Thermodynamics: The Unique Universal Science

Systems theory, thermodynamics and life: Integrated thinking across ecology, organization and biological evolution

In this paper we explore the relevance and integration of system theory and thermodynamics in terms of the Earth system. It is proposed that together, these fields explain the evolution, organization, functionality and directionality of life on Earth. We begin by summarizing historical and current thinking on the definition of life itself. We then investigate the evidence for a single unit of life. Given that any definition of life and its levels of organization are intertwined, we explore how the Earth system is structured and functions from an energetic perspective, by outlining relevant thermodynamic theory relating to molecular, metabolic, cellular, individual, population, species, ecosystem and biome organization. We next investigate the fundamental relationships between systems theory and thermodynamics in terms of the Earth system, examining the key characteristics of self-assembly, self-organization (including autonomy), emergence, non-linearity, feedback and sub-optimality. Finally, we examine the relevance of systems theory and thermodynamics with reference to two specific aspects: the tempo and directionality of evolution and the directional and predictable process of ecological succession. We discuss the importance of the entropic drive in understanding altruism, multicellularity, mutualistic and antagonistic relationships and how maximum entropy production theory may explain patterns thought to evidence the intermediate disturbance hypothesis.

Introducing Entropy into Organizational Psychology: An Entropy-Based Proactive Control Model

This paper provides a systematic review of the transfer and quantification of the concept of entropy in multidisciplinary fields and delves into its future applications and research directions in organizational management psychology based on its core characteristics. We first comprehensively reviewed the conceptual evolution of entropy in disciplines such as physics, information theory, and psychology, revealing its complexity and diversity as an interdisciplinary concept. Subsequently, we analyzed the quantification methods of entropy in a multidisciplinary context and pointed out that their calculation methods have both specificity and commonality across different disciplines. Subsequently, the paper reviewed the research on how individuals cope with uncertainty in entropy increase, redefined psychological entropy from the perspective of organizational management psychology, and proposed an "entropy-based proactive control model" at the individual level. This model is built around the core connotation of entropy, covering four dimensions: learning orientation, goal orientation, change orientation, and risk taking. We believe that psychological entropy, as a meta structure of individuals, can simulate, explain, and predict the process of how individuals manage and control "entropy" in an organizational environment from a dynamic perspective. This understanding enables psychological entropy to integrate a series of positive psychological constructs (e.g., lean spirit), providing extensive predictive and explanatory power for various behaviors of individuals in organizations. This paper provides a new direction for the application of the concept of entropy in psychology, especially for theoretical development and practical application in the field of organizational management.

Insight on the mechanism of hexameric Pseudin-4 against bacterial membrane-mimetic environment

As an alternative to antibiotics, Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) possess unique properties including cationic, amphipathic and their abundance in nature, but the exact characteristics of AMPs against bacterial membranes are still undetermined. To estimate the structural stability and functional activity of AMPs, the Pseudin AMPs (Pse-1, Pse-2, Pse-3, and Pse-4) from Hylid frog species, Pseudis paradoxa, an abundantly discovered source for AMPs were examined. We studied the intra-peptide interactions and thermal denaturation stability of peptides, as well as the geometrical parameters and secondary structure profiles of their conformational trajectories. On this basis, the peptides were screened out and the highly stable peptide, Pse-4 was subjected to membrane simulation in order to observe the changes in membrane curvature formed by Pse-4 insertion. Monomeric Pse-4 was found to initiate the membrane disruption; however, a stable multimeric form of Pse-4 might be competent to counterbalance the helix-coil transition and to resist the hydrophobic membrane environment. Eventually, hexameric Pse-4 on membrane simulation exhibited the hydrogen bond formation with E. coli bacterial membrane and thereby, leading to the formation of membrane spanning pore that allowed the entry of excess water molecules into the membrane shell, thus causing membrane deformation. Our report points out the mechanism of Pse-4 peptide against the bacterial membrane for the first time. Relatively, Pse-4 works on the barrel stave model against E. coli bacterial membrane; hence it might act as a good therapeutic scaffold in the treatment of multi-drug resistant bacterial strains.

