strategies and determine how aware non-IT students are about social engineering attacks. To answer these questions, a literature survey is performed along with a case study, where we seek to gain a deeper insight into the understanding and awareness that both non-IT students and IT experts have about social engineering attacks, techniques and defense strategies. The results of this research project demonstrated that there are a number of practical solutions offered in both state-of-the-art and state-of-the-practice literature that can be used to counter various social engineering attack methods. Additionally, it seems that IT-experts seem to implement some form of these prevention methods in real life. Additionally, the study shows that generally, non-IT students are quite aware

Based on common democratic principles and a growing union of interests on bilateral, global and regional concerns, India and the United States have grown their bilateral relations into a "global strategic partnership." The concentration on growth and decent governance by the Indian government has given a chance to strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation under the mottos "Sanjha Prayas, Sab ka Vikas" (Shared Effort, Progress for All) and "Chalein Saath Saath" (Forward Together We Go), which were adopted during the first two summits between Prime Minister Modi and President Obama in September 2014 and January 2015, respectively. India and the United States were described as "Enduring Global Partners in the 21st Century" in the summit-level joint statement released in June 2016. Regular high-level political meetings have sustainedly boosted bilateral cooperation, and the extensive and expanding dialogue architecture has laid the groundwork for future India-U.S. engagement. The business and funding, security and defence, educational, and other facets of the bilateral relationship between the United States and India have all expanded and become cross-cutting. Active interpersonal communication and support from the public in both countries help to strengthen our bilateral relationship.