Archival Data Research Articles

Physical properties of circumnuclear ionising clusters II. NGC 7469

Circumnuclear star-forming regions (CNSFRs) found close to galactic nuclei are ionised by massive clusters. These entities give us an excellent opportunity to study star formation in environments with high metallicity, and to relate it with active galactic nuclei. Our principal aim is to derive the physical properties and dynamical masses of the CNSFRs in the two rings of the spiral NGC 7469, categorised as a luminous infrared galaxy (LIRG) and hosting a Seyfert 1 nucleus. We used archival data obtained with the MUSE spectrograph. The galaxy shows two prominent star-forming rings, one of them very close to their active galactic nucleus, within 1.5 arcsec from the galaxy centre. We constructed 2D flux maps of the different emission lines and two continuum bands. A map of the EW(Hα) emission shows the circumnuclear regions within the rings having EW(Hα) > 50 Å, consistent with the presence of recent star formation. All emission lines appear to have at least two kinematical components. We ascribe the most intense and narrow component to the emission lines originated by the ionising star-forming complexes (SFC) since they follow the radial velocity of the galaxy disc. For each HII region, we derived the number rate of Lyman continuum photons; the gas electron density; the ionisation parameter; the filling factor; and the mass of ionised hydrogen. We used sulphur as a tracer for chemical abundances with the temperature-sensitive SIII λ 6312 Å emission line having been measured in ∼ 50 % of the total, allowing the derivation of abundances by the direct method. The evolutionary state of the SFC was inferred with the help of population synthesis models yielding mean ages of 5.7 Ma, agreeing with the presence of the broad Wolf--Rayet (WR) carbon feature at λ 5800 Å detected in all the regions. Ionising (lower limits) and photometric SFC masses were estimated from the number of Lyman continuum photons and absolute r-magnitudes using stellar population synthesis techniques, and give median values of 2.3 times 10^6 and 6.9 times 10^6, respectively. The dynamical masses (upper limit) were derived from the measured absorption CaT velocity dispersion and the sizes of each cluster were measured on continuum light, assuming virialisation, and yield a median value of 6.7 times 10^8. Regions in the studied galaxy show sizes larger than implied by simple photo-ionisation models, which can be explained by the stellar winds produced by WR stars. The inner ring regions seem to be more compact than the outer ones. The young stellar population of the clusters has contributions of ionising populations with ages around 5 Ma, and its masses constitute less than 1% of the total dynamical mass of each SFC. Finally, the comparison between the characteristics of the inner and outer ring ionising clusters, together with their derived dynamical masses, point to circumnuclear regions close to the active galactic nucleus being more compact and having higher gas density.

Cooling rate and turbulence in the intracluster medium of the cool-core cluster Abell 2667

We present a detailed analysis of the thermal X-ray emission from the intracluster medium in the cool-core galaxy cluster Abell 2667 at z=0.23. Our main goal is to detect low-temperature ($<2$ keV) X-ray emitting gas associated with a potential cooling flow connecting the hot intracluster medium reservoir to the cold gas phase responsible for star formation and supermassive black hole feeding. We combined new deep XMM-Newton EPIC and RGS data, along with archival Chandra data, and performed a spectral analysis of the emission from the core region. We find 1σ upper limits on the fraction of gas cooling equal to ∼ 40 rm M_ ⊙ yr^ and ∼ 50-60 rm M_ ⊙ yr^ in the temperature ranges of 0.5-1 keV and 1-2 keV, respectively. We do not identify OVII, FeXXI-FeXXII, and FeXVII recombination and resonant emission lines in our RGS spectra, implying that the fraction of gas cooling below 1 keV is limited to a few tens of solar masses per year at maximum. We do detect several lines (particularly SiXIV, MgXII, FeXXIII/FeXXIV, NeX, OVIIIα) from which we are able to estimate the turbulent broadening. We obtain a 1σ upper limit of ∼ 320 km/s, which is much higher than the one found in other cool-core clusters such as Abell 1835, suggesting the presence of some mechanisms that boost significant turbulence in the atmosphere of Abell 2667. Imaging analysis of Chandra data suggests the presence of a cold front possibly associated with sloshing or with intracluster medium cavities. However, current data do not allow us to clearly identify the dominant physical mechanism responsible for turbulence. These findings show that Abell 2667 is not different from other, low-redshift, cool-core clusters, with only upper limits on the mass deposition rate associated with possible isobaric cooling flows. Despite the lack of clear signatures of recent feedback events, the large upper limit on the turbulent velocity leaves room for significant heating of the intracluster medium, which may quench cooling in the cool core for an extended period, albeit also driving local intracluster medium fluctuations that will contribute to the next cycle of condensation rain.

