Volcanic climate impacts can act as ultimate and proximate causes of Chinese dynastic collapse

State or societal collapses are often described as featuring rapid reductions in socioeconomic complexity, population loss or displacement, and/or political discontinuity, with climate thought to contribute mainly by disrupting a society’s agroecological base. Here we use a state-of-the-art multi-ice-core reconstruction of explosive volcanism, representing the dominant global external driver of severe short-term climatic change, to reveal a systematic association between eruptions and dynastic collapse across two millennia of Chinese history. We next employ a 1,062-year reconstruction of Chinese warfare as a proxy for political and socioeconomic stress to reveal the dynamic role of volcanic climatic shocks in collapse. We find that smaller shocks may act as the ultimate cause of collapse at times of high pre-existing stress, whereas larger shocks may act with greater independence as proximate causes without substantial observed pre-existing stress. We further show that post-collapse warfare tends to diminish rapidly, such that collapse itself may act as an evolved adaptation tied to the influential “mandate of heaven” concept in which successive dynasties could claim legitimacy as divinely sanctioned mandate holders, facilitating a more rapid restoration of social order.

Potentials and Barriers of Agility in Small and Medi-um Sized Enterprises

Our explorative, qualitative study uncovers the dynamic processes of agility unleashing or inhibiting potentials within German small and medium sized enterprises through the lens of digitization. Based on an analysis of 22 interviews, we propose a conceptual model, which illuminates antecedents and external determinants of agility and their impact on potentials and performance in organizational settings. In this process we determine digitization both as an external driver and as an internal provider of agility. Resource constraints and traditional leadership styles are SME-specific barriers to agility. How extensively the potentials of agility can be utilized dependents on the moderating factors firm size and department.

CONCEPTUAL MODEL FOR SME DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC TIME IN INDONESIA: R-DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION MODEL

Digital transformation is one that has been accelerated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that has hit the world since the end of 2019. As a sector that has proven reliable in facing the SME crisis, it is encouraged to accelerate its digital transformation process due to the distance limitation policy imposed during the pandemic. This article aims to assess the importance of understanding the right digital transformation model for each SME, especially in taking advantage of the accelerated momentum due to the social restriction policies imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, because choosing the right model will provide a better probability of successful transformation. This research is qualitative research through content analysis to produce a theoretical model construction of the digital transformation model for SMEs in Indonesia which we call the reasonable digital transformation model for SME (R-DT for SME). The conclusion obtained is that based on the mapping of the digital transformation of SMEs in Indonesia on the R-DT model, it can be concluded that: (1) The main trigger for DT UKM is the external driver, not many internal drivers have been found, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. what is done is still reactive in nature and tends to only follow the steps of the transformation of other actors so as not to create a uniqueness of the said SMEs which will result in the loss of opportunities to have a competitive advantage over competitors; (2) In general, the implementers of DT UKM have set a strategic imperative for their decision to carry out digital transformation, but have not set a measurable milestones so that the digital transformation carried out cannot be measured the level of success; (3) DT which is done in general is to change some of the company's operations to digital, this shows the low digital maturity of SMEs in Indonesia today.

Regional-scale abrupt Mid-Holocene ice sheet thinning in the western Ross Sea, Antarctica

Outlet glaciers drain the majority of ice flow in the Antarctic ice sheet. Theory and numerical models indicate that local bed topography can play a key role in modulating outlet glacier response to climate warming, potentially resulting in delayed, asynchronous, or enhanced retreat. However, the period of modern observations is too short to assess whether local or regional controls dominate ice sheet response on time scales that are critical for understanding ice sheet mass loss over this century and beyond. The recent geological past allows for insight into such centennial-scale ice sheet behavior. We present a cosmogenic surface-exposure chronology from Mawson Glacier, adjacent to a region of the Ross Sea that underwent dynamic marine-based ice sheet retreat following the Last Glacial Maximum. Our data record at least 220 m of abrupt ice thinning between 7.5 and 4.5 ka, followed by more gradual thinning until the last millennium. The timing, rates, and magnitudes of thinning at Mawson Glacier are remarkably similar to that documented 100 km to the south at Mackay Glacier. Together, both outlet glaciers demonstrate that abrupt deglaciation occurred across a broad region in the Mid-Holocene. This happened despite the complex bed topography of the western Ross Sea and implies an overarching external driver of retreat. When compared to regional sea-level and ocean-temperature changes, our data indicate that ocean warming most likely drove grounding-line retreat and ice drawdown, which then accelerated as a result of marine ice sheet instability.

