Regression analysis of longitudinal data with time-dependent covariates in the presence of informative observation and censoring times

In longitudinal observational studies, repeated measures are often correlated with observation times as well as censoring time. This article proposes joint modeling and analysis of longitudinal data with time-dependent covariates in the presence of informative observation and censoring times via a latent variable. Estimating equation approaches are developed for parameter estimation and asymptotic properties of the proposed estimators are established. In addition, a generalization of the semiparametric model with time-varying coefficients for the longitudinal response is considered. Furthermore, a lack-of-fit test is provided for assessing the adequacy of the model, and some tests are presented for investigating whether or not covariate effects vary with time. The finite-sample behavior of the proposed methods is examined in simulation studies, and an application to a bladder cancer study is illustrated.     

On optimal allocation of redundant components for series and parallel systems of two dependent components

In this paper we consider the problem of optimal allocation of a redundant component in the case of series and parallel systems of two components when all the components are dependent. Whereas this problem has been extensively treated for the case of independent components, the case of dependent components has not received too much attention. In this paper we show that for this problem the main tools are the joint stochastic orders introduced by Shanthikumar and Yao (1991).     

Improving the protection of migrant workers with work histories in the European Union and Ibero-America: Enhancing the coordination of international social security instruments

Migration affects almost every nation, emphasizing the need to guarantee social security rights for all migrants and their families. This article focuses on the rights of workers who migrate between the countries of the European Union (EU) and the Ibero-American community. In the EU, social security systems are increasingly coordinated through Regulation No. 883/2004 and its Implementing Regulation No. 987/2009. In the Ibero-American community, coordination is sought through the Ibero-American Social Security Convention. Despite convergence between these two international instruments, coordination is still lacking between them. This article presents a comparative analysis to articulate the necessary mechanisms to guarantee coordination, to respect the social security rights of migrant workers. We focus on the cooperation and coordination between regional as well as national systems, specifically looking at the need for and aims of a rapprochement between these two major international coordination instruments to provide greater EU-Ibero-American cooperation. Finally, the importance of promoting greater international cooperation in social security policy and administration is highlighted, to engender the adequate protection of the rights as well as the free movement of migrant workers.     

数据财产权益的归属判定

现代信息技术推动社会数字化转型的过程中，明晰的数据权属是数据经济健康发展的逻辑前提，也是构建数据财产权益法律制度的首要环节，但是我国现行立法未对其作出明确规定，现有学说亦未形成理论共识。数据权属分为两个层次：一为人格权益归属；二为财产权益归属。个人数据保护立法的具体规范和人格权的一般理论表明：在划分个人数据与非个人数据的场合下，(个人)数据的人格权益归属于个人数据所关联的已识别或可识别的自然人。数据的财产权益归属作为当前争议焦点尚无定论，既与数据权属的研究角度不同有关，更与缺乏有力的数据权属分配标准有关。解决该难题的关键在于全面考察财产权益分配的理论基础与实践线索，从理论依据、法制标准和裁判立场三个维度辨析数据权属的配置标准。具体而言，判定数据财产权益归属，在理论依据维度上：需从法哲学层面考量并入理论、投射理论、劳动理论和公约理论的可适用性，明确何者对数据投入了劳动和资本、归属于何者较能满足社会共识；从法人类学层面梳理财产权益分配的社会历史脉络，明确何者需要保障其数据生产积极性以增进社会整体生产力；从法经济学层面分析财产权益分配的经济考量因素，明确何者对出产数据具有激励必要且能有效率利...