Historical Norms Research Articles

How Do Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data (BD) Technologies Help Social Impact Enterprises Build Legitimacy?

This paper explores the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data (BD) technologies in social impact enterprises in China, particularly focusing on their social activities. It demonstrates that these technologies are instrumental in building pragmatic, moral, and cognitive legitimacy by enhancing transparency and efficiency in stakeholder interactions across both commercial and social networks. Additionally, the study highlights the vital role of social impact enterprises in maintaining infrastructure, public services, and social welfare in financially challenged regions amidst local government debt crises. The necessity for enterprises to align with historical and cultural norms, particularly Confucian values and kinship expectations, is also emphasized. This research bridges a critical gap in the literature, offering insights into the integration of technological innovation with social entrepreneurship, and providing a foundation for future studies and policy development.

Macroeconomic effects of climate change: Evidence from Canadian provinces

We study the long-term macroeconomic effects of climate change across ten Canadian provinces between 1961 and 2017. Following Kahn et al. (2021a), our econometric strategy links deviations of temperature and precipitation (weather) from their multi-decade historical rolling averages (climate) to various province-specific economic performance indicators at the aggregate and sectoral levels. We show that climate change (proxied by a series of weather shocks) has a long-lasting adverse impact on real output in various Canadian provinces and economic sectors. Adaptation reduces the income losses but cannot offset them entirely. Moreover, in contrast to most cross-country results, our within-country estimates suggest asymmetrical growth effects from precipitation and temperature anomalies. Specifically, persistently higher-than-normal precipitation is associated with lower long-term GDP growth, whereas the effect of below-than-normal precipitation is not statistically significant. As regards temperature, while extended periods of cold spells (temperature persistently below historical norms) is detrimental to growth (though less likely in the future), Canada is not benefiting from a warmer climate as often argued in the literature.

Contemporary fires are less frequent but more severe in dry conifer forests of the southwestern United States

Wildfires in the southwestern United States are increasingly frequent and severe, but whether these trends exceed historical norms remains contested. Here we combine dendroecological records, satellite-derived burn severity, and field measured tree mortality to compare historical (1700-1880) and contemporary (1985-2020) fire regimes at tree-ring fire-scar sites in Arizona and New Mexico. We found that contemporary fire frequency, including recent, record fire years, is still <20% of historical levels. Since 1985, the fire return interval averages 58.8 years, compared to 11.4 years before 1880. Fire severity, however, has increased. At sites where trees historically survived many fires over centuries, 42% of recent fires resulted in high tree mortality. Suppressed wildfires tended to burn more severely than prescribed burns and wildfires managed for resource benefit. These findings suggest that expanded use of low-severity prescribed and managed fire would help restore forest resilience and historical fire regimes in dry conifer forests.

Remote Sensing Detection of Growing Season Freeze-Induced Defoliation of Montane Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides) in Southern Utah, USA

Growing season freeze events pose a threat to quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.), leading to canopy defoliation, reduced vigor, and increased mortality, especially for declining montane populations western North America. Detecting the spatial distribution and progression of this damage is challenging due to limited in situ observations in this region. This study represents the first attempt to comprehensively resolve the spatial extent of freeze-induced aspen canopy damage in southern Utah using multispectral remote sensing data. We developed an approach to detect the spatial and temporal dynamics of freeze-damaged aspen stands, focusing on a freeze event from 8–9 June 2020 in southern Utah. By integrating medium- (~250 to 500 m) and high-resolution (~10 m) satellite data, we employed the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to compare post-freeze conditions with historical norms and pre-freeze conditions. Our analysis revealed NDVI reductions of 0.10 to 0.40 from pre-freeze values and a second flush recovery. We introduced a pixel-based method to evaluate freeze vulnerability, establishing a strong correlation (R values 0.78 to 0.82) between the onset of the first flush (NDVI &gt; 0.50) and the accumulation of 100 growing degree days (GDD). These methods support the potential for retrospective assessments, proactive forest monitoring, and forecasting future risks.

