bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entropy Bounds, Holographic Principle and Uncertainty Relation
Authors: Ivanov M. , Volovich I.
Published: October 2008

A simple derivation of the bound on entropy is given and the holographic principle is discussed. We estimate the number of quantum states inside space region on the base of uncertainty relation. The result is compared with the Bekenstein formula for entropy bound, which was initially derived from the generalized second law of thermodynamics for black holes. The holographic principle states that the entropy inside a region is bounded by the area of the boundary of that region. This principle can be called the kinematical holographic principle. We argue that it can be derived from the dynamical holographic principle which states that the dynamics of a system in a region should be described by a system which lives on the boundary of the region. This last principle can be valid in general relativity because the ADM hamiltonian reduces to the surface term.
Mechanical Entropy and Its Implications
Authors: Williams Pharis  E.
Published: October 2008

It is shown that the classical laws of thermodynamics require that mechanical systems must exhibit energy that becomes unavailable to do useful work. In thermodynamics, this type of energy is called entropy. It is further shown that these laws require two metrical manifolds, equations of motion, field equations, and Weyl's quantum principles. Weyl's quantum principle requires quantization of the electrostatic potential of a particle and that this potential be non-singular. The interactions of particles through these non-singular electrostatic potentials are analyzed in the low velocity limit and in the relativistic limit. It is shown that writing the two particle interactions for unlike particles allows an examination in two limiting cases: large and small separations. These limits are shown to have the limiting motions of: all motions are ABOUT the center of mass or all motion is OF the center of mass. The first limit leads to the standard Dirac equation. The second limit is shown to have equations of which the electroweak theory is a subset. An extension of the gauge principle into a five-dimensional manifold, then restricting the generality of the five-dimensional manifold by using the conservation principle, shows that the four-dimensional hypersurface that is embedded within the 5-D manifold is required to obey Einstein's field equations. The 5-D gravitational quantum equations of the solar system are presented.
Energy, Entropy and Exergy Concepts and Their Roles in Thermal Engineering
Authors: Dincer Ibrahim , Cengel Yunus   A.
Published: October 2008

Energy, entropy and exergy concepts come from thermodynamics and are applicable to all fields of science and engineering. Therefore, this article intends to provide background for better understanding of these concepts and their differences among various classes of life support systems with a diverse coverage. It also covers the basic principles, general definitions and practical applications and implications. Some illustrative examples are presented to highlight the importance of the aspects of energy, entropy and exergy and their roles in thermal engineering.
The Role of Hellinger Processes in Mathematical Finance
Authors: Choulli T. , Hurd T.
Published: October 2008

This paper illustrates the natural role that Hellinger processes can play in solving problems from ¯nance. We propose an extension of the concept of Hellinger process applicable to entropy distance and f-divergence distances, where f is a convex logarithmic function or a convex power function with general order q, 0 6= q < 1. These concepts lead to a new approach to Merton's optimal portfolio problem and its dual in general L¶evy markets.
Basic Concepts, Identities and Inequalities - the Toolkit of Information Theory
Authors: Topsøe Flemming
Published: October 2008

Basic concepts and results of that part of Information Theory which is often referred to as "Shannon Theory" are discussed with focus mainly on the discrete case. The paper is expository with some new proofs and extensions of results and concepts.
Maximum Entropy Fundamentals
Authors: Harremoës Peter , Topsøe Flemming
Published: October 2008

In its modern formulation, the Maximum Entropy Principle was promoted by E.T. Jaynes, starting in the mid-fifties. The principle dictates that one should look for a distribution, consistent with available information, which maximizes the entropy. However, this principle focuses only on distributions and it appears advantageous to bring information theoretical thinking more prominently into play by also focusing on the "observer" and on coding. This view was brought forward by the second named author in the late seventies and is the view we will follow-up on here. It leads to the consideration of a certain game, the Code Length Game and, via standard game theoretical thinking, to a principle of Game Theoretical Equilibrium. This principle is more basic than the Maximum Entropy Principle in the sense that the search for one type of optimal strategies in the Code Length Game translates directly into the search for distributions with maximum entropy. In the present paper we offer a self-contained and comprehensive treatment of fundamentals of both principles mentioned, based on a study of the Code Length Game. Though new concepts and results are presented, the reading should be instructional and accessible to a rather wide audience, at least if certain mathematical details are left aside at a rst reading. The most frequently studied instance of entropy maximization pertains to the Mean Energy Model which involves a moment constraint related to a given function, here taken to represent "energy". This type of application is very well known from the literature with hundreds of applications pertaining to several different elds and will also here serve as important illustration of the theory. But our approach reaches further, especially regarding the study of continuity properties of the entropy function, and this leads to new results which allow a discussion of models with so-called entropy loss. These results have tempted us to speculate over the development of natural languages. In fact, we are able to relate our theoretical findings to the empirically found Zipf's law which involves statistical aspects of words in a language. The apparent irregularity inherent in models with entropy loss turns out to imply desirable stability properties of languages.
Major Transitions in Language Evolution
Authors: Plotkin Joshua , Nowak Martin
Published: October 2008