Interannual Variability of the South Equatorial Current in the Southeast Indian Ocean Associated with El Niño–Southern Oscillation

Abstract Interannual variability of the South Equatorial Current (SEC) in the southeast Indian Ocean is investigated using Archiving, Validation, and Interpretation of Satellite Oceanographic Data (AVISO) and Global Ocean Reanalysis and Simulations (GLORYS) data from January 1993 to December 2022 and a 1.5-layer reduced-gravity model. Interannual variability of the SEC averaged over the upper 200 m in the southeast Indian Ocean is influenced by El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The SEC has a significant positive correlation with the Niño-3.4 index and lags the Niño-3.4 index by 12–15 months, with the SEC weakening significantly during the decaying years of El Niño events and vice versa for La Niña events. Mechanistic studies suggest that during the developing years of El Niño events, the northward sea level anomaly (SLA) pressure gradient between the negative SLA off Sumatra–Java coast and the positive SLA of SEC region (90°–115°E, 9°–13°S) strengthens the SEC under geostrophic equilibrium. During the decaying years of El Niño events, the negative SLA in the tropical western Pacific Ocean propagates through the Maritime Continent to the SEC region. The SLA pressure gradient between the Sumatra–Java coast and the SEC region reverses to southward. This induces an eastward geostrophic current anomaly under geostrophic equilibrium, significantly weakening the SEC. The converse holds for La Niña events. Local wind in the southeast Indian Ocean has a suppressive effect on the SLA propagated to this area. The results of the 1.5-layer reduced-gravity model verify these phenomena, and the westward-propagating SLA from the Maritime Continent induced by the Pacific wind plays a dominant role in the SLA variation in the SEC region from model experiment. This study can improve the understanding of the effects of ENSO processes on ocean circulation in the southeast Indian Ocean.

Radioactive contamination of southeast Abai oblast, Kazakhstan, from the Chinese nuclear weapons testing program at Lop Nor: an analytical review.

Between 1949 and 1962 the Soviet Union performed atmospheric tests of nuclear weapons at the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site (SNTS) in Kazakhstan, resulting in widespread contamination of the surrounding region with radioactive fallout. Settlements in the southeast Abai oblast of Kazakhstan, close to the border with China, are not thought to have received significant fallout from the SNTS. There is, however, evidence that the study area, including Makanchi, Urdzhar and Taskesken villages, was contaminated by atmospheric nuclear tests performed by China at the Lop Nor NTS between 1964 and 1980. We identified the most reliable data indicating contamination from the Lop Nor tests from archive documents. Prompt sampling of soil performed in the area revealed elevated levels of total beta activity in the days and weeks following the Lop Nor tests. The highest activities were recorded following the thermonuclear tests in June 1967 and June 1973. Tooth enamel dosimetry using electron paramagnetic resonance methods suggests residents of the study area have been exposed to excess doses of 50-60mGy but provides no information on the source and timing of exposure. Currently, evidence of contamination of the study area from nuclear weapons testing at Lop Nor is based on limited radiation measurement data. Therefore, work will continue on the search for archival data on radiological and meteorological monitoring carried out in the study area at the time of the Lop Nor testing campaign.