Language learning in the context of a global pandemic: proximal and distal factors matter.

Public health measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally altered the socioecological context in which children were developing. Using Bronfenbrenner's socioecological theory, we investigate language acquisition among 2-year-old children (n = 4037) born during the pandemic. We focus on "late talkers", defined as children below the 10th percentile on the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories-III. Overall, the proportion of late talkers declined as a function of pandemic wave, with 13.0% of those born during the first wave classified as late talkers compared to 10.4% born in wave two, and 8.0% born during wave three. In sex-based analysis, we observed a 15.9% prevalence of late talking among female toddlers, which was significantly different from the norming sample. In contrast, the prevalence of late talking among male toddlers was 9.1%. Using hierarchical logistic regression to identify both proximal and distal factors associated with being a late talker, we found that male sex, lower socioeconomic status, greater screen time, receiving childcare at home, disruptions to childcare, and experiencing greater exposure to public health restrictions were associated with increased odds for being a late talker. We interpret the findings in relation to the need to consider the special needs of young children in disaster preparation and response. Two-year-old children acquiring language in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic have vocabulary size similar to historical norms. A higher-than-expected prevalence of late talkers (below the 10th percentile) was observed among females and children born during the first wave of the pandemic. Motivated by Bronfenbrenner's socioecological theory, we show that both proximal and distal environmental factors are associated with vocabulary size. Infants exposed to stricter public measures had reduced vocabulary size. The findings suggest a need to recognize the developmental needs of children as part of the public health response to emergencies.

Citizen journalism revisited: A case study of Kenya’s kibera news network

In an evolving media landscape, the prominence and influence of citizen journalism has grown markedly, challenging historical norms and providing alternative narratives. While traditional journalism has been guided by objectivity, autonomy, and ethics, its representation has been questioned, especially in marginalised communities like Kibera, a neighbourhood in Nairobi, Kenya. Scholars have shed light on the transformational role of journalism and the ensuing need for democratisation in its practice, acknowledging the challenge it faces in representing diverse sections of the population. Using Kibera News Network (KNN) as a case study, this mixed methods study looks at the extent to which citizen journalists, despite lacking formal training, uphold and perhaps even redefine traditional journalistic principles. Utilising a qualitative content analysis of KNN videos and in-depth interviews with citizen journalists in Kibera, findings suggest that these citizen journalists exhibit a solid commitment to ethical reporting, emphasising accuracy and fairness, perhaps due to these journalists being citizens in their community—a community that has been marginalised and misrepresented—and thus experience a heightened sense of belonging. KNN citizen journalists also demonstrate high levels of autonomy and journalism ethics and are unburdened by the political and financial pressures that shape some mainstream media narratives. Taken together, findings suggest that the citizen journalist work of KNN contributes to multiple civic outcomes, including neighbourhood belonging and collective efficacy, which leads to civic participation.

Transcervical Endoscopic Esophageal Mobilization: An Approach to Transhiatal Esophagectomy

BackgroundTranscervical endoscopic esophageal mobilization (TEEM) is an approach to transhiatal esophagectomy that aims to minimize blood loss and decrease the operative time commonly associated with traditional transhiatal technique. MethodsA retrospective chart review was conducted on patients who underwent TEEM esophagectomy between 2009 and 2020. Baseline characteristics, perioperative outcomes, and postoperative complications were recorded. To report survival, a Kaplan-Meier survival plot was developed using SAS software (SAS Institute). ResultsA total of 241 patients underwent TEEM esophagectomy. The mean operative time was 185.1 ± 59.3 minutes, blood loss was 251.4 ± 212.3 mL, the number lymph nodes dissected was 13.6 ± 6.2, and the length of stay was 11.9 ± 8.5 days. In the postoperative setting, 68 (28.2%) patients experienced hoarseness, 62 (25.7%) had postoperative atrial fibrillation, 30 (12.4%) had an anastomotic leak, and 12 (4.6%) experienced chylothorax. The overall 30- and 90-day mortality rates were 2.1% (5 of 241) and 4.6% (11 of 241), respectively. The median overall survival was 2.36 years, with 60% 3-year survival and 40% 5-year survival. ConclusionsTEEM esophagectomy is a safe approach with acceptable postoperative morbidity and mortality and shorter operative times compared with historical norms.