Language is the most important evolutionary invention of the last few million years. How human language evolved from animal communication is a challenging question for evolutionary biology. In this paper we use mathematical models to analyze the major transitions in language evolution. We begin by discussing the evolution of coordinated associations between signals and objects in a population. We then analyze word-formation and its relationship to Shannon's noisy coding theorem. Finally, we model the population dynamics of words and the adaptive emergence of syntax.
Complex Intelligent Systems: Juxtaposition of Foundational Notions and a Research Agenda
Authors: Gelepithis Petros  A.M.
Published: October 2008

The cardinality of the class, C , of complex intelligent systems, i.e., systems of intelligent systems and their resources, is steadily increasing. Such an increase, whether designed, sometimes changes significantly and fundamentally, the structure of C . Recently,the study of members of C and its structure comes under a variety of multidisciplinary headings the most prominent of which include General Systems Theory, Complexity Science, Artificial Life, and Cybernetics. Their common characteristic is the quest for a unified theory of a certain class of systems like a living system or an organisation. So far, the only candidate for a general theory of intelligent systems is Newell's Soar. To my knowledge there is presently no candidate theory of C except Newell's claimed extensibility of Soar. This paper juxtaposes the elements of Newell's conceptual basis with those of an alternative conceptual framework based on the thesis that communication and understanding are the primary processes shaping the structure of C and its members. It is patently obvious that a research agenda for the study of C can be extremely varied and long. The third section of this paper presents a highly selective research agenda that aims to provoke discussion among complexity theory scientists.
Empirical Evidence for a Law of Information Growth
Authors: Coren Richard  L.
Published: October 2008

Based on a robust, phenomenological model for the growth of a system parameter, a relation is derived to test the evolution of such a parameter through several distinct stages. It is found that data defining the acknowledged major changes in the evolution of earth, the life on it, and cultural and technological growth, conform to this model. The nature of these altering events indicates that information is the parameter involved, suggesting an unrecognized behavior in the Second Law of Thermodynamics.
Self-Organization of Template-Replicating Polymers and the Spontaneous Rise of Genetic Information
Authors: Breivik Jarle
Published: October 2008

Living systems imply self-reproducing constructs capable of Darwinian evolution. How such dynamics can arise from undirected interactions between simple monomeric objects remains an open question. Here we circumvent difficulties related to the manipulation of chemical interactions, and present a system of ferromagnetic objects that self-organize into template-replicating polymers due to environmental fluctuations in temperature. Initially random sequences of monomers direct the formation of complementary sequences, and structural information is inherited from one structure to another. Selective replication of sequences occurs in dynamic interaction with the environment, and the system demonstrates the fundamental link between thermodynamics, information theory, and life science in an unprecedented manner.
A Possible Extension of Shannon's Information Theory
Authors: Yamano Takuya
Published: October 2008

As a possible generalization of Shannon's information theory, we review the formalism based on the non-logarithmic information content parametrized by a real number q, which exhibits nonadditivity of the associated uncertainty. Moreover it is shown that the establishment of the concept of the mutual information is of importance upon the generalization.
Statistics in Genetics and in the Environmental Sciences.
Authors: Fernholz L. , Morgenthaler S. , Stahel W.
Published: October 2008

This book grew out of a workshop on statistics in the sciences held on Monte Verità, Switzerland, in the spring of 1999.[...]
Labyrinth: A Search for The Hidden Meaning of Science.
Authors: Pesic Peter
Published: October 2008

The URL for the book is http://mitpress.mit.edu/book-home.tcl?isbn=0262161907.[...]
In Our Own Image: Personal Symmetry in Discovery.
Authors: Lin Shu-Kun
Published: October 2008

I gave lectures entitled "Ugly Symmetry" at several conferences and many institutes during past six years.[...]
Some Divergence Properties of Asset Price Models
Authors: Stummer Wolfgang
Published: October 2008

We consider asset price processes Xt which are weak solutions of one-dimensional stochastic differential equations of the form (equation (2)) Such price models can be interpreted as non-lognormally-distributed generalizations of the geometric Brownian motion. We study properties of the Iα-divergence between the law of the solution Xt and the corresponding drift-less measure (the special case α=1 is the relative entropy). This will be applied to some context in statistical information theory as well as to arbitrage theory and contingent claim valuation. For instance, the seminal option pricing theorems of Black-Scholes and Merton appear as a special case.
Entropy Enters Its Fourth Year
Authors: Elitzur Avshalom
Published: October 2008