Entropy and institutional theory

Purpose

Once introduced and conceptualized as a factor that causes erosion and decay of social institutions and subsequent deinstitutionalization, the notion of entropy is at odds with predictions of institutional isomorphism and seems to directly contradict the tendency toward ever-increasing institutionalization. The purpose of this paper is to offer a resolution of this theoretical inconsistency by revisiting the meaning of entropy and reconceptualizing institutionalization from an information-theoretic point of view.

Design/methodology/approach

It is a theoretical paper that offers an information perspective on institutionalization.

Findings

A mistaken understanding of the nature and role of entropy in the institutional theory is caused by conceptualizing it as a force that counteracts institutional tendencies and acts in opposite direction. Once institutionalization and homogeneity are seen as a product of natural tendencies in the organizational field, the role of entropy becomes clear. Entropy manifests itself at the level of information processing and corresponds with increasing uncertainty and the decrease of the value of information. Institutionalization thus can be seen as a special case of an increase in entropy and a decrease of knowledge. Institutionalization is a state of maximum entropy.

Originality/value

It is explained why institutionalization and institutional persistence are what to be expected in the long run and why information entropy contributes to this tendency. Contrary to the tenets of the institutional work perspective, no intentional efforts of individuals and collective actors are needed to maintain institutions. In this respect, the paper contributes to the view of institutional theory as a theory of self-organization.

Fatigue life prediction of brake discs for high-speed trains via thermal stress

As one of the essential components of the braking system, the high-speed train brake disc is an integral part of ensuring the safety of the train. The main objective of this study is to conduct thermal analysis and reliable life prediction on brake discs. The research was conducted by developing a programmer spectrum of brake discs with high-speed train brake discs. According to the results of numerical analysis and the S-N curve of the material, the temperature distribution on the surface of the brake disc is determined, and the fatigue life of the brake disc is predicted. The comparison with the service life of the brake disc verifies the rationality of the calculation results. In addition, a fatigue damage probability model of brake discs is established based on the theory of fatigue cumulative damage. Through the relationship between the reliability of mechanical parts and the number of load cycles, the reliable life of the brake disc under different working conditions is predicted. This work establishes a method of reliable life analysis for brake discs of high-speed trains based on the load spectrum, which could analyze the life and reliability of brake discs more systematically.

A solution of the time paradox of physics

Quantum mechanics for describing the behavior of microscopic entities and thermodynamics for describing macroscopic systems exhibit separate time concepts. Whereas many theories of modern physics interpret processes as reversible, in thermodynamics, an expression for irreversibility and the so-called time arrow has been developed: the increase of entropy. The divergence between complete reversibility on the one hand and irreversibility on the other is called the paradox of time. Since more than hundred years many efforts have been devoted to unify the time concepts. So far, the efforts were not successful. In this paper a solution is proposed on the basis of matter-energy equivalence with an energetic distinction between matter and mass. By refraining from interpretations predominant in modern theoretical physics, the first and second laws of thermodynamics can be extended to fundamental laws of nature, which are also valid at quantum level.

Low Cycle Fatigue Life Prediction Using Unified Mechanics Theory in Ti-6Al-4V Alloys

Fatigue in any material is a result of continuous irreversible degradation process. Traditionally, fatigue life is predicted by extrapolating experimentally curve fitted empirical models. In the current study, unified mechanics theory is used to predict life of Ti-6Al-4V under monotonic tensile, compressive and cyclic load conditions. The unified mechanics theory is used to derive a constitutive model for fatigue life prediction using a three-dimensional computational model. The proposed analytical and computational models have been used to predict the low cycle fatigue life of Ti-6Al-4V alloys. It is shown that the unified mechanics theory can be used to predict fatigue life of Ti-6Al-4V alloys by using simple predictive models that are based on fundamental equation of the material, which is based on thermodynamics associated with degradation of materials.