You’ve Got Mail! The Late 19th Century U.S. Postal Service Expansion, Firm Creation, and Firm Performance

This paper examines the impact of the expansion of the U.S. Postal Service in the late 19th century on firm creation and performance. Utilizing newly digitized archival data on historic business establishments, post office locations, and road networks in California, our study identifies a positive relationship between the expansion of the Postal Service and the emergence of new firms. To address endogeneity concerns, we leverage an unexpected change in the Postal Service route network. Our findings suggest that the Postal Service played a significant role in facilitating firm entry by acting as a carrier of specialized knowledge rather than as a financial service or mass communication infrastructure. We further reveal that, although increased competition from new entrants generally exerted downward pressure on incumbent firms, those relying on specialized knowledge and public technology inputs significantly benefited from local Postal Service access. Taken together, our study underscores the critical role played by the Postal Service in knowledge diffusion and local economic development by enabling the sourcing of specialized knowledge and technologies from other geographies. Overall, our results contribute to a broader understanding of how communication and knowledge dissemination infrastructure can drive entrepreneurship and firm growth, carrying important implications for contemporary discussions on infrastructure development, its potential to stimulate entrepreneurial activity, innovation, and foster local economic communities. This paper was accepted by Olav Sorenson, organizations. Funding: The authors gratefully acknowledge funding from the Harvard Business School Division of Research and Faculty Development. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.03369 .

The Y dwarf population with HST: unlocking the secrets of our coolest neighbours – II. Parallaxes and proper motions

Abstract We present astrometric results from a Hubble Space Telescope (HST) campaign aimed at determining precise distances for cold Y-type brown dwarfs. Combining observations from a dedicated HST/WFC3 program with archival data, we derive astrometric solutions for 15 nearby Y dwarfs, by linking the high-precision relative astrometry from Hubble to the high-accuracy Gaia DR3 absolute reference system, using stars present in both to anchor the two frames of reference. We reach uncertainties on parallaxes below the 1-mas level for half of the sample, and down to 3 mas for two thirds of the targets, or relative precisions <1 % in most cases and 2–5× improvements over previous measurements. For the remaining targets, we achieved slightly lower precisions on parallaxes (5–12 mas, 5–10 %), correlated with the lower signal-to-noise of the faintest targets. The precision reached in our derived proper motions is around 0.1–0.4 mas/yr for most targets, and up to 1–2 mas/yr for less precise cases. Our estimated parallaxes and proper motions are generally in good agreement with literature values, and consistent to 1–2σ with recent Spitzer-derived parallaxes in most cases. These new astrometric solutions provide important validation of these objects’ distances and sky motions, especially given the large disparities seen in previous estimates. Our results demonstrate the power of HST combined with Gaia to measure highly-precise absolute astrometry for faint brown dwarfs, and highlights the limitations reached for the reddest and coldest objects, for which JWST will certainly provide a favourable platform to improve these results.

The Lack of RR Lyrae Variables in Ultrafaint Dwarf Galaxy Sextans II

Abstract RR Lyrae in ultrafaint dwarf (UFD) galaxies, if found, would be valuable to constrain the distances of these UFD. In this work, we report our search of RR Lyrae in a recently discovered UFD—Sextans II. Based on multiband (griz) time-series archival DECam imaging data, we do not find any RR Lyrae in Sextans II. On the contrary, the sparse multiband DECam light curves allowed recovery of a known foreground RR Lyrae, BB Sex, which happened to fall within the DECam images, and its pulsation period was correctly identified. Therefore, it is possible that Sextans II lacks RR Lyrae, similar to several other fainter UFDs (with M V ≳ −5.0 mag) that do not have RR Lyrae.