In a vivid statement that has become part of physics’ folklore, Eddington expressed an almost mystical view of the second law [1]:[...]
Algorithmic Complexity in Cosmology and Quantum Gravity
Authors: Dzhunushaliev V. , Singleton D.
Published: October 2008

In this article we use the idea of algorithmic complexity (AC) to study various cosmological scenarios, and as a means of quantizing the ravitational interaction. We look at 5D and 7D cosmological models where the Universe begins as a higher dimensional Planck size spacetime which fluctuates between Euclidean and Lorentzian signatures. These fluctuations are overned by the AC of the two different signatures. At some point a transition to a 4D Lorentzian signature Universe occurs, with the extra dimensions becoming "frozen" or non-dynamical. We also apply the idea of algorithmic complexity to study composite wormholes, the entropy of black holes, and the path integral for quantum gravity. Some of the physical consequences of the idea presented here are:the birth of the Universe with a fluctuating metric signature; the transition from a fluctuating metric signature to Lorentzian one; "frozen" extra dimensions as a consequence of this transition; quantum handles in the spacetime foam as regions with multidimensional gravity.
Comments on "A Law of Information Growth"
Authors: Coren Richard   L.
Published: October 2008

Notes added in proof of an earlier paper on an empirical "law" of information growth in evolution, and in response to questions raised therein.
Using Game Theory to Model the Evolution of Information: an Illustrative Game
Authors: Broom Mark
Published: October 2008

The application of information theory to biology can be broadly split into three areas: (i) At the level of the genome; considering the storage of information using the genetic code. (ii) At the level of the individual animal; communication between animals passes information from one animal to another (usually, but not always, for mutual benefit). (iii) At the level of the population; the diversity of a population can be measured using population entropy. This paper is concerned with the second area. We consider the evolution of an individual's ability to obtain and process information using the ideas of evolutionary game theory. An important part of game theory is the definition of the information available to the participants. Such games tend to treat information as a static quantity whilst behaviour is strategic. We consider game theoretic modelling where use of information is strategic and can thus evolve. A simple model is developed which shows how the information acquiring ability of animals can evolve through time. The model predicts that it is likely that there is an optimal level of information for any particular contest, rather than more information being inherently better. The total information required for optimal performance corresponded to approximately the same entropy, regardless of the value of the individual pieces of information concerned.
Symmetry 2000
Authors: Lin Shu-Kun
Published: October 2008

There are three kinds of book on symmetry.[...]
Conformal Symmetry and Cosmological Entropy Production
Authors: Zimdahl Winfried , Balakin Alexander   B.
Published: October 2008

Introducing an effective refraction index of an isotropic cosmic medium, we investigate the cosmological fluid dynamics which is consistent with a conformal, timelike symmetry of a corresponding "optical" metric. We demonstrate that this kind of symmetry is compatible with the existence of a negative viscous pressure and, consequently, with cosmological entropy production. We establish an exactly solvable model according to which the viscous pressure is a consequence of a self-interacting one-particle force which is self-consistently exerted on the microscopic particles of a relativistic gas. Furthermore, we show that a suficiently high decay rate of the refraction index of an ultrarelativistic cosmic medium results in an in ationary expansion of the universe.
Extremal Black Holes in Supergravity and the Bekenstein-Hawking Entropy
Authors: Andrianopoli L. , D\'Auria R.
Published: October 2008

We review some results on the connection among supergravity central charges, BPS states and Bekenstein-Hawking entropy. In particular, N = 2 super-gravity in four dimensions is studied in detail. For higher N supergravities we just give an account of the general theory specializing the discussion to the N = 8 case when one half of supersymmetry is preserved. We stress the fact that for extremal supergravity black holes the entropy formula is topological, that is the entropy turns out to be a moduli independent quantity and can be written in terms of invariants of the duality group of the supergravity theory.
Energy and Entropy as the Fundaments of Theoretical Physics
Authors: Williams Pharis E.
Published: October 2008

Einstein's article titled, "The Fundaments of Theoretical Physics", from Science, Washington, D.C., May 24, 1940, is presented in its entirety as it is an outstanding presentation of the history and status of the foundations of theoretical physics as it stood in 1940. Further, it provides the background for discussing the new view of the fundaments of theoretical physics provided by the energy and entropy foundation of the Dynamic Theory.
Boltzmann-like Entropy in Reliability Theory
Authors: Rocchi Paolo
Published: October 2008

We introduce the entropy function in order to study the reliability and repairability of systems. In detail we establish the explicit relationships between reliability and repairability; then we calculate the decay of a system due to its regular running.
Corrections and Addition: Energy and Entropy as the Fundaments of Theoretical Physics. Entropy: 2002, 4, 128-141
Authors: Williams Pharis E.
Published: October 2008

n/a
Entropy - Some Cosmological Questions Answered by Model of Expansive Nondecelerative Universe
Authors: Sima Jozef , Sukenik Miroslav
Published: October 2008

