Phenomenological Definition Research Articles

A philosophical analysis of the concept of reassurance and its effect on coping.

The phenomenon of 'reassurance' is an attribute of caring that is commonly used in the delivery of nursing care. If caring is considered central to the concept of nursing, a case is made that the therapeutic value of reassurance needs to be analysed. This paper addresses this issue from a phenomenological viewpoint. Definition of the concept of reassurance is first analysed, highlighting the complexity of its meaning as it is commonly used in nursing practice, and an attempt is made at examining its effects on coping.

Redefining active volcanoes: a discussion

The analysis of the current definitions of active volcanoes indicates that they are empirical, conventional, inaccurate, nongeological, and arbitrarily constraining. Redefinition is therefore needed. One possible approach is to refine the current empirical definitions. A statistically reasonable and practical redefinition using a geologically based time convention-Holocene or 10000 years-is suggested. A set of time conditions according to volcano typology-i.e. 1000; 10000 and 100000 years for high-frequency basaltic shields, andesitic-dacitic composite volcanoes and low-frequency large silicic calderas, respectively-as further refinement of the empirical definition is also envisaged. Devising a phenomenological definition as a theoretical approach is another possibility, but in practice extant “diagnostic” means are still unsatisfactory to discriminate accurately between dormant and extinct volcanoes. As a consequence of the redefinition, a classification of volcanoes according to their eruptive status is proposed. Redefinition of active volcanoes might increase accuracy in the usage of basic terms in volcanology and influence volcanic hazard assessment and risk mitigation projects.

What is a ‘gel’?

AbstractSome of the existing definitions of the term ‘gel’ are discussed and shortcomings are identified. A purely phenomenological definition is proposed: a gel is a soft, solid or solid‐like material consisting of two or more components one of which is a liquid, present in substantial quantity. ‘Solid‐like gels’ are further defined in terms of the dynamic mechanical properties.

Towards a phenomenological definition of the term ‘gel’

Abstract The term ‘gel’ is used so indiscriminately that it has become ambiguous. Existing definitions are reviewed, examples of unfortunate uses of the term are discussed, and important phenomenological characteristics of gels are identified. We propose that the term ‘gel’ should be limited to systems which fulfil the following phenomenological characteristics: (a) they consist of two or more components one of which is a liquid, present in substantial quantity and (b) they are soft, solid, or solid-like materials. We further propose a definition of the solid-like characteristics of gels in terms of the dynamic mechanical properties, viz. a storage modulus, G′(ω), which exhibits a pronounced plateau extending to times at least of the order of seconds and a loss modulus, G″(ω), which is considerably smaller thatn the storage modulus in the plateau region.

Toward a Phenomenological Definition of Spirituality

Toward a Phenomenological Definition of Spirituality

Two molecular scale force distributions associated with a planar interface

The surface tension is a thermodynamic force localized in the interfacial region between two phases. We show that the spatial distribution of this force on a molecular scale can be given a clear thermodynamic definition. In fact, two distinct force distributions are identified, a wall distribution associated with an actual system boundary and an intrinsic distribution associated with an interface unperturbed by (i.e., physically remote from) a wall. While mechanical definitions of the intrinsic distribution are ambiguous on a molecular scale because there is no unique localization of the intermolecular forces, we show that formal density-functional theory admits a natural, operational definition of the intrinsic distribution in terms of a many-body external field. The result is a unified phenomenological definition of these two force distributions from which expressions in terms of the molecular distribution functions are readily developed. The surface tension and location of the surface of tension deduced from the intrinsic force distribution agree with established results. These quantities are also shown to be independent of the details of the structure of a wall as long as the force exerted by the wall is normal to the wall. This verifies at a molecular level the original hypothesis of Young.

Effect of very short impulses on nonlinear dissipative kinetics

Delayed nonautonomous kinetics is considered on the example of the kinetic equation Ẋ(t) = ax(t−τ del) − b(t) x 2 (t−τ del), with b( t) representing a train of separate impulses. Dependence on impulse width is discussed for the case of short delay times. Sufficiently short impulses lead to significant changes in x( t): appearance of chaotic behaviour absent for longer impulses, abrupt drop of the average value of x, etc., which enables the experimental determination of τ del. It is suggested that there exists a time scale on which the “normal” macroscopic kinetic description breaks down due to the natural “inertia” of physical processes (related, e.g., to the presence of fast variables averaged out in the macroscopic description). Hence the effects described in this paper may be used for the phenomenological definition and experimental determination of a new characteristic of the macroscopic dissipative system, related to that time scale: the inertial relaxation time τ inertial.

