The second edition of An Introduction to Efficiency and Productivity Analysis is designed to be a general introduction for those who wish to study efficiency and productivity analysis. The book provides an accessible, well-written introduction to the four principal methods involved: econometric estimation of average response models; index numbers, data envelopment analysis (DEA); and stochastic frontier analysis (SFA). For each method, a detailed introduction to the basic concepts is presented, numerical examples are provided, and some of the more important extensions to the basic methods are discussed. Of special interest is the systematic use of detailed empirical applications using real-world data throughout the book. In recent years, there have been a number of excellent advance-level books published on performance measurement. This book, however, is the first systematic survey of performance measurement with the express purpose of introducing the field to a wide audience of students, researchers, and practitioners. introduction to the field; it outlines, discusses and compares the four principal methods for efficiency and productivity analysis in a well-motivated presentation; and it provides detailed advice on computer programs that can be used to implement these performance measurement methods. The book contains computer instructions and output listings for the SHAZAM, LIMDEP, TFPIP, DEAP and FRONTIER computer programs. More extensive listings of data and computer instruction files are available on the book's website.

'An authoritative survey with exciting new insights of special interest to economists and econometricians who analyse intertemporal and interspatial price relationships.' - Professor Angus Maddison, Groningen University This book presents a comprehensive review of recent developments in the theory and construction of index numbers using the stochastic approach, demonstrating the versatility of this approach in handling various index number problems within a single conceptual framework. It also contains a brief, but complete, review of the existing approaches to index numbers with illustrative numerical examples. The stochastic approach considers the index number problem as a signal extraction problem. The strength and reliability of the signal extracted from price and quantity changes for different commodities depends upon the messages received and the information content of the messages. The most important applications of the new approach are to be found in the context of measuring rate of inflation; fixed and chain base index numbers for temporal comparisons and for spatial intercountry comparisons; the latter generally require special index number formulae that result in transitive and base invariant comparisons.

The objective of this book is to provide recent information on neural regulation in the endocrine system in vertebrates. Classical studies have revealed that certain neurons synthesize and release chemical messengers into the vascular system. These neurons are endocrine devices that link the brain with the endocrine glands and other target organs. In vertebrates, the hypothalamus is the seat for chemical coordination and integration of en- vironmental and hormonal cues to modulate function of the pituitary gland, and conse- quently, the functions of other endocrine glands. Exciting information generated during the past few decades has resulted in profound alterations in the conceptual fabric of endo- crinology. From the wealth of information that emerged on neuropeptides of the central nervous system, and on the other connectivities of various brain centers, its has become clear that several extra-hypothalamic sites are also involved in regulation of hypophysial hormones. The brain has assumed a greater importance in the regulation of the endocrine sys- tem. However, recent studies have revealed varying degrees of functional autonomy in hy- pophysial hormone secretion, which may be due to intrapituitary cytokines. Although gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a key regulator of gonadotropin secretion, there exists a GnRH receptor diversity in vertebrates such as the receptor presence in can- cer cells. Recent studies have demonstrated the multifactorial nature of the neuroendo- crine factors involved in growth hormone regulation in fish. On the other hand, in birds, thyrotropin-releasing hormone plays a major role in growth hormone release.

This publication is a multi-authored attempt to present the scientific fraternity high quality resource material in the field of climate change and livestock production. Attempts were made to discuss the adaptive mechanism that the animal exhibits to counteract the adverse effects of heat stress. In addition to the adaptive mechanisms, several management and feeding practices have also been established as tested methods for reduction of stress effects in livestock.Also, it is a comprehensive resource for the researchers, teachers and students to understand stress management and livestock productivity so as to sustain animal production under projected climate change scenario.

Quantum Chemistry provides a coherent and structured approach in introducing the concept of 'quantum' to the students of quantum mechanics. An attempt is made to bring out the subtleties of quantum mechanics, hidden in its abstract laws and equations, applicable to the atomic domain by showing its relevance to the observable macroscopic world as well. The book will help students dispel the stigma associated with quantum mechanics. The emphasis on conceptual approach provides a platform to stand on, and a stimulus to pursue higher quantum mechanics-the doorway to the all-pervasive quantum world. Print edition not for sale in South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan or Bhutan).