The paper summarizes the background of Expansive Nondecelerative Universe model and its potential to offer answers to some open cosmological questions related to entropy. Three problems are faced in more detail, namely that of Hawkings phenomenon of black holes evaporation, maximum entropy of the Universe during its evolution, and time evolution of specific entropy.
Classical and Statistical Thermodynamics. Ashley H. Carter
Authors: Lin Shu-Kun
Published: October 2008

This book provides a solid introduction to the classical and statistical theories of thermodynamics (http://vig.prenhall.com/catalog/academic/product/1,4096,0137792085,00.html).[...]
Entropy of Black Holes: A Quantum Algebraic Approach
Authors: Iorio A. , Lambiase G. , Vitiello G.
Published: October 2008

In this paper we apply to a class of static and time-independent geometries the recently developed formalism of deformed algebras of quantum fields in curved backgrounds. In particular we derive: i) some non-trivial features of the entanglement of the quantum vacuum, such as the robustness against interaction with the environment; ii) the thermal properties and the entropy of black holes for space-times with a unique event horizon, such as Schwarzschild, de Sitter and Rindler space-times.
Quantum Limits to the Second Law
Authors: Sheehan Daniel
Published: October 2008

The Second Law of Thermodynamics (the law of "increasing disorder") is fundamental to all the sciences and is considered inviolable by the general scientific community.[...]
Papers from the Foundations of Information Science 2002 (FIS 2002)
Authors: Marijuán Pedro , Lin Shu-Kun
Published: October 2008

The following papers in the first issue of Entropy, volume 5, 2003, were presented at the electronic conference on Foundations of Information Science FIS 2002 (http://www.mdpi.net/fis2002/).[...]
The Role of the Individual in the Social Information Process
Authors: Fuchs Christian
Published: October 2008

The aim of this paper is to point out which role the individual plays in the generation of information in social systems. First, it is argued that the individual is a social, self-conscious, creative, reflective, cultural, symbol- and language-using, active natural, producing, labouring, objective, corporeal, living, real, sensuous, visionary, imaginative, designing, co-operative being that makes its own history and can strive towards freedom and autonomy. Based on these assumptions the re-creation/self-organisation of social systems is described as a dialectic of actions and social structures and as a dialectic of individual information and social information. The individual enters economic, political and cultural relationships that result in the emergence and differentiation of social (i.e. economic, political and cultural) information which enables and constrains individual actions and thinking. Individuals as actors in social systems are indispensable for social self-organisation.
Mediated Character of Economic Interactions
Authors: Stepanic Josip , Bertovic Igor , Kasac Josip
Published: October 2008

Economic interactions are conducted between economic agents - individuals and collectives, through exchange of natural or artificial entities - goods, services and money, in a myriad of combinations. In this article we adopt a microscopic point of view, concentrate on the exchanged entities, and extract their relevant attributes as seen from structurally simple economic processes. Following that, we approach the interpretation of the economic interactions with their mediated character emphasized. Mediators of the interaction are locally available environment units. They are locally recognized and appropriately interpreted in a given value set as goods and money. The overall intensity of economic interactions considered is related to mediators' spatial and temporal characteristics. Extracted characteristics of mediators and economic processes are compacted in the set of formal rules. The approach is connected with similar approaches in economy and physics.
Living Systems are Dynamically Stable by Computing Themselves at the Quantum Level
Authors: Igamberdiev Abir  U.
Published: October 2008

The smallest details of living systems are molecular devices that operate between the classical and quantum levels, i.e. between the potential dimension (microscale) and the actual three-dimensional space (macroscale). They realize non-demolition quantum measurements in which time appears as a mesoscale dimension separating contradictory statements in the course of actualization. These smaller devices form larger devices (macromolecular complexes), up to living body. The quantum device possesses its own potential internal quantum state (IQS), which is maintained for prolonged time via error-correction being a reflection over this state. Decoherence-free IQS can exhibit itself by a creative generation of iteration limits in the real world. To avoid a collapse of the quantum information in the process of correcting errors, it is possible to make a partial measurement that extracts only the error-information and leaves the encoded state untouched. In natural quantum computers, which are living systems, the error-correction is internal. It is a result of reflection, given as a sort of a subjective process allotting optimal limits of iteration. The IQS resembles the properties of a quasi-particle, which interacts with the surround, applying decoherence commands to it. In this framework, enzymes are molecular automata of the extremal quantum computer, the set of which maintains stable highly ordered coherent state, and genome represents a concatenation of error-correcting codes into a single reflective set. Biological systems, being autopoietic in physical space, control quantum measurements in the physical universe. The biological evolution is really a functional evolution of measurement constraints in which limits of iteration are established possessing criteria of perfection and having selective values.
Information Seen as Part of the Development of Living Intelligence: the Five-Leveled Cybersemiotic Framework for FIS
Authors: Brier Soren
Published: October 2008