Toward a standardized definition of geomagnetic sudden impulses and storm sudden commencements

In an attempt to resolve some ambiguity in defining geomagnetic sudden impulses (Sis) and storm sudden commencements (SSCs) using the existing phenomenological definition (see, for example, Mayaud and Romana [1977]; Mayaud [1980]), Joselyn and Tsurutani [1990] recently constructed a scheme in which SSCs are a subset of Sis, depending on the magnitude of subsequent geomagnetic activity. For quantitative application, they have proposed that an SI be specified as a sharp change (at least 10 nT in 3 minutes or less) observed nearly simultaneously (within a few minutes) in either component of the horizontal magnetic field at globally spaced observatories near 20° geomagnetic latitude. In addition, SSCs are those Sis followed within 24 hours by an hourly Dst index of at least −50 nT. Because the Dst index is not readily available, the recommended provisional alternative indicators are a 3‐hourly Kp index of 5 or more and a half‐daily a a index of 60 or more. Joselyn and Tsurutani [1990] have recommended these new quantitative definitions of the two terms (Sis and SSCs) for open discussion.

The Emergence of a Jewish Nationalist Consciousness in Europe

A discussion of the emergence of a modern Jewish collective consciousness in Eastern Europe does not require us to address the question of the beginnings of a movement, which also has an organizational aspect. The phenomenon under discussion—at least in its initial stage—was not organized; there were no membership cards, bylaws, or party conferences. It is my contention, however, that the emergence of a Jewish nationalist movement was connected to, and dependent upon, the prior emergence of a collective consciousness.Thus, on the one hand, our discussion is not based upon the phenomenological definition of nationalism, which is not a simple matter, while, on the other hand, we view the institutionalized nationalist movement as a consequence of a process of consciousness-building. Mine is a syncretic approach, the advantage of which is that it does not observe a historical process from an intellectual or theoretical point of reference foreign to the process.

Thermodynamics of ion binding by proteins Phenomenological linkage relations for binding of electrolyte and interpretation by double layer theory

In this paper we report a new set of thermodynamic linkage relations for the binding of electrolyte by proteins. The relations are derived for protein solutions in membrane equilibrium with a reference solution, allowing a phenomenological definition of ion binding. This is an extension of Wyman's linkage theory. The theory is applied to the electrolyte dependence of proton titration curves for bovine serum albumin in KCl solution (C. Tanford, S. A. Swanson and W. S. Shore, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 77 (1955) 6414). The curves are re-analysed in terms of Esin-Markov coefficients. In addition, we discuss the interpretation of the phenomenological K+ and Cl- binding numbers in terms of a two-state binding model, in which part of the ions are thought to adsorb on specific sites at the protein surface and/or part in the diffuse layer. It is shown that the electrolyte binds largely in the diffuse layer, especially when the protein surface charge is high.

Size-exclusion chromatography dimension for rod-like macromolecules

A phenomenological approach has been taken to determine the macromolecular dimension that controls peak migration in size-exclusion chromatography. For macromolecules representative of the class of rigid rods, flexible rods, random coils, and compact ellipsoids, the dependence of the chromatographic partition coefficient, K SEC, on the viscosity radius, the radius of gyration, and the contour length, respectively, was determined. Since none of these dimensions appears to control retention uniquely, a phenomenological definition of R SEC was provided. This parameter progressively deviates from the hydrodynamic radius with increasing macromolecular asymmetry.

Phenomenological superplasticity in rocks

Abstract Superplastic deformation of rocks can be defined as: homogeneous deformation without loss of continuity to very large strains. This phenomenological definition differs from current geological usage that equates superplasticity with either grain boundary sliding, a deformation mechanism, or with a specific set of material parameters. Two examples of natural, phenomenological superplasticity in rocks are presented. A diabase dyke deformed continuously in progressive simple shear to shear strains of at least γ = 100, despite the low grade of metamorphism and relatively coarse grain size of the resultant tectonite. Very coarse-grained pegmatite dykes show continuous deformation to high strains under predominantly pure flattening; intracrystalline plasticity was an important micromechanism of flow. A much wider range of material and mechanical parameters and physical conditions give rise to phenomenological superplasticity in rocks than predicted by experiments on metals. By inference and example, more deformation mechanisms will be associated with superplasticity in nature. The profound differences between the metallurgical experiments and the geological environment prohibit simple rheological interpretations of natural superplastic behaviour.

The Adhesion of Growing Oxides to Metallic Substrates

AbstractThere are several possible descriptions of the nature of the adhesion between an oxide and a metal substrate, some of which are formally equivalent. These include electrostatic interactions connected with the development of space charge regions, chemical bonding across the interface, van der Waals forces, and mechanical interactions associated with a nonplanar interface. However, the detailed mechanism must also be consistent with the growth process and the associated evolution of the interface for an oxide growing on a metal substrate. The problem is further complicated by the nature of the failure at or near the interface which leads to a phenomenological definition of adhesion which is not necessarily identical to the formal definition, and involves other parameters such as the growth stresses in the oxide, the plasticity of the oxide or the surface metal, and the effect of thermal cycling when the coefficients of thermal expansion of the two phases differ. In this paper, an attempt is made to describe these different aspects of the problem, and to refer to some of the more important ways of modifying the adhesion of an oxide, including the reactive element effect and the segregation of impurities to the interface and the modification of the morphology of the interface.