EXPRESS: Design and Analysis of Efficient Sequencing Policies for Linear Cold Storage Devices

In this paper, we investigate the problem of sequencing data requests for linear devices, such as magnetic tapes, to minimize response time in cold-storage solutions for archival data. Tapes are the technology of choice for long-term storage due to their reliability, low costs, security, and significant energy savings. However, physical limitations on tape pose challenges to policy implementation, which must be scalable on low-power hardware. We provide a theoretical and numerical analysis of existing policies and introduce new ones, identifying cases where each is applicable and evaluating their theoretical performance in terms of the number of requested files. In particular, we show that the standard first-in, first-out (FIFO) policy can be arbitrarily inefficient and investigate novel constant-ratio approximations and polynomial-time procedures. If data on the frequency with which each file is accessed is available, we consider a dynamic programming procedure to minimize a stochastic variant of the problem, providing a constant-time approximation for arbitrary file requests. We also investigate a quality criterion based on makespan and explore online variants of the problem. Our numerical analysis, conducted on both synthetic and real-world data from an industry partner, offers insights into when each policy is most appropriate, identifying cases where the proposed algorithms significantly outperform traditional policies, like FIFO, in terms of average reading times. This study has managerial implications, as current data retrieval practices in data centers are often limited to traditional policies with unknown theoretical performance. Our methodological and numerical analysis provides evidence of the value in appropriately sequencing requests based on tape structure, guiding algorithm choice and highlighting underlying trade-offs in response times.

A processual framework for understanding the rise of the populist right: the case of Brazil (2013–2018)

Abstract How and in what sequence do social structures, contingent events, and agents’ decisions combine over time to bring about a new populist right? To answer this question, we propose a framework to analyze social processes spanning three levels of analysis: global political economy, national political articulation, and subnational political geography. We challenge static theories that focus solely on the “supply and demand” for populism, as well as purely contingent accounts of a “perfect storm.” Instead, we argue that processes across these three levels link together in causal chains to produce an “ecosystem” of right-wing populist support. To specify this framework, we analyze the ascendance of Jair Bolsonaro to the presidency of Brazil between 2013 and 2018, drawing upon quantitative macroeconomic and protest event data, qualitative interview and archival data collected from private sector actors and social movements, and geo-spatial electoral data. Finally, we probe the generalizability of this analytical framework through a discussion of secondary work on recent cases of right-wing populism in the Global South. By focusing on the dynamic connection of inter-scalar processes over time, we illustrate how our framework paves the way for further conjunctural analyses of the current right-wing populist upsurge.

Comparison of sickness absences across industries: A cross-sectional study using the JILPT Data Archive

Assessing the risk of employee health problems according to firm characteristics (e.g., industry) can be used by companies to identify groups of workers with health problems and develop health-related policies. Previous studies have examined differences in the prevalence of diseases across industries; however, studies using sickness absences, which reduce productivity, are scarce. The purpose of this study was to identify differences in sickness absence rates across industries. With permission for secondary use of archived data from the Japan Institute for Labor Policy and Training (JILPT), we obtained data from private companies with 50 or more regular employees nationwide. Negative binomial regression was conducted using the number of sickness absences attributed to mental health, cancer, lifestyle-related diseases (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, cerebrovascular disease), and intractable diseases as the objective variables. The results were confirmed by an ordinal logistic regression. Firm characteristics other than industry were adjusted for firm size, age structure, medical examinations, labor unions, and flexible work systems. The incidence of sickness absences due to mental health was high in the information and communications, medical care/welfare, and education/learning support industries because of lifestyle-related diseases, and heart disease was high in the transportation/postal industry. Cancer was high in the medical care/welfare industry. While older worker age groups had a lower incidence of mental health issues, a higher incidence of physical illnesses, excluding intractable diseases, was observed. The presence of a labor union was associated with sickness absences due to mental health, cancer, and cerebrovascular disease, and the availability of a flexible work system was associated with sickness absences due to mental health and heart disease. The three industries with a high incidence of mental health leave had a high percentage of professional/technical workers and a common background of heavy workloads. In addition, role ambiguity, particularly in the education and medical industries, could lead to stress. The association between the transportation/postal industry and sickness absences due to lifestyle-related diseases and heart disease was probably influenced by work style and lifestyle, whereas the association between the medical care/welfare industry and sickness absences due to cancer was probably influenced by the high percentage of women in this industry. This study could not be adjusted for several variables examined in other studies, such as sex, and caution should be exercised when interpreting the results, especially regarding absences due to cancer.