It is argued that a true transdisciplinary information science going from physical information to phenomenological understanding needs a metaphysical framework. Three different kinds of causality are implied: efficient, formal and final. And at least five different levels of existence are needed: 1. The quantum vacuum fields with entangled causation. 2. The physical level with is energy and force-based efficient causation. 3. The informational-chemical level with its formal causation based on pattern fitting. 4. The biological-semiotic level with its non-conscious final causation and 5. The social-linguistic level of self-consciousness with its conscious goal-oriented final causation. To integrate these consistently in an evolutionary theory as emergent levels, neither mechanical determinism nor complexity theory are sufficient because they cannot be a foundation for a theory of lived meaning. C. S. Peirce's triadic semiotic philosophy combined with a cybernetic and systemic view, like N. Luhmann's, could create the framework I call Cybersemiotics.
Hierarchical Dynamical Information Systems With a Focus on Biology
Authors: Collier John
Published: October 2008

A system of a number of relatively stable units that can combine more or less freely to form somewhat less stable structures has a capacity to carry information in a more or less arbitrary way. I call such a system a physical information system if its properties are dynamically specified. All physical information systems have certain general dynamical properties. DNA can form such a system, but so can, to a lesser degree, RNA, proteins, cells and cellular subsystems, various immune system elements, organisms in populations and in ecosystems, as well as other higher-level phenomena. These systems are hierarchical structures with respect to the expression of lower level information at higher levels. This allows a distinction between macro and microstates within the system, with resulting statistical (entropy driven) dynamics, including the possibility of self-organization, system bifurcation, and the formation of higher levels of information expression. Although lower-level information is expressed in an information hierarchy, this in itself is not sufficient for reference, function, or meaning. Nonetheless, the expression of information is central to the realization of all of these. 'Biological information' is thus ambiguous between syntactic information in a hierarchical modular system, and functional information. However, the dynamics of hierarchical physical information systems is of interest to the study of how functional information might be embodied physically. I will address 1) how to tighten the relative terms in the characterizations of 'information system' and 'informational hierarchy' above, 2) how to distinguish between components of an information system combining to form more complex informational modules and the expression of information, 3) some aspects of the dynamics of such systems that are of biological interest, 4) why information expression in such systems is not sufficient for functional information, and 5) what further might be required for functional information.
From Data to Semantic Information
Authors: Floridi Luciano
Published: October 2008

There is no consensus yet on the definition of semantic information. This paper contributes to the current debate by criticising and revising the Standard Definition of semantic Information (SDI) as meaningful data, in favour of the Dretske-Grice approach: meaningful and well-formed data constitute semantic information only if they also qualify as contingently truthful. After a brief introduction, SDI is criticised for providing necessary but insufficient conditions for the definition of semantic information. SDI is incorrect because truth-values do not supervene on semantic information, and misinformation (that is, false semantic information) is not a type of semantic information, but pseudo-information, that is not semantic information at all. This is shown by arguing that none of the reasons for interpreting misinformation as a type of semantic information is convincing, whilst there are compelling reasons to treat it as pseudo-information. As a consequence, SDI is revised to include a necessary truth-condition. The last section summarises the main results of the paper and indicates the important implications of the revised definition for the analysis of the deflationary theories of truth, the standard definition of knowledge and the classic, quantitative theory of semantic information.
Information Theory: a Multifaceted Model of Information
Authors: Burgin Mark
Published: October 2008

A contradictory and paradoxical situation that currently exists in information studies can be improved by the introduction of a new information approach, which is called the general theory of information. The main achievement of the general theory of information is explication of a relevant and adequate definition of information. This theory is built as a system of two classes of principles (ontological and sociological) and their consequences. Axiological principles, which explain how to measure and evaluate information and information processes, are presented in the second section of this paper. These principles systematize and unify different approaches, existing as well as possible, to construction and utilization of information measures. Examples of such measures are given by Shannon’s quantity of information, algorithmic quantity of information or volume of information. It is demonstrated that all other known directions of information theory may be treated inside general theory of information as its particular cases.
Information Processing in Auto-regulated Systems
Authors: Javorszky Karl
Published: October 2008