Contrary to nature : Inuit conception of witchcraft

The present contribution to the phenomenology of witchcraft will depend for its data on the traditional conceptions, rites, and folklore of witchcraft among the Inuit (Eskimo) of Čanada and Greenland. A phenomenological definition of witchcraft may be obtained through recognition of its position within Inuit religion. Like many native North Americans, the Inuit epitomized their religion in the concept of balance. The Polar Inuit understood religion to have the function "to keep a right balance between mankind and the rest of the world". Without exception, the rites of Inuit witchcraft were rites of Inuit religion that were made unnatural, through the alteration of one or more features. Because counterclockwise ritual motions were specific to witchcraft, the expression "contrary to nature" may be understood to epitomize the Inuit's own appreciation of witchcraft. Whether witchcraft depended on deliberate violations of traditional observances, on malicious uses of magic formulae and songs, and/or on ritual motions, witchcraft proceeded "contrary to nature". Thus, witchcraft can be defined as special practices, which together with the beliefs and folklore surrounding them, are believed to be innately disruptive of the balance between mankind and the numina. Because it is contrary to nature, witchcraft is innately anti-social. The disruption of the balance of mankind with the numina is not the private act of the witch against a victim, but a danger for the entire community.

The conceptualization of helplessness: II. Laboratory correlates of the phenomenological definition of helplessness

The present research was designed to investigate the correspondence between the phenomenological definition of helplessness and its laboratory analogue—the learned helplessness paradigm. In experiment 1, subjects were exposed to unsolvable, solvable, or no problems. It was found that exposure to unsolvable problems increased the report of helplessness feelings and impaired subsequent performance. In addition, experiment 1 demonstrated a negative and significant correlation between performance and the report of helplessness feelings. Experiment 2 isolated the cognitive component of helplessness by measuring the amount of expectancy changes following success and failure. The amount of expectancy changes was negatively correlated with the belief in an outcome's uncontrollability. Finally, experiment 3 showed that exposure to only one unsolvable problem was associated with the reports of coping and anger feelings, whereas exposure to four unsolvable problems was related to surrender feelings. These results demonstrated that laboratory-induced helpless situations elicit the same feelings as real-life helplessness situations.

The onset of dry sheath condition — A new definition of dryout

During pool boiling and low flow boiling in heat flux controlled systems, the CHF occurrence is usually accompanied by a significant rise in heated surface temperature. At higher mass velocities, thermocouple traces do not display a significant increase at the onset of dryout; instead, a gradually increasing temperature is usually observed. In this paper the mechanisms responsible for the surface temperature rise are discussed and a phenomenological definition of dryout, based on the onset of the dry sheath condition, is proposed.

Ballistic transport in GaAs

Ballistic transport in GaAs has been studied using an ensemble Monte Carlo simulation. Duration and spatial extent of ballistic transport for a hot electron distribution can be defined from such studies. Mean displacement of the ensemble increases quadratically with time for a specified interval. This observation provides a phenomenological definition of ensemble ballistic transport. This phenomenological definition is compared with a theoretical definition based on time at which a significant fraction of an ensemble have experienced at least one collision. From these studies, times and distances are given for which a single-particle ballistic equation and a Langevin equation accurately describe ensemble transport in GaAs.

A Phenomenological Definition of “Good”

A Phenomenological Definition of “Good”

Married and Unmarried Cohabitation: The Case of Sweden, with Some Comparisons

There are many implicit and explicit definitions of terms like cohabitation. The author uses a phenomenological definition, which means that unmarried cohabitation is used for the phenomenon of living together under marriage-like conditions but without a marriage. It is shown that there has been an enormous increase in the number of unmarried cohabiting couples in Sweden and Denmark and a decrease in the marriage rate. Data presented show that Sweden and Denmark seem to be some years before many other countries. Is unmarried cohabitation a deviant behavior? This question is discussed and the answer is given that in Sweden it is not. Arguments are given for the idea that an increase in the number of unmarried cohabiting couples might result in more happier marriages.

Specific contact resistance of ohmic contacts to gallium arsenide

Values of specific contact resistance R c have been obtained for Sn, Sn:Ag, and Au:Ge:Ni contacts to N-type gallium arsenide of resistivity 0.4 to 30 Ωcm. An approximate relationship R e ∝ 1 N , where N is the bulk carrier concentration, was shown to apply. The relationship between the value of R c and the contact structure is discussed. It is pointed out, in particular, that R c may be negative when its usual, phenomenological definition is used.