Neurotoxicity of Halogenated Organic Compounds, Volume 10 covers three groups of Halogenated Organic Compounds (Chlorinated, Brominated, and Fluorinated Compounds) that are legacy and emerging contaminants, providing background information, characteristics, physicochemical properties, environmental contamination, and human exposure. Specific chapters covered in this release include Perspective on Halogenated Organic Compounds, The Neurotoxicity of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), Neuroendocrine Effects of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), Mechanisms of PCB Neurotoxicity: AHR and THR Dogma meet RYR reality, Microbiome and the Neurotoxicity of Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs), and much more. Other chapters cover Neuroendocrine Effects of Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs), Focused on Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs), Neurochemical Effects of Halogenated Organic Compounds: Possible Mode(s) of action and Structure-Activity Relationships, The Neurotoxic Effects of Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Animal Models and Human Cohorts, Neurochemical Mechanisms of Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Neurotoxic Action, and Future Directions and Regulatory aspects of Halogenated Organic Compounds.

The objective of this book is to provide recent information on neural regulation in the endocrine system in vertebrates. Classical studies have revealed that certain neurons synthesize and release chemical messengers into the vascular system. These neurons are endocrine devices that link the brain with the endocrine glands and other target organs. In vertebrates, the hypothalamus is the seat for chemical coordination and integration of en- vironmental and hormonal cues to modulate function of the pituitary gland, and conse- quently, the functions of other endocrine glands. Exciting information generated during the past few decades has resulted in profound alterations in the conceptual fabric of endo- crinology. From the wealth of information that emerged on neuropeptides of the central nervous system, and on the other connectivities of various brain centers, its has become clear that several extra-hypothalamic sites are also involved in regulation of hypophysial hormones. The brain has assumed a greater importance in the regulation of the endocrine sys- tem. However, recent studies have revealed varying degrees of functional autonomy in hy- pophysial hormone secretion, which may be due to intrapituitary cytokines. Although gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a key regulator of gonadotropin secretion, there exists a GnRH receptor diversity in vertebrates such as the receptor presence in can- cer cells. Recent studies have demonstrated the multifactorial nature of the neuroendo- crine factors involved in growth hormone regulation in fish. On the other hand, in birds, thyrotropin-releasing hormone plays a major role in growth hormone release.

Softcover version of the second edition Hardcover.

Incorporates a new author, Dr. Chris O'Donnell, who brings considerable expertise to the project in the area of performance measurement.

Numerous topics are being added and more applications using real data, as well as exercises at the end of the chapters.

Data sets, computer codes and software will be available for download from the web to accompany the volume.

Orthogonal Functions may be divided into two classes. The class of continuous systems and the discontinuous class of piecewise constant systems. Problems arise because continuous systems form an unsatisfactory basis for the expansion of functions containing discontinuities whilst piecewise constant systems insert artificial discontinuities into all representations. Since these two classes of functions would be unsuccessful in coping with functions that possess both continuity and discontinuity we must look to General Hybrid Orthogonal Functions (GHOF) which have been shown to be the most appropriate in such situations. This book introduces the system of GHOF, discusses its properties, develops an operational algebra for the discretization of continuous dynamic systems on the system of GHOF and illustrates its use as a flexible and powerful framework of computational tools in a wide range of systems and control.

Models of dynamical systems are required for various purposes in the field of systems and control. The models are handled either in discrete time (DT) or in continuous time (CT). Physical systems give rise to models only in CT because they are based on physical laws which are invariably in CT. In system identification, indirect methods provide DT models which are then converted into CT. Methods of directly identifying CT models are preferred to the indirect methods for various reasons. The direct methods involve a primary stage of signal processing, followed by a secondary stage of parameter estimation. In the primary stage, the measured signals are processed by a general linear dynamic operation-computational or realized through prefilters, to preserve the system parameters in their native CT form-and the literature is rich on this aspect. In this book: Identification of Continuous-Time Systems-Linear and Robust Parameter Estimation, Allamaraju Subrahmanyam and Ganti Prasada Rao consider CT system models that are linear in their unknown parameters and propose robust methods of estimation. This book complements the existing literature on the identification of CT systems by enhancing the secondary stage through linear and robust estimation. In this book, the authors provide an overview of CT system identification, consider Markov-parameter models and time-moment models as simple linear-in-parameters models for CT system identification, bring them into mainstream model parameterization via basis functions, present a methodology to robustify the recursive least squares algorithm for parameter estimation of linear regression models, suggest a simple off-line error quantification scheme to show that it is possible to quantify error even in the absence of informative priors, and indicate some directions for further research. This modest volume is intended to be a useful addition to the literature on identifying CT systems.

The book well describes the solution of the problem of current most dangerous cause of environmental pollution i.e. water pollution caused by the exponentially growing textile dye effluents globally. This book has the information of all methods available for the removal of dye and also which are the reliable and economic methods. The contents of the book are mainly targeted on the students, research scholars who works more on environmental pollution abatement. This book we be useful as a guide to those who are mainly conducting research on the water pollution control. The book will be very useful as the reference to the people who have the keen interest in conducting the research in the area of adsorption as it has all the theoretical information along with the experimentally proven results.