We present a model of information processing which is based on two concurrent ways of describing the world, where a description in one of the languages limits the possibilities for realisations in the other language. The two describing dimensions appear in our common sense as dichotomies of perspectives: subjective - objective; diversity - similarity; individual - collective. We abstract from the subjective connotations and treat the test theoretical case of an interval on which several concurrent categories can be introduced. We investigate multidimensional partitions as potential carriers of information and compare their efficiency to that of sequenced carriers. We regard the same assembly once as a contemporary collection, once as a longitudinal sequence and find promising inroads towards understanding information processing by auto-regulated systems. Information is understood to point out that what is the case from among alternatives, which could be the case. We have translated these ideas into logical operations on the set of natural numbers and have found two equivalence points on N where matches between sequential and commutative ways of presenting a state of the world can agree in a stable fashion: a flip-flop mechanism is envisioned. By following this new approach, a mathematical treatment of some poignant biomathematical problems is allowed. Also, the concepts presented in this treatise may well have relevance and applications within the information processing and the theory of language fields.
Information and Meaning
Authors: Menant Christophe
Published: October 2008

We propose here to clarify some of the relations existing between information and meaning by showing how meaningful information can be generated by a system submitted to a constraint. We build up definitions and properties for meaningful information, a meaning generator system and the domain of efficiency of a meaning (to cover cases of meaningful information transmission). Basic notions of information processing are used.
The Informational Patterns of Laughter
Authors: Bea José  A. , Marijuán Pedro  C.
Published: October 2008

Laughter is one of the most characteristic -and enigmatic- communicational traits of human individuals. Its analysis has to take into account a variety of emotional, social, cognitive, and communicational factors densely interconnected. In this article we study laughter just as an auditive signal (as a 'neutral' information carrier), and we compare its structure with the regular traits of linguistic signals. In the experimental records of human laughter that we have performed, the most noticeable trait is the disorder content of frequencies. In comparison with the sonograms of vowels, the information content of which appears as a characteristic, regular function of the first vibration modes of the dynamic system formed, for each vowel, by the vocal cords and the accompanying resonance of the vocalization apparatus, the sonograms of laughter are highly irregular. In the episodes of laughter, a highly random content in frequencies appears, reason why it cannot be considered as a genuine codification of patterned information like in linguistic signals. In order to numerically gauge the disorder content of laughter frequencies, we have performed several "entropy" measures of the spectra -trying to unambiguously identify spontaneous laughter from "faked", articulated laughter. Interestingly, Shannon's entropy (the most natural candidate) performs rather poorly.
Foundations of Information Science Selected papers from FIS 2002
Authors: Marijuán Pedro C.
Published: October 2008

The accompanying papers in the first issue of Entropy, volume 5, 2003 were presented at the electronic conference on Foundations of Information Science FIS 2002 (http://www.mdpi.net/fis2002/). The running title of this FIS e-conference was THE NATURE OF INFORMATION: CONCEPTIONS, MISCONCEPTIONS, AND PARADOXES. It was held on the Internet from 6 to 10 May 2002, and was followed by a series of discussions –structured as focused sessions– which took place in the net from 10 May 2002 until 31 January 2003 (more than 400 messages were exchanged, see: http://fis.iguw.tuwien.ac.at/mailings/). This Introduction will briefly survey the problems around the concept of information, will present the central ideas of the FIS initiative, and will contrast some of the basic differences between information and mechanics (reductionism).
Extensive Generalization of Statistical Mechanics Based on Incomplete Information Theory
Authors: Wang Qiuping A.
Published: October 2008

Statistical mechanics is generalized on the basis of an additive information theory for incomplete probability distributions. The incomplete normalization is used to obtain generalized entropy . The concomitant incomplete statistical mechanics is applied to some physical systems in order to show the effect of the incompleteness of information. It is shown that this extensive generalized statistics can be useful for the correlated electron systems in weak coupling regime.
On the Measure Entropy of Additive Cellular Automata f∞
Authors: Akın Hasan
Published: October 2008

We show that for an additive one-dimensional cellular automata f∞ on space of all doubly infinitive sequences with values in a finite set S = {0, 1, 2, ..., r-1}, determined by an additive automaton rule [equation] (mod r), and a f∞-invariant uniform Bernoulli measure μ, the measure-theoretic entropy of the additive one-dimensional cellular automata f∞ with respect to μ is equal to hμ (f∞) = 2klog r, where k ≥ 1, r-1∈S. We also show that the uniform Bernoulli measure is a measure of maximal entropy for additive one-dimensional cellular automata f∞.
Phase Space Cell in Nonextensive Classical Systems
Authors: Quarati Francesco , Quarati Piero
Published: October 2008

