SMALL STATES' COMBINED USE OF SPECIAL OPERATIONS TO ACHIEVE STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES IN GREAT POWER COMPETITION

The evolving dynamics of Great Power Competition (GPC) among China, Russia, and the United States necessitate that special operations forces (SOF) reassess how to maintain their relevance, prompting small states to seek cooperation with comparable partners who share similar strategic objectives to effectively navigate these new challenges. This thesis addresses how small states can conduct combined special operations in GPC to achieve strategic objectives. The study uses strategic management theory to explore interorganizational cooperation as a framework for small state SOF organizations to collaborate. Three theories—the resource-based view, the relational view, and network governance—are applied in qualitative analyses to identify key factors in the outcome of three historical case studies. Data collection included semi-structured interviews followed by a cross-case analysis to bring the case studies into the contemporary context. The findings collectively provide a framework built on strategic management theory to assess and develop SOF capabilities and build a network of small state SOF organizations. The study recommends implementing the conceptual framework developed in this thesis as a solid foundation for combined operations. In this capacity, the study can serve as a guideline for small states to conduct combined special operations to achieve strategic objectives in GPC.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Major, Royal Danish Arm

Industrial Round-Wood or Fuel-Chips in Medium-Aged Norway Spruce

Close-to-nature forestry may contribute to fulfil the objective of sustainable forestry. In western Denmark conversion of even-aged monocultures of Norway spruce to more stable stands has high priority, and must be done before close-to-nature forest management systems such as selection management can be implemented. Shelterwood regeneration in medium-aged Norway spruce stands seems to be the most promising method for conversion. Time consumption and damages were studied on the different harvesting methods in the establishment of the shelterwood. The traditional cut-to-length system gave higher net income than the fuel chip harvesting systems, but changes in price relations or lower stand quality might reverse this. The damage rate of remaining trees seems to be negatively correlated with the productivity of the logging/chipping operation

Operational Aspects of Row and Selective Thinning in the Establishing of a Shelterwood in a 50-Year-Old Norway Spruce Stand

The aim of this study is to investigate the productivity, thinning quotient, reduction in basal area, damage rate, and costs of operation of row and selective thinning in the establishment of a shelterwood in a medium-aged Norway spruce stand. The cutting was performed with a single-grip harvester operating from existing striproads (spacing 15 m) parallel to the tree-rows. Extraction with a forwarder was studied in the same stand. The two thinnings were more alike than expected. The thinning quotient was 0.9 and the reduction in basal area round 40% in both treatments. The time consumption for harvesting was larger in row than in selective thinning because row thinning was more difficult to perform when the harvester worked from striproads parallel to the tree-rows. No difference in forwarding productivity was found. The damage rate was higher in row than in selective thinning. It is concluded that row thinning from striproads parallel to the tree-rows has a negative influence on both productivity and quality of the work. This type of row thinning is difficult to perform because the tree-rows are difficult to identify and because the trees are more difficult to reach. The operational aspects should be considered before a thinning method is chosen. Row thinning should preferably be carried out either by driving on removed rows or from striproads perpendicular to the tree-rows

Exploring the equity of GP practice prescribing rates for selected coronary heart disease drugs: a multiple regression analysis with proxies of healthcare need

Background There is a small, but growing body of literature highlighting inequities in GP practice prescribing rates for many drug therapies. The aim of this paper is to further explore the equity of prescribing for five major CHD drug groups and to explain the amount of variation in GP practice prescribing rates that can be explained by a range of healthcare needs indicators (HCNIs). Methods The study involved a cross-sectional secondary analysis in four primary care trusts (PCTs 1–4) in the North West of England, including 132 GP practices. Prescribing rates (average daily quantities per registered patient aged over 35 years) and HCNIs were developed for all GP practices. Analysis was undertaken using multiple linear regression. Results Between 22–25% of the variation in prescribing rates for statins, beta-blockers and bendrofluazide was explained in the multiple regression models. Slightly more variation was explained for ACE inhibitors (31.6%) and considerably more for aspirin (51.2%). Prescribing rates were positively associated with CHD hospital diagnoses and procedures for all drug groups other than ACE inhibitors. The proportion of patients aged 55–74 years was positively related to all prescribing rates other than aspirin, where they were positively related to the proportion of patients aged >75 years. However, prescribing rates for statins and ACE inhibitors were negatively associated with the proportion of patients aged >75 years in addition to the proportion of patients from minority ethnic groups. Prescribing rates for aspirin, bendrofluazide and all CHD drugs combined were negatively associated with deprivation. Conclusion Although around 25–50% of the variation in prescribing rates was explained by HCNIs, this varied markedly between PCTs and drug groups. Prescribing rates were generally characterised by both positive and negative associations with HCNIs, suggesting possible inequities in prescribing rates on the basis of ethnicity, deprivation and the proportion of patients aged over 75 years (for statins and ACE inhibitors, but not for aspirin)

Assessing the Utility of Two Integrated Harvester-Forwarder Machine Concepts Through Stand-Level Simulation

The relative performance of two integrated machine concepts (combined harvesting / forwarding capabilities) was assessed against a conventional harvester / forwarder CTL system in a simulated thinning regime. Multiple-regression based on the simulation output was used in deriving time-consumption functions at the systems and machine level. Descriptive stand variables could be reduced to; harvest volume (m3/ha), stem volume (m3), lead distance (m) and object volume (m3/ stand) while maintaining acceptable statistical rigour (R2 > 0.95). The ability of one of the integrated machines to process logs directly onto the bunk provided it with an advantage that more than compensated for its reduced harvesting efficiency. Both integrated machine systems show a competitive advantage in forest structures with low object volumes and long or frequent relocations. Factors negatively affecting forwarding productivity (e.g. long lead distances) favour the conventional two-machine system. A break-even economic analysis showed that integrated machines could present a feasible alternative to contemporary mechanised CTL systems