Stochastic Simulations of Far-From-Equilibrium Thermodynamics

The field of far-from-equilibrium thermodynamics is underdeveloped. One of the major shortcomings of equilibrium based theory is its inability to explain the emergence of order. This paper looks into some of the standard far-from-equilibrium systems such as Rayleigh Benard Cells, the Kuramoto Model, the Ising model, spatial population growth and heat flow through a simple solid. Stochastic simulations were carried out in order to explicitly compute the variations in system\u27s intensive properties spatially and temporally. One of the striking differences was a non-Gaussian probability distribution of the thermodynamic parameters when driven far-from-equilibrium. This spread of values across systems serve as the common connection as order emerges in out-of-equilibrium systems at steady-state

Implementing Environmental Indexing and Monitoring at the Technological University of Panama

The Technological University of Panama (UTP) is positioning itself as a leader in sustainability in Panama. Our team developed a sustainability reporting plan for UTP that allows comparison to other universities and provides clear steps for improvement on campus. We also prototyped a wireless air quality sensor network as another facet of UTP\u27s environmental reporting. Recommendations include offering general sustainability courses, implementing an expanded air quality monitoring network, and installing resource efficient appliances in the ongoing construction