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Abstract:
Within the framework of discrete Markov jump processes, we investigate adiabatic transitions between stationary states. What can be explored? We examine potential approaches, including describing stationary states by theoretical-graph methods, using adiabatic expansion as a way to calculate observable quantities like heat capacity, and deducing variational principles from the fluctuation theory. We highlight the similarities and differences with equilibrium thermodynamics on the one hand and variational principles from the Onsager-Machlup Lagrangian on the other.