‘We must be happy that times are different now’. Shaping public memory of Danish colonial history in popular culture

ABSTRACT In recent years Denmark’s legacy as a colonial power has become a topic of political, cultural, and public debate. The article discusses how Denmark’s colonial relationship with Greenland is presented to a contemporary Danish audience in the film, The Experiment (2010), and in the fourth season of the TV drama, Borgen (2022). These popular cultural artefacts, we claim, not only reflect, but have informed public and political debate in Denmark about its colonial past, including historical and present-day civic norms and their implementation into political practice. In this way, they have contributed to a renegotiation of public morality and memory.

Extreme Heat in the Caribbean: Impacts on Wellbeing and Buildings Energy Infrastructure—The 2023 Summer Case

Abstract The summer of 2023 in Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands witnessed an unprecedented surge in extreme heat, surpassing historical norms prompting the analysis of the broader implications for the Caribbean region. This study presents the initial analysis of this remarkable heatwave, the broader context of global climate change, and its potential impacts on people's well-being and energy demand. Historical and 2023 summer daily maximum heat index (HI) are calculated using local stations and regional gridded data. The results show that summer 2023 exhibited a significant departure from the historical climate. For about 70% of summer days, HI values above 100 °F were recorded. It was found that the extreme summer is part of a broader regional pattern. The summer of 2023 recorded higher sea surface temperatures with anomalies above 2.07 °C and the weakening of the Azores High resulting in reduced wind speed in the region. This diminished the cooling effect associated with cooler maritime air aiding the stagnation of air masses over the region. The analysis sets a threshold of HI of 103 °F to assess human exposure. A significant portion of the region's population, especially in urban areas, was exposed to HI above this threshold. Concurrently, the intense heat led to increased energy demands, with about a 25% increase in peak energy demand in buildings. Per capita consumption exceeded 200 kWh/month for cooling and human comfort and anomalies adding around 15 kWh/month. The study is a step forward in developing adaptive strategies to safeguard vulnerable communities due to global warming-induced extreme events.

Hot, dry, and salty: The present and future of an Extremophile model lizard from Argentina

Global warming poses a threat to lizard populations by raising ambient temperatures above historical norms and reducing thermoregulation opportunities. Whereas the reptile fauna of desert systems is relatively well studied, the lizard fauna of saline environments has not received much attention and—to our knowledge—thermal ecology and the effects of global warming on lizards from saline environments have not been yet addressed. This pioneer study investigates the thermal ecology, locomotor performance and potential effects of climate warming on Liolaemus ditadai, a lizard endemic to one of the largest salt flats on Earth. We sampled L. ditadai using traps and active searches along its known distribution, as well as in other areas within Salinas Grandes and Salinas de Ambargasta, where the species had not been previously recorded. Using ensemble models (GAM, MARS, RandomForest), we modeled climatically suitable habitats for L. ditadai in the present and under a pessimistic future scenario (SSP585, 2070). L. ditadai emerges as an efficient thermoregulator, tolerating temperatures near its upper thermal limits. Our ecophysiological model suggests that available activity hours predict its distribution, and the projected temperature increase due to global climate change should minimally impact its persistence or may even have a positive effect on suitable thermal habitat. However, this theoretical increase in habitat could be linked to the distribution of halophilous scrub in the future. Our surveys reveal widespread distribution along the borders of Salinas Grandes and Salinas de Ambargasta, suggesting a potential presence along the entire border of both salt plains wherever halophytic vegetation exists. Optimistic model results, extended distribution, and no evidence of flood-related adverse effects offer insights into assessing the conservation status of L. ditadai, making it and the Salinas Grandes system suitable models for studying lizard ecophysiology in largely unknown saline environments.

