Preference, Production, and Performance in Data Envelopment Analysis

This paper attempts to provide a systematic approach to the DEA model building. To this end, we try to identify some essential aspects of DEA modelling. Three key building blocks in a DEA model are identified: they are preference order, production possibility set and performance measure. It is shown that the preferences and performance measurements used in the standard DEA models are only particular examples in this framework. It is also illustrated in this work that this methodology is useful in building new DEA models to handle nonstandard applications such as those involve non-Pareto preferences or undesirable inputs-outputs

Microorganisms in the aetiology of atherosclerosis.

Recent publications have suggested that infective pathogens might play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. This review focuses on these microorganisms in the process of atherosclerosis. The results of in vitro studies, animal studies, tissue studies, and serological studies will be summarised, followed by an overall conclusion concerning the strength of the association of the microorganism with the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The role of the bacteria Chlamydia pneumoniae and Helicobacter pylori, and the viruses human immunodeficiency virus, coxsackie B virus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, herpes simplex virus, and measles virus will be discusse