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Abstract. In this note, we report on the first large-scale and practical application of multiparty computation, which took place in January 2008. We also report on the novel cryptographic protocols that were used.

We introduce simple production economic models to estimate the potential gains from mergers. We decompose the gains into technical efficiency, size (scale) and harmony (mix) gains, and we discuss alternative ways to capture these gains. We propose to approximate the production processes using the non-parametric Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) approach, and we use the resulting operational approach to estimate the potential gains from merging agricultural extension offices in Denmark.JEL Classification: D20, L11, L22, P41, G34

This paper provides a new and systematic characterization of 488 universities (HEIs) coming from 11 European countries: Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and UK. Using micro indicators built on the integrated Aquameth database, we characterize the European university landscape according to the following dimensions: history of foundation of universities, dynamics of growth, specialization patterns, subject mix, funding composition, differentiation of the offering profile and productivity.

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Multi-period multi-product regulatory schemes for electricity distributors are presented, based on cost information from a productivity analysis model and an agency theoretical decision model. The proposed schemes are operational and demonstrate considerable advantages compared to the popular CPI-X revenue cap regulation. The schemes avoid arbitrariness, excessively high or negative informational rents as well as ratchet effects and they promote rapid productivity catch-up by making full use of available data. More generally, the paper contributes to the theoretical unification between firm-based Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) productivity models and micro-economic reimbursement theories. JEL Classification: D24, D82, L12, L51, L94

In a recent paper, Petersen (Petersen, N. C. 1990. Data envelopment analysis on a relaxed set of assumptions. Management Sci. 36 305--314.) proposed to relax the convexity assumptions invoked in traditional Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). Unfortunately, the new approach is not consistent with the relaxed assumptions. Also, the efficiency evaluations in input and output spaces are based on different technologies assumptions. The aim of this paper is to clarify which assumptions are actually involved and to develop modifications such that the input and output based measures are consistent. In effect, a family of DEA methods based on relaxed convexity assumptions is identified.Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), convex isoquants, minimal extrapolation, mathematical programming