Increasing Cultural Literacy in Social Studies Learning Through an Inquiry Reflective Thinking Approach

Cultural literacy is important in contemporary studies because it helps us understand and appreciate the cultural diversity that exists around us. In an increasingly connected and globalized world, understanding different cultures is key to promoting tolerance, reducing intercultural conflict, and building better relationships between people. Through cultural literacy in social studies learning using a reflective inquiry approach, we can understand the historical background, values, norms and traditions that form a culture. This research aims to explore through a literature review how to increase cultural literacy in social studies learning through reflective inquiry thinking. This research method uses a literature review by Cohen &amp; Lawrence Manion, Keith Morrison. The results of cultural space research are formed by three axes, namely knowledge, values ​​and regulations. The influence of globalization has both negative and positive impacts on the existence of local culture and developing student competence through cultural literacy will develop awareness of the affective and cognitive dimensions of learning. Strengthening social studies content through a reflective inquiry thinking approach can be done with student-centered learning, diverse learning resources, and creating a conducive learning environment. Reflective inquiry is not only limited to statements or examinations, but includes the process of research, curiosity, analysis, and drawing conclusions about the things being examined or researched.

The effects of weather shock on income inequality: evidence from Asia‐Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies

This study empirically investigates the dynamic effects of weather shock on within‐country income inequality. Using panel data of 17 Asia‐Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies, we estimate impulse responses via the local projection method. Moreover, temperature and precipitation shocks, defined as deviations of temperature and precipitation from their historical norms, are exploited to measure country‐specific weather shocks. The empirical results reveal the following. First, temperature and precipitation shocks deteriorate income inequality measured by the Gini index; these effects are long‐lasting. Moreover, asymmetric effects exist: heat waves and droughts more significantly increase income inequality than cold waves and floods. Lastly, current redistribution policies do not seem to effectively mitigate those adverse effects.

Historical roots of loneliness and its impact on second-generation immigrants’ health

This paper examines the relationship between historical cultural norms and attitudes towards loneliness, specifically within the context of second-generation immigrants. We uncover an intergenerationally transmitted cultural element that emphasizes restraint and adherence to strict rules characterizing highly-intensive pre-industrial agricultural systems. This cultural dimension significantly impacts how individuals perceive their social relationships and influences their likelihood of experiencing loneliness. Additionally, we demonstrate that the identified cultural trait serves as a predictor of loneliness in a two-stage model for health. Our research shows that loneliness directly impacts body mass index and specific mental health issues, and these findings hold true across a battery of sensitivity checks. The results add to the existing body of research highlighting the importance of attitudes in predicting economic and health outcomes, shedding light on how deeply ingrained geographical, cultural, and individual characteristics can shape economic development processes in both home and host countries.

Queerness—What Would the Queers Do?

In this essay, Sébastien Tremblay explores the potential of queerness as an analytical concept in the context of writing a global history of sexualities. It acknowledges the shift towards transnational and global perspectives in queer history, challenging Eurocentric concepts and promoting inclusivity of diverse sexual identities and experiences. Debuting his inquiry and analysis in Germany, Tremblay highlights the methodological inquiries arising from researching sexual entanglements without relying on fixed categories of analysis. He discusses how queer theory's focus on fluidity and ambiguity can aid historians in avoiding rigid concepts, historical norms, and eventually colonial biases. He therefore concludes by emphasising the importance of engaging with fluid concepts such as queerness in writing an open global history critical of Eurocentrism.

Policy steps in the federal budget and health care to achieve sustainable fiscal conditions in the U.S.