Magnetotail reconnection onset caused by electron kinetics with a strong external driver

Magnetotail reconnection plays a crucial role in explosive energy conversion in geospace. Because of the lack of in-situ spacecraft observations, the onset mechanism of magnetotail reconnection, however, has been controversial for decades. The key question is whether magnetotail reconnection is externally driven to occur first on electron scales or spontaneously arising from an unstable configuration on ion scales. Here, we show, using spacecraft observations and particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations, that magnetotail reconnection starts from electron reconnection in the presence of a strong external driver. Our PIC simulations show that this electron reconnection then develops into ion reconnection. These results provide direct evidence for magnetotail reconnection onset caused by electron kinetics with a strong external driver.

One size does not fit all: external driver of the cryptocurrency world

Purpose Considering the different motivation for the creation of each of these cryptocurrencies, the purpose of this paper is to examine whether there is a dominant external factor in the cryptocurrency world. Using a novel two-step time and frequency independent methodology, the authors examine a large scope of cryptocurrencies and external factors within the same period, and analytical framework. Design/methodology/approach The examined cryptocurrencies are Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin, Monero and Dash. In total, 18 external factors from 5 factor families are selected based on the mining motivation of these cryptocurrencies. The study first examines discrete wavelet transform-based (WTB) correlations, reduce the dimension and focuson relevant pairs. Selected pairs are further examined by wavelet coherence to capture the intermittent nature of the relationships allowing the most needed “Flexibility of frequency and time domains”. Findings Each coin appears to operate as a unique character with the exception of Bitcoin and Litecoin. There is no prominent external driver. The cryptocurrency market is not a clear substitute for a specific factor or market. Two-step WTB filtered wavelet coherence analysis help us to analyze a large number of factor without the loss of focus. The co-movements within the cryptocurrencies spillover from Ethereum to altcoins and later to Bitcoin. Originality/value The study presents one of the first examples of two-step WTB filtered wavelet coherence analysis. The methodology suggests an approach for simultaneous examination of large number of variables. The scope of the study provides a rather holistic view of the co-movements of external factors and major cryptocurrencies.

Sustainability in Dentistry: A Multifaceted Approach Needed

This article provides an introduction to environmentally sustainable dentistry and offers perspectives on managing drivers to reduce carbon emissions and make dentistry more environmentally sustainable. A sustainable world must meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Global commitment to sustainability and demands for a sustainable world are growing. Within dentistry, travel creates the highest carbon emissions and also contributes to human health damage. Internally, there are a number of ways to reduce impact by decreasing travel and energy use, as well as carefully considering the types of items purchased (and how they are disposed of). Larger dental organizations can influence their suppliers and industry by choosing to purchase from sustainable companies with environmentally friendly products. From an external driver perspective policy, guidance and research are essential. Governments need to reevaluate decontamination policy from an environmental perspective. Decontamination documents need revision to consider both planetary and public health. Dental organizations need to support dental teams in this area. Insurance providers and health care purchasers should review policies to influence the sustainability of dental providers. Sustainability education needs to be considered as part of the curriculum of undergraduate and postgraduate students. Guidance could also be developed for the dental industry to produce sustainable products. Research needs to be prioritized. Identifying hot spots or areas of high environmental contributions using other assessments such as life cycle analysis (LCA) would allow dentistry to identify products or practices that have a disproportionate adverse impact on the environment and might be prioritized for change. This should include an analysis of single-use instruments, chemicals, and products. Building research capacity by training students and creating virtual or physical centers for sustainability is essential. Financial support is needed for priority areas of research.

PERSEPSI PETANI TERHADAP BUDIDAYA GANDUM TROPIS

Indonesia tried to cultivated wheat since 2000. Characteristics of Indonesia as a tropical country caused the productivity of wheat crops was relatively lower than the productivity of sub-tropical wheat cultivation. The development of wheat cultivation was carried out in various regions, including in Central Java Province. Several institutions had participated to introduce the wheat cultivation in Central Java province. This study explores the farmer perceptions on wheat farming and correlation between internal driver and external driver and farmer's perception on wheat farming, and the correlation between farmer perception toward farmer motivation to cultivate wheat. This research used survey technique to collect primary data from farmers who get involved on wheat cultivation introduction program. Data analysis techniques were used rank spearman correlation analysis. The study showed that respondents in Demak Regency tend to have the perception that wheat cultivation is very unprofitable, not easily cultivated and has a high risk of crop failure. Respondents in Boyolali tend to have the perception that wheat is easily cultivated, but has a high risk of crop failure and high selling prices. Respondents in Klaten Regency tend to have the perception that wheat cultivation is not profitable and has a high risk of crop failure, but has a high selling price. There is no significant relationship on age, education, farming experience, frequency of extension, and farm environmental conditions on farmers' perceptions. There are significant relationship between farmer status, land area, with farmers’ perception on wheat cultivation, and the farmers perception had relation with farmers motivation to cultivate wheat