Fluctuation theorem for entropy production of a partial system in the weak coupling limit

Small systems in contact with a heat bath evolve by stochastic dynamics. Here we show that, when one such small system is weakly coupled to another one, it is possible to infer the presence of such weak coupling by observing the violation of the steady state fluctuation theorem for the partial entropy production of the observed system. We give a general mechanism due to which the violation of the fluctuation theorem can be significant, even for weak coupling. We analytically demonstrate on a realistic model system that this mechanism can be realized by applying an external random force to the system. In other words, we find a new fluctuation theorem for the entropy production of a partial system, in the limit of weak coupling.Comment: 7 pages, 3 figure

Thermodynamic uncertainty relations in a linear system

We consider a Brownian particle in harmonic confinement of stiffness $k$, in one dimension in the underdamped regime. The whole setup is immersed in a heat bath at temperature $T$. The center of harmonic trap is dragged under any arbitrary protocol. The thermodynamic uncertainty relations for both position of the particle and current at time $t$ are obtained using the second law of thermodynamics as well as the positive semi-definite property of the correlation matrix of work and degrees of freedom of the system for both underdamped and overdamped cases.Comment: Minor revision, Accepted in EPJ

Design and Analysis of a Horizontal Shaft Impact Crusher

Crusher is one of the major size reduction equipment that is used in metallurgical, mechanical, and other similar industries. They exist in various sizes and capacities which range from 0.1 ton/hr. to 50 ton/hr. They can be classified based on the degree to which they can fragment the starting material and the way they apply forces. Based on the mechanism used crushers are basically of three types namely Cone crusher, Jaw crusher and Impact crusher. Our objective is to design various components of an Impact crusher like drive mechanism, shaft, rotor, hammers, casing, and discharge mechanism which will be useful in minimizing weight, cost and maximizing the capacity and also do their analysis. Impact crushers involve the use of impact rather than pressure to crush materials. Here the material is held within a cage, with openings of the desired size at the bottom, end or at sides to allow crushed material to escape through them. This type of crusher is generally used with soft materials like coal, seeds or soft metallic ores. The mechanism applied here is of Impact loading where the time of application of force is less than the natural frequency of vibration of the body. Since the hammers/blow bars are rotating at a very high speed, the time for which the particles come in contact with the hammers is very small, hence here impact loading is applied. The shaft is considered to be subjected to torsion and bending. The grinding screen is also designed for optimal output from the crusher A performance model is also considered for the horizontal shaft impact crusher so as to find out the relation between the feed, the crusher parameters and the output parameters

Branch and Bound Technique for three stage Flow Shop Scheduling Problem Including Breakdown Interval and Transportation Time

This paper deals with minimization of the total elapsed time for nx3 flow shop scheduling problem in which the effect of breakdown interval and the transportation time are considered. A Branch and Bound technique is given to optimize the objective of minimize the total elapsed time. The algorithm is very simple and easy to understand and, also provide an important tool for decision makers to design a schedule. A numerical illustration is given to clarify the algorithm. Keywords: Flow shop scheduling, Processing time, Transportation time, Branch and Bound Technique, Optimal sequence

Transfer Out Patient Not Abandon The Patient

Physician-patient relationship is unique in some aspects and not-so-unique in other aspects when compared to other human interactions. Until-unless for the sake of health promotional activities, this relationship is almost always conceived in the times of human sufferings and consequently culminated when those sufferings have subsided as well as sought out happiness has ensued/been achieved. However, not all physician-patient relationships follow the normal course and/or meet the natural ends. These abnormal relationships are not inconsequential in terms of numbers and/or their effects (short-term and long term) on both patients and physicians. Every country has its own baggage in the wake of why, how and what about these abnormal ends to physician-patient relationships; however, the most common causes are the patients’ inability to pay their medical bills, the conflicting goals of physicians and their patients in regards to patients’ sufferings’ management and finally the behavioral issues (patients’ and/or physicians’) interfering these relationships. Irrespective of any cause, the physicians should never forget that the patient can always discharge their physicians and discontinue their relationship with their physicians without any reason (until unless the physicians deem those patients either incapable/non-consentable to do so and/or potential threat to their own personal safety or other people’s safety). Contrarily, physicians can also discharge patients from their care but cannot abandon these patients (1-3) which mean that physicians have to ensure their discharged patients either are referred to or have sought another physician within appropriate time frame post-relationship-discontinuation. Each country has their own medico-legal liabilities that vary in terms of penalties imposed; however, irrespective of the feared legal concerns, the physicians should not forget that ethical essence of medicine is the art of healing that does not encompass part of deserting patients but rather appropriate transferring of patient care to accepting/receptive fellow brethren/colleagues. The transfer of care does not mean that a particular physician has failed to perform his/her duties for his/her patients rather that the particular relationship with a particular patient has failed to meet its ends. Therefore without abandoning the patient, the patient is given ample and honest opportunity to be transferred out to another physician with the sincere hope that the discharged patient will be able to achieve relief of his/her suffering with the new physician-patient relationship meeting their goals and means-to-the-ends. The one thing that need not be forgotten is that the terminated physician-patient relationship can always be revived if the causative concerns have been resolved in the interim and if the medico-legal laws and ethical practices allow the relationships’ revival. In summary, it is prerogative of the patient (whose suffering made him/her to reach out to a physician and enter in a physician-patient relationship in the first place) when he/she wants to and decides to terminate physician-patient relationship; whereas the prerogative of the physician is to recognize a dysfunctional physician-patient relationship early-on so that corrective measures (if possible) can be executed, and if that is not possible, then instead of patient abandonment, patients may be appropriately and timely transferred out off failed physician-patient relationship