Health care spending has grown significantly in the US, and is a major cause of rising federal deficits. Official projections find that low economic growth and aging of the population will lead to a modest continuation of this situation, but they miss that labor shortages have a particular impact on inefficient sectors, raising the cost of health care. We develop a unified macroeconomic model to address this shortcoming, with key variables—particularly in the health care sector and interest rates—endogenously determined. We find that the current fiscal trajectory of the US is unsustainable, with future deficits and debt well beyond both historical norms and official projections. Policy steps, focusing on reducing health care spending, increasing capital, and fiscal retrenchment, can lead to sustainable fiscal conditions and raise living standards that will otherwise fall.

Database analysis comparing incidence and complication rates between inpatient and outpatient laminotomies for lumbar disc herniation

BackgroundLumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a common condition that can be characterized with disabling pain. While most patients recover without surgery, some still require operative intervention. The epidemiology and trends of laminotomy for LDH have not been recently studied, and current practice patterns might be different from historical norms. This study aimed to investigate the trends of inpatient and outpatient laminotomies for LDH and compare complication rates between these two sites of service. MethodsA large, national database was utilized to identify patients >8 years old who underwent a laminotomy for LDH between 2009 and 2019. Two cohorts were created based on site of surgery: inpatient versus outpatient. The outpatient cohort was defined as patients who had a length of stay less than 1 day without any associated hospitalization. Epidemiologic analyses for these cohorts were performed by demographics. Patients in both groups were then 1:1 propensity-score matched based on age, sex, insurance type, geographic region, and comorbidities. Ninety-day postoperative complications were compared between cohorts utilizing multivariate logistic regressions. ResultsThe average incidence of laminotomy for LDH was 13.0 per 10,000 persons-years. Although the national trend in incidence had not changed from 2009 to 2019, the proportion of outpatient laminotomies significantly increased in this time period (p=.02). Outpatient laminotomies were more common among younger and healthier patients. Patients with inpatient laminotomies had significantly higher rates of surgical site infections (odds ratio [OR] 1.61, p<.001), venous thromboembolism (VTE) (OR 1.96, p<.001), hematoma (OR 1.71, p<.001), urinary tract infections (OR 1.41, p<.001), and acute kidney injuries (OR 1.75, p=.001), even when controlling for selected confounders. ConclusionsOur study demonstrated an increasing trend in the performance of laminotomy for LDH toward the outpatient setting. Even when controlling for certain confounders, patients requiring inpatient procedures had higher rates of postoperative complications. This study highlights the importance of carefully evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of performing these procedures in an outpatient versus inpatient setting.

Professionalism Policies and Practices as Experienced by First-Generation Medical Students, Residents, and Physicians

Phenomenon : While professionalism is largely understood to be complex and dynamic, it is oftentimes implemented as if it were static and concrete. As a result, policies and practices reflect dominant historical norms of the medical profession, which can cause tension for trainees from marginalized groups. One such group comprises those who identify as first-generation physicians - those whose parents have not earned an associate’s degree or higher. This group is highly diverse in terms of gender, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status; however, their experiences with institutional professionalism policies and practices has not yet been fully explored. In this study, our aims were to understand the ways in which these participants experience professionalism, and to inform how professionalism can be more inclusively conceptualized. Approach : In November 2022-March 2023, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 11 first-generation medical students, residents, and physicians and analyzed select national and institutional professionalism policies in relation to key themes identified in the interviews. The interviews were designed to elicit participants’ experiences with professionalism and where they experienced tension and challenges because of their first-gen identity. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis through a critical perspective, focused on identifying tensions because of systemic and historical factors. Findings : Participants described the ways in which they experienced tension between what was written, enacted, desirable, and possible around the following elements of professionalism: physical appearance; attendance and leaves of absence; and patient care. They described a deep connection to patient care but that this joy is often overshadowed by other elements of professionalism as well as healthcare system barriers. They also shared the ways in which they wish to contribute to changing how their institutions conceptualize professionalism. Insights : Given their unique paths to and through medicine and their marginalized status in medicine, first-generation interviewees provided a necessary lens for viewing the concept of professionalism that has been largely absent in medicine. These findings contribute to our understanding of professionalism conceptually, but also practically. As professionalism evolves, it is important for institutions to translate professionalism’s complexity into educational practice as well as to involve diverse voices in refining professionalism definitions and policies.

