Joint (k,l)-hurdle random effects models for mixed longitudinal power series and normal outcomes

A random effects model for analyzing mixed longitudinal normal and count outcomes with and without the possibility of non ignorable missing outcomes is presented. The count response is inflated in two points (k and l) and the (k, l)-Hurdle power series is used as its distribution. The new distribution contains, as special submodels, several important distributions which are discussed, such as (k, l)-Hurdle Poisson and (k, l)-Hurdle negative binomial and (k, l)-Hurdle binomial distributions among others. Random effects are used to take into account the correlation between longitudinal outcomes and inflation parameters. A full likelihood-based approach is used to yield maximum likelihood estimates of the model parameters. A simulation study is performed in which for count outcome (k, l)-Hurdle Poisson, (k, l)-Hurdle negative binomial and (k, l)-Hurdle binomial distributions are considered. To illustrate the application of such modelling the longitudinal data of body mass index and the number of joint damage are analyzed.     

A revised simplex algorithm for the absolute deviation curve fitting problem

The statistical properties of quasi-ranges in small samples from a gamma density are the objects of study in this paper.The methods of computing the "Coefficient MatrixnA(j,k), which plays a major role for computing moments and quantiles from such a density using high speed digital computers, are presented. Limited tables of central and non-central moments as well as tables of quantile values, are given. More extensive tables can be easily constructed by using the methods described here when the need arises. Also, a table of values for kurtosis and skewness is presented.     

Sociophonetic variation in a long‐term language contact situation: /l/‐darkening in Welsh‐English bilingual speech

This study investigates /l/‐darkening in the Welsh and English speech of bilinguals in North Wales. Although it is claimed that /l/ is dark in all syllable positions in northern varieties of both languages, there have been no quantitative investigations of this feature which consider cross‐linguistic phonetic differences, the differing nature of language contact between North East and North West Wales, and differences in the way both languages are acquired by speakers. The dataset of 32 Welsh‐English bilinguals, aged 16–18, was stratified by speaker sex, home language, and area. Tokens of /l/ in word‐initial onset and word‐final coda positions were analysed acoustically. The results show cross‐linguistic differences in onset position and that such differences were found to be greater in the speech of female speakers. Differences were also found between the two areas. These results are discussed with reference to the influence of extra‐linguistic factors on speech production and the possible social meaning associated with dark /l/.     

Implementation challenges for seafarers’ social security protection: The case of the European Union

In a world of competing flag States and short-term employment, enjoying the benefits provided by a social security system is a difficult, if not impossible, task for many seafarers. The Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, has abandoned the flag State principle in favour of the residence principle for that reason. This article addresses the implementation challenges of this approach by examining the European Union case, and highlights the advantages of the residence principle in terms of administrative efficiency and effectiveness, enhanced coordination between social security contributions and personal income tax in cross-border situations, and better use of State aid measures.     

夏竦应制诗研究

应制诗是应帝王之命而作的诗歌,在宋初很盛行。夏竦的身份和所处的地位决定了他的应制诗不仅数量多,而且有相当的特色。夏竦的应制诗内容广泛,诸如朝廷大典、战事捷报、自然天象、瑞物呈现、园苑饯行、读经阅史等等,可谓洋洋大观。在诗歌的艺术特色上,表现为富贵雍容的气象与典雅庄重的气度。这些诗作不但抒发了夏竦自身的情感,同时也反映了当时的时代环境、社会风气以及文化政策等诸方面情况。     

走向现代性与中国美育的深层建构--论曾繁仁先生的美育思想

本文从美育学学科建构与中国20世纪尤其是新时期美育学的学术进程为视角,论述了曾繁仁先生在美育学科诸多方面的理论建树,主要体现为"审美情育论"、"人生美育论"、"审美力"、审美现代性建构、"致中和"的审美教育论、20世纪的美育转向论及其中的生存论美育等,代表了新时期美育研究的主要实绩.     

论民国时期政治发展中的政治妥协

民国时期出现的政治妥协是当时政治发展环境的产物。妥协合作可能不是最理想的选择,但有时却是最可行的,甚至是唯一的选择。政治决不只是一门“斗争哲学”,也是一门妥协的艺术。妥协不能等同于投降,也不能简单地视为是软弱或投降的表现。民国时期的妥协合作在一定时期内和一定程度上对当时的政治发展起了推动作用。民国时期影响颇大的三次政治妥协分别发生在辛亥革命时期的革命派与立宪派及北洋军阀之间,国民革命时期的国共合作和抗战时期的国民党与共产党之间。     

论政府创新的若干基本问题

政府创新是世界范围内政治发展的一种普遍趋势。政府创新分为政治改革、行政改革和公共服务三类。要有效地推进政府创新,必须处理好四重关系,即改革政府管理体制与提高公务员素质的关系,政府机构改革与政府职能转变的关系,提高行政效率与改善政府服务质量的关系,保持政府政策连续性与推进政府管理体制创新的关系。     

关于发展哲学社会科学的几点思考--学习中共中央《关于进一步繁荣发展哲学哲学社会科学的意见》

哲学社会科学与自然科学如车之两轮,不可残缺;哲学社会科学也是生产力;要真正重视和大力发展哲学社会科学,充分发挥哲学社会科学在经济和社会发展中的重要作用.     

民营企业的家族式管理刍议

我国民营企业带有浓厚的家族化色彩 ,与其它企业制度形态相比 ,家族企业有其自身的特点。对民营企业的家族式管理 ,我们要辩证地看待。在民营企业创业之初 ,这种管理方式有其合理的一面 ,曾经造就了许多传奇式的企业和企业家。但随着企业的发展 ,这种经营方式的弊端越来越明显 ,对企业自身做强、做大构成严重的制约