Design of University Archives Business Data Push System Based on B/S Structure

In view of the inaccurate results and poor real-time performance of college archives business data push, the college archives business data push system based on B/S structure is designed using ASP/NET, ADO.NET, and other technologies. The system consists of database management module, management maintenance module and query module. The database management module uses the archive business data classification method optimized based on the initial cluster center to classify and manage large-scale archive data. The management and maintenance module completes the encryption and decryption management of archive business data through key management technology and key verification. After the user enters a valid key to log in to the system, the query module uses the association rule-based file business data push method to extract the file data in the strong weighted association rule conditions from the database, feed it back to the front browser interface, and complete the file business data push. After testing, the average accuracy rate of this system for multiple file data push is greater than 0.95, and the maximum time consumption for file business data push after use is reduced by 748[Formula: see text]ms.

Reframing tradition: how NGOs sell market-based conservation to Indigenous communities—lessons from the Leco community in Bolivia

We examine how a market-based conservation non-governmental organization (NGO) persuaded an Indigenous community in Bolivia to adopt new livelihood practices based on neoliberal conservation principles. These practices required the community to abandon their cherished traditional methods in favor of modern farming techniques. We found the community reluctantly accepted the NGO’s proposed market-based conservation-friendly practices. The community had invited NGO collaboration after a hard-fought battle for land rights and autonomy. To understand the communication strategy for swaying the community, we apply framing theory from communicative and social movements literature. Through analysis of archival data, interviews with NGO officials, and fieldwork in Bolivian communities, we highlight the importance of different framing strategies, especially ‘prognostic’ and ‘motivational’ framing, in persuading Indigenous Leco farmers to adopt market-driven conservation practices. Our study contributes to understanding the relational dynamics involved in implementing market-based conservation within Indigenous communities.

Innovation orientation, imitation orientation, and social media activeness: the moderating role of CEO openness and environmental dynamism

ABSTRACT Active engagement on social media platforms is crucial for firms to spread awareness of their brands and effectively interact with their customers. A firm’s strategic orientation, especially innovation orientation and imitation orientation, may direct its efforts relating to its social media activeness (SMA). However, few studies have examined this phenomenon and the boundary conditions of strategic orientation influencing SMA. Our study draws upon strategic choice theory (SCT) to investigate how a firm’s strategic orientations (e.g. innovation orientation and imitation orientation) influence SMA and how this effect is further moderated by CEO openness and environmental dynamism. Our study uses survey data from 203 firms in 2020 in combination with the firms’ archival data from WeChat and Douyin in 2021 to test the proposed conceptual model. The results reveal that innovation orientation has a U-shaped relationship with SMA, which is weakened by environmental dynamism. Moreover, imitation orientation has an inverted U-shaped relationship with SMA, which is weakened by CEO openness but strengthened by environmental dynamism. These findings reveal the benefits and downsides of innovation orientation and imitation orientation, as well as the conditions that influence their effects on SMA.

