Books received

Strengthening policy analysis: Econometric tests using microcomputer software. Lawrence Haddad, M. Daniel Westbrook, Daniel Driscoll, Ellen Payongayong, Joshua Rozen, and Melvyn Weeks. International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, DC, USA, 1995. (ISBN 0-89629-330-0) 157 pages, paperback.

This manual illustrates in detail the statistical methods used for analysing surveys from rural households in the Philippines that were surveyed four times at four-month intervals in 1984 and 1985. Data were collected on a wide range of topics, including landholdings, expenditure patterns, food intake, housing characteristics, assets, schooling, and food prices. A 3.5" diskette is included that provides the original data for which the analytical procedures are described using SPSS/PC +, SAS PC, and GAUSS-386. The strengths and weaknesses of these software packages are discussed.

Vitamin A deficiency and Us consequences. A field guide to detection and control. Third edition. Alfred Sommer. WHO, Geneva, 1995. (ISBN 024-154478) 69 pages, paperback. SwF 17/US$15.30 (in developing countries, SwF 11.90).

La carence en vitamine A et ses conséquences. Guide pratique du dépistage et de la lutte. Troisième edition. Alfred Sommer. WHO, Geneva, 1995. (ISBN 92-4254478-7) 77 pages, paperback. SwF 17 (in developing countries, SwF 11.90).

This small book, now in its third printing, is available in both English and French. The first two chapters discuss the biochemistry of vitamin A metabolism and the complex relationship between serum levels and the physiological consequences of vitamin A deficiency. The third chapter provides a detailed guide to clinical classification and diagnosis of xerophthalmia and includes 32 illustrations to facilitate recognition of the signs and symptoms of the disease. Chapters are included on epidemiology, assessment, treatment, and prevention of vitamin A deficiency.