Do Maxwell's equations need revision? - A methodological note

We propose a modification of Maxwell's macroscopic fundamental set of equations in vacuum in order to clarify Faraday's law of induction. Using this procedure, the Lorentz force is no longer separate from Maxwell's equations. The Lorentz transformations are shown to be related to the convective derivative, which is introduced in the electrodynamics of moving bodies. The new formulation is in complete agreement with the actual set of Maxwell's equations for bodies at rest, the only novel feature is a new kind of electromotive force. Heinrich Hertz was the first to propose a similar electrodynamic theory of moving bodies, although its interpretation was based on the existence of the so called "aether". Examining the problem of a moving circuit with this procedure, it is shown that a new force of induction should act on a circuit moving through an inhomogeneous vector potential field. This overlooked induction force is related to the Aharanov-Bohm effect, but can also be related to the classical electromagnetic field when an external magnetic field is acting on the system. Technological issues, such as the so called Marinov motor are also addressed.Comment: 7 pages, 2 figures; typos, 2 figures and 1 reference added. Submitted to revie

A Methodological Note on the Estimation of Programming Models

The paper introduces a general methodological approach for the estimation of constrained optimisation models in agricultural supply analysis. It is based on optimality conditions of the desired programming model and shows a conceptual advantage compared to Positive Mathematical Programming in the context of well posed estimation problems. Moreover, it closes the empirical and methodological gap between programming models and duality based functional models with explicit allocation of fixed factors. Monte Carlo simulations are performed with a maximum entropy estimator to evaluate the functionality of the approach as well as the impact of empirically relevant prior information in small sample situations.Agricultural Supply Analysis, Programming Models, Maximum Entropy Estimation, Prior Information, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods,

Research note: Measuring cultural values - The case of residents' attitudes to the Saltaire Festival

This research note discusses the findings and methodological issues arising from a cultural values survey of residents, particularly in relation to civic pride. In addition to offering insights to the particular case - the Saltaire Festival in the north of England - it provides an approach that might be used elsewhere

A Methodological Note on Measuring the Functional Efficiency of Capital Markets

We apply the accelerator principle to measure the functional efficiency of capital markets. We estimate the elasticity of capital with respect to output using a panel of firms across 44 countries, and compare the results with existing approaches. Furthermore, we correlate our measure with corporate governance institutions.Allocation of capital; accelerator principle; functional efficiency:

The Gravity Equation in International Economics and International Business Research: A Note

This note discusses methodological issues and practical concerns for international economists and international business scholars who apply the gravity equation in their research. The most important message of the note is that this equation should correct for multilateral resistance factors. We propose a relatively low-cost specification and estimation to implement such correction, which is robust in the presence of various endogeneity effects and non-stationary variables. In the presence of zero-values in the dataset, however, the multilateral specification is best estimated with a Poisson maximum likelihood.gravity equation, international trade, foreign direct investment, methodology

A Review and Bibliography of Early Warning Models

This note is intended to share some observations regarding a non-exhaustive collection of the early warning literature from 1971 to 2011. Evolution of the interest in early warning models, methodological spectrum of studies and coverage of economic variables are briefly discussed in addition to providing a bibliography.Early warning systems, bibliometric analysis

A Content and Methodological Review of Articles Concerning Multiracial Issues in Six Major Counseling Journals

This study describes a comprehensive content and methodological review of articles about multiracial issues in 6 journals related to counseling up to the year 2006. The authors summarize findings about the 18 articles that emerged from this review of the Journal of Counseling Psychology, Journal of Counseling & Development, The Counseling Psychologist, Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology, and Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development. The authors specifically note trends in content and methodology as well as future directions for research

Class dynamics of development: a methodological note

This article argues that class relations are constitutive of developmental processes and central to understanding inequality within and between countries. In doing so it illustrates and explains the diversity of the actually existing forms of class relations, and the ways in which they interplay with other social relations such as gender and ethnicity. This is part of a wider project to re- vitalise class analysis in the study of development problems and experiences