Generalized entropy production phenomena: a master-equation approach.

The time rate of generalized entropic forms, defined in terms of discrete probabilities following a master equation, is investigated. Both contributions, namely entropy production and flux, are obtained, extending works carried previously for the Boltzmann-Gibbs entropy to a wide class of entropic forms. Particularly, it is shown that the entropy-production contribution is always non-negative for such entropies. Some illustrative examples for known generalized entropic forms in the literature are also worked out. Since generalized entropies have been lately associated with several complex systems in nature, the present analysis should be applicable to irreversible processes in these systems.