Determining the absolute chemical abundance of nitrogen and sulfur in the quasar outflow of 3C298

Context. Quasar outflows are key players in the feedback processes that influence the evolution of galaxies and the intergalactic medium. The chemical abundance of these outflows provides crucial insights into their origin and impact. Aims. We determine the absolute abundances of nitrogen and sulfur and the physical conditions of the outflow seen in quasar 3C298. Methods. We analyzed archival spectral data from the Hubble Space Telescope for 3C298. We measured the ionic column densities from the absorption troughs and compared the results to photoionization predictions made with the Cloudy code for three different spectral energy distributions (SEDs), including MF87, UV-soft, and HE0238 SEDs. We also calculated the ionic column densities of the excited and ground states of N III to estimate the electron number density and location of the outflow using the Chianti atomic database. Results. The MF87, UV-soft, and HE0238 SEDs yield nitrogen and sulfur abundances at supersolar, solar, and subsolar values, respectively, with a spread of 0.4–3 times solar. Additionally, we determined an electron number density of log(ne)≥3.3 cm−3, and the outflow might extend up to a maximum distance of 2.8 kpc. Conclusions. Our results indicate a solar metallicity within an uncertainty range of 60% that is driven by variations in the chosen SED and photoionization models. This study underscores the importance of the SED impact on determining chemical abundances in quasar outflows. These findings highlight the necessity of considering a wider range of possible abundances that span from subsolar to supersolar values.

Physical properties of newly active asteroid 2010 LH15

The main-belt asteroid 2010 LH15 has been classified as an active asteroid, based on the recent discovery of dust activity from the archival images observed in 2010 and 2019. In this study, we perform measurements and dynamical modeling of the dust tail of the active asteroid 2010 LH15 using ZTF archival data from July 26 to August 31, 2019, with the derived physical properties from these relatively independent methods being compatible. The photometric results show that the radius of the nucleus is 1.11 ± 0.02 km, with an assumed geometric albedo of pr = 0.05, and the color index of the nucleus is relatively close to that of the ejecta around the nucleus, with a value of Hg − Hr = 0.44 ± 0.07. The effective scattering cross section increases at an average rate of 0.28 ± 0.02 km2 day−1 throughout the observation period, indicating that the activity of LH15 is likely driven by mechanisms capable of causing a sustained process like sublimation. Further dust dynamics modeling indicates that the dust activity initiates as early as about June 26, 2019, with the ejected dust particles having a radius ranging from 0.03 mm to 3 mm. The dependence of the terminal velocity on dust size is consistent with a sublimation-driven mechanism. If the orbit of LH15 is stable, its sublimation origin will extend the inner boundary of the water-ice-bearing region in the main asteroid belt inward by approximately 0.1 AU.

NEIGHBORHOOD DISADVANTAGE, FUNCTIONAL DISABILITY, AND COGNITIVE DECLINE AMONG OLDER MEXICAN AMERICANS

Abstract This study aims to investigate the longitudinal association between disability and cognitive decline, and to determine the moderating effects of neighborhood disadvantage among older Mexican Americans. Data came from the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly (2004-2005 to 2012-2013) linked to 2010 National Neighborhood Data Archive. Older Mexican Americans without cognitive impairment at baseline were selected (n=1,189). Cognitive function was measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Neighborhood disadvantage was created based on five census-tract indicators (e.g., % of households below poverty). Disability was indicated by a count of activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL (IADL) limitations. Multilevel mixed-effects regression models were performed to estimate cognitive change over time, accounting for socio-demographics and health conditions. There was an average decline of 0.91 and 0.32 in the MMSE score as a function of ADL and IADL disability, respectively (p<0.05). Significant interactions between ADL and IADL disability and neighborhood disadvantage were observed. Among older Mexican Americans who were exposed to higher levels of neighborhood disadvantage, ADL and IADL disability were significantly associated with faster cognitive decline. The study findings suggest that neighborhood disadvantage undermines cognitive health among older Mexican Americans who have functional disability.

Architectural decoration of the eastern frontier

The article presents the results of the study conducted by the authors with the support of the grant of the Russian Science Foundation “Military Theme in the Architectural and Spatial Development of the Far East”. Based on the materials of field surveys and archival data, the authors have made the first attempt to comprehensively understand the historical process of architectural design of Vladivostok as a key Russian port on the Pacific coast. The surviving and lost buildings of the naval department, which were erected in the city and its environs at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, are considered. Their importance in the formation of the structure of the city panorama from the water area is noted.