Prediction for underground seismic intensity measures using conditional generative adversarial networks

With the escalating development and utilization of subterranean spaces, the seismic hazards faced by underground structures are progressively increasing. However, owing to the challenges associated with acquiring underground seismic data and historical seismic design norms, pertinent regulations and research in this domain are scarce. This study focused on three crucial intensity measures in the seismic design process of underground structures peak ground acceleration (PGA), peak ground velocity (PGV), and peak ground displacement (PGD). The research leverages seismic data obtained from the California Strong Motion Instrumentation Program (CSMIP) to train and evaluate a conditional generative adversarial network (CGAN) model. This model was employed to establish a multivariate joint conditional probability distribution among the intensity measures at varying depths, facilitating the stochastic prediction of shallow intensity measures. In contrast to empirical formulas, the CGAN model eliminates the need for a predefined equation structure and enables the simultaneous prediction of multiple intensity measures. The performance of the model was evaluated by comparing the predictive accuracy of the CGAN model and empirical fitting formulas across diverse site conditions and depth intervals using metrics such as relative error coefficients. It can be concluded that the proposed CGAN model can accurately predict shallow seismic intensity measures, and the predictions conform to a specific conditional distribution while retaining the stochastic nature of seismic motion. Compared with empirical formula models, the CGAN model exhibited an enhanced predictive capability.

The professional backstaging of diversity in journalism

Abstract This study examines how diverse US-based journalists—both Black, Indigenous, and people of color and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer [or sometimes questioning] and others—perform their diversity within newsrooms. Applying Goffman’s theory of dramaturgy, the study illustrates the nuanced differences in terms of how journalists perform their diverse identities differently on both the frontstage and backstage. These differences are explained through the proliferation of historical norms such as objectivity in journalism in the United States, norms that curtail how diversity can be enacted. The study introduces the concept of professional backstaging, a concept that describes how professional norms can bypass organizational and individual agency to force certain actions off the frontstage. Finally, the discussion theorizes how these findings—and particularly the concept of professional backstaging—can contribute to future work across studies of media organizations and within the discipline of organizational communication.

Exploring the Impact of Son Preference on the Well-being of Daughters in Tanzania: A Multifaceted Analysis

In Tanzania, entrenched cultural norms favoring male offspring significantly influence family dynamics and pose considerable challenges to the well-being of daughters. This phenomenon, known as son preference, manifests in biased resource allocation, limited educational opportunities, and distinct healthcare differentials. This study delves into the multifaceted consequences of son preference on Tanzanian daughters, particularly in the Arusha Region. The cultural roots of son preference in Tanzania can be traced to historical and societal norms, where male heirs are traditionally viewed as primary caretakers and providers for aging parents. This mindset leads to biased resource allocation, impacting daughters' access to essential resources such as education, healthcare, and nutrition. Educational disparities are particularly pronounced, limiting girls' prospects and perpetuating gender-based inequalities in the workforce. The study employs a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. It adopts a descriptive survey design, conducted in all seven district councils of Arusha Region. Both probability and non-probability sampling techniques are applied to select respondents, encompassing young women, girls, and stakeholders from various organizations. Results indicate a prevalent acknowledgment of son preference, particularly in pastoralist and agro-pastoralist communities. The study reveals how son preference affects education, health, and economic opportunities for daughters. Educational disparities, early marriage, unequal access to health care, and limited economic prospects are identified consequences. To address these challenges, the study emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach involving changes in societal attitudes, policies promoting gender equality, and initiatives to empower girls. By challenging ingrained cultural norms, fostering educational opportunities, and ensuring equal access to healthcare, Tanzania can work towards dismantling barriers hindering the potential of its daughters. The study contributes to the discourse on gender equality, advocating for interventions that ensure the holistic development and flourishing of Tanzanian daughters.