We calculate the phase space volume Ω occupied by a nonextensive system of N classical particles described by an equilibrium (or steady-state, or long-term stationary state of a nonequilibrium system) distribution function, which slightly deviates from Maxwell-Boltzmann (MB) distribution in the high energy tail. We explicitly require that the number of accessible microstates does not change respect to the extensive MB case. We also derive, within a classical scheme, an analytical expression of the elementary cell that can be seen as a macrocell, different from the third power of Planck constant. Thermodynamic quantities like entropy, chemical potential and free energy of a classical ideal gas, depending on elementary cell, are evaluated. Considering the fractional deviation from MB distribution we can deduce a physical meaning of the nonextensive parameter q of the Tsallis nonextensive thermostatistics in terms of particle correlation functions (valid at least in the case, discussed in this work, of small deviations from MB standard case).
Some Consequences of an Analysis of the Kelvin-Clausius Entropy Formulation Based on Traditional Axiomatics
Authors: Jesudason Christopher  G.
Published: October 2008

Recently, there have appeared interesting correctives or challenges [Entropy 1999, 1, 111-147] to the Second law formulations, especially in the interpretation of the Clausius equivalent transformations, closely related in area to extensions of the Clausius principle to irreversible processes [Chem. Phys. Lett. 1988, 143(1), 65-70]. Since the traditional formulations are central to science, a brief analysis of some of these newer theories along traditional lines is attempted, based on well-attested axioms which have formed the basis of equilibrium thermodynamics. It is deduced that the Clausius analysis leading to the law of increasing entropy does not follow from the given axioms but it can be proved that for irreversible transitions, the total entropy change of the system and thermal reservoirs (the "Universe") is not negative, even for the case when the reservoirs are not at the same temperature as the system during heat transfer. On the basis of two new simple theorems and three corollaries derived for the correlation between irreversible and reversible pathways and the traditional axiomatics, it is shown that a sequence of reversible states can never be used to describe a corresponding sequence of irreversible states for at least closed systems, thereby restricting the principle of local equilibrium. It is further shown that some of the newer irreversible entropy forms given exhibit some paradoxical properties relative to the standard axiomatics. It is deduced that any reconciliation between the traditional approach and novel theories lie in creating a well defined set of axioms to which all theoretical developments should attempt to be based on unless proven not be useful, in which case there should be consensus in removing such axioms from theory. Clausius' theory of equivalent transformations do not contradict the traditional understanding of heat- work efficiency. It is concluded that the intuitively derived assumptions over the last two centuries seem to be reasonably well grounded, requiring perhaps some minor elaboration to the concepts of (i) system, (ii) the mechanism of heat transfer, and (iii) the environment, which would be expected to evolve with time in any case. If new generalizations at variance with Clausius' concepts are presented, then these ideas could be expected to require a different axiomatic basis than the one for equilibrium theory, and this difference must be stated at the outset of any new development. So far such empirically self-consistent axiomatic developments are not very much in evidence.
Chirality and Symmetry Measures: A Transdisciplinary Review
Authors: Petitjean Michel
Published: October 2008

Many quantitative measures of the degree of chirality or symmetry of a set have been proposed in the literature. The main approaches from various areas are reviewed: chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer sciences, biology, and psychophysics. Relations between chirality, symmetry, and other concepts such as similarity, disorder and entropy, are discussed.
Quantum Games: Mixed Strategy Nash's Equilibrium Represents Minimum Entropy
Authors: Jiménez Edward
Published: October 2008

This paper introduces Hermite's polynomials, in the description of quantum games. Hermite's polynomials are associated with gaussian probability density. The gaussian probability density represents minimum dispersion. I introduce the concept of minimum entropy as a paradigm of both Nash's equilibrium (maximum utility MU) and Hayek equilibrium (minimum entropy ME). The ME concept is related to Quantum Games. Some questions arise after carrying out this exercise: i) What does Heisenberg's uncertainty principle represent in Game Theory and Time Series?, and ii) What do the postulates of Quantum Mechanics indicate in Game Theory and Economics?.
Behavior of the Thermodynamic Properties of Binary Mixtures near the Critical Azeotrope
Authors: Abbaci Azzedine
Published: October 2008

In this work we investigate the critical line of binary azeotropic mixtures of acetone-n-pentane. We pinpoint the abnormal behavior of the critical density line as a function of the mole fraction of one of the component and show its influence on other thermodynamic properties such as the volume, the enthalpy and the entropy.
Special Issue on Entropy Generation in Thermal Systems and Processes
Authors: Dincer Ibrahim
Published: October 2008

Thermodynamics is defined as the science of energy and entropy which are applicable to all fields of science and engineering.[...]
Free Convection and Irreversibility Analysis inside a Circular Porous Enclosure
Authors: Mahmud Shohel , Fraser Roydon Andrew
Published: October 2008

We investigate the nature of heat transfer and entropy generation for natural convection in a two-dimensional circular section enclosure. The enclosure is assumed to fill with porous media. The Darcy momentum equation is used to model the porous media. The full governing differential equations are simplified with the Boussinesq approximation and solved by a finite volume method. Whereas the Prandtl number Pr is fixed to 1.0. Results are presented in terms of Nusselt number, entropy generation number, and Bejan number.
Vibrational Effect on Entropy Generation in a Square Porous Cavity
Authors: Mahmud Shohel , Fraser Roydon Andrew
Published: October 2008