The detection and investigation of exoplanets with MASTER Global network telescopes

The paper presents the method for detecting exoplanets in the archive of images obtained on telescopes of the MASTER Global Network since 2002. The unique archive represents homogeneous photometric data obtained during over 20 years for the northern (MASTER-Amur, MASTER-Tunka, MASTER-Kislovodsk, MASTER-Tavrida, MASTER-IAC, MASTER-OAGH) and for 11 years for the southern sky (MASTER-OAFA, MASTER-SAAO). Algorithm of gamma-ray burst error box observation on the MASTER wide-field telescopes make it possible to detect transit phenomena and find exoplanets in archival data. The article presents the results of a photometric analysis of the TESS exoplanet candidate TOI–3570.01.

The Dutch Apollo 11 Goodwill display contains genuine Moon rocks

In the 1970s, US President Richard Nixon offered moon samples returned by the Apollo 11 and Apollo 17 missions to the leaders of the nations of the World. In this study, we used a combination of advanced X-ray analysis methods, including microtomography, tomosynthesis and hyperspectral chemical mapping to carry out a non-destructive forensic investigation of the Dutch Apollo 11 Goodwill sample, normally on display at the Boerhaave museum in the Netherlands. These powerful methods were uniquely able to non-destructively interrogate the samples encased in plastic without contact, providing 3D images of sample textures and compositional analysis, to assess whether the results agree with archive data on Apollo 11 coarse-grained soil sample number 10085, and to provide new insights on their origins. Our forensic investigation asked the question: were the rocks in the Dutch display actually picked up on the surface of the moon by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin?

Principle-Based Standards and Analyst Forecasts: Evidence from China

Synopsis The research problem This paper investigated the impact of principle-based accounting standards on analyst forecasts. Motivation The theoretical and practical debates over whether accounting standards should be more principle-based or rule-based have persisted to this day. Existing research primarily focused on the impact of principle-based standards on managers, auditors, and investors in developed economies. However, whether principle-based standards have played the anticipated positive role in emerging markets with relatively weaker institutional environments—and particularly, how they affect another important participant in financial markets, namely, analysts—is the research gap we wished to further explore. The test hypotheses We tested the following hypotheses: (a) principle-based accounting standards are associated with higher analyst forecast errors; (b) managers’ earnings management incentives and a weak institutional environment exacerbate the negative impact of principle-based standards on analyst forecasts; and (c) analysts’ limited attention and effort aversion exacerbate the negative impact of principle-based standards on analyst forecasts. Target population Financial analysts, accounting standards setting bodies such as IASB and accounting regulators in emerging markets. Adopted methodology We used ordinary least squares regressions, archival data, and textual analysis methods to obtain the initial data. Analyses First, based on firms’ annual reports, we used text analysis methods to construct a firm-level principle-based measurement. Then, we examined the relationship between the degree of a firm’s reliance on principle-based standards and the analyst forecast errors. After obtaining the baseline result, we further discussed the possible mediating effects of accounting information quality and analysts’ subjective mindsets. Finally, we discussed the impact of principle-based standards on other forecasting attributes beyond analyst forecast errors. Findings Using a sample of Chinese listed firms, we found that analysts’ forecast errors are larger for firms that rely more on principle-based standards. Based on the “input-processing-output” model, we found that in the input stage, principle-based standards may become a tool for managers to manipulate accounting earnings in firms with stronger earnings management incentives or that are in weaker institutional environments, leading to higher analyst forecast error, with accounting information quality as an important mediator. During processing, analysts’ limited attention and effort aversion exacerbate the adverse impact of principle-based standards on forecast quality, while analysts’ experience can mitigate this effect. For output results, principle-based standards are also associated with higher forecast dispersion, longer forecast lag, and more forecast revisions. Collectively, our research uncovered some dark sides of principle-based standards in weak institutional environments.