We investigate the nature of entropy generation for natural convection in a two-dimensional square section enclosure vibrating sinusoidally perpendicular to the applied temperature gradient in a zero-gravity field. The enclosure is assumed to fill with porous media. The Darcy momentum equation is used to model the porous media. The full governing differential equations are simplified with the Boussinesq approximation and solved by a finite volume method. Whereas the Prandtl number Pr is fixed to 1.0. Results are presented in terms of average Nusselt number (Nuav), entropy generation number (Nsav), Bejan number (Beav), and kinetic energy (KEav).
Ecological Optimization and Parametric Study of an Irreversible Regenerative Modified Brayton Cycle with Isothermal Heat Addition
Authors: Tyagi Sudhir Kumar , Kaushik Subhash Chandra , Tiwari Vivek
Published: October 2008

An ecological optimization along with a detailed parametric study of an irreversible regenerative Brayton heat engine with isothermal heat addition have been carried out with external as well as internal irreversibilities. The ecological function is defined as the power output minus the power loss (irreversibility) which is ambient temperature times the entropy generation rate. The external irreversibility is due to finite temperature difference between the heat engine and the external reservoirs while the internal irreversibilities are due to nonisentropic compression and expansion processes in the compressor and the turbine respectively and the regenerative heat loss. The ecological function is found to be an increasing function of the isothermal-, sink- and regenerative-side effectiveness, isothermal-side inlet temperature, component efficiencies and sink-side temperature while it is found to be a decreasing function of the isobaric-side temperature and effectiveness and the working fluid heat capacitance rate. The effects of the isobaric-side effectiveness are found to be more than those of the other parameters and the effects of turbine efficiency are found to be more than those of the compressor efficiency on all the performance parameters of the cycle.
Entropy Analysis in Pipe Flow Subjected to External Heating
Authors: Al-Zaharnah Iyad Talal
Published: October 2008

In the present study, heat transfer and entropy analysis for flow through a pipe system is considered. The Reynolds number and the pipe wall temperature effects on entropy distribution and total entropy generation in the pipe are investigated. Numerical scheme employing a control volume approach is introduced when solving the governing equations. Steel is selected as pipe material, while water is used as fluid. It is found that increasing pipe wall temperature and Reynolds number increases the entropy production rate, in which case, entropy generation due to heat transfer dominates over that corresponding to fluid friction.
Entropy Generation in Laminar Fluid Flow through a Circular Pipe
Authors: Sahin Ahmet Z. , Ben-Mansour Rached
Published: October 2008

A numerical solution to the entropy generation in a circular pipe is made. Radial and axial variations are considered. Navier-Stokes equations in cylindrical coordinates are used to solve the velocity and temperature fields. Uniform wall heat flux is considered as the thermal boundary condition. The distribution of the entropy generation rate is investigated throughout the volume of the fluid as it flows through the pipe. Engine oil is selected as the working fluid. In addition, water and Freon are used in a parametric study. The total entropy generation rate is calculated by integration over the various cross-sections as well as over the entire volume.
Droplet Size Distribution in Sprays Based on Maximization of Entropy Generation
Authors: Li Xianguo , Li Meishen
Published: October 2008

The maximum entropy principle (MEP), which has been popular in the modeling of droplet size and velocity distribution in sprays, is, strictly speaking, only applicable for isolated systems in thermodynamic equilibrium; whereas the spray formation processes are irreversible and non-isolated with interaction between the atomizing liquid and its surrounding gas medium. In this study, a new model for the droplet size distribution has been developed based on the thermodynamically consistent concept - the maximization of entropy generation during the liquid atomization process. The model prediction compares favorably with the experimentally measured size distribution for droplets, near the liquid bulk breakup region, produced by an air-blast annular nozzle and a practical gas turbine nozzle. Therefore, the present model can be used to predict the initial droplet size distribution in sprays.
Reduced Exergy Method for Heat-Electricity Cost Allocation in Combined Heat and Power Plants
Authors: Ye Xue-min
Published: October 2008

Although the cost allocation method does not change the total benefits of CHP, the use of various cost allocation methods generally results in significant differences in costs allocated for CHP products. In order to overcome the inadequacy of existing cost allocating methods in theory and in practice, according to the different roles of anergy and exergy in heat supply process of CHP plant, the reduced exergy method for cost allocation is formulated by introducing the concepts of the available anergy and reduced exergy. The contribution of the available anergy is expressed with a user factor, which can reflect different utilization for different practical conditions. Some practical conditions for typical CHP units are computed and compared with existing methods. Calculations show that the cost allocation by using the reduced exergy model is more rational and practical than those by using existing models in terms of embodying the physical meaning.