We generalize the concept of mutually unbiased bases (MUB) to measurements which are not necessarily described by rank one projectors. As such, these measurements can be a useful tool to study the long-standing problem of the existence of MUB. We derive their general form, and show that in a finite, d-dimensional Hilbert space, one can construct a complete set of + d 1 mutually unbiased measure...

Ontology specification languages, ontologies of different levels of abstraction, knowledge and data are useful in the life cycle of knowledge-based systems. Since methods of processing some of these kinds of information are still in a research stage, new formalisms for representation of this information are proposed. As a result, extra efforts on developing tools for editing information represe...

Behavior contracts are being used more and more in renal settings as a way to address problematic patient behavior. While behavior contracts can be very effective tools for modifying self-destructive or aggressive behavior, a poorly written or implemented behavior contract may lead to a patient’s refusal to cooperate and/or continued or increased problematic behavior. Appropriate use of a behav...

The aim of this paper is to describe and solve a new type of planning problem in which a group of peers need to find and agree upon a plan that solves a given problem. Classical planning only addresses the finding of a plan, whereas agent research defines the concept of commitment which we will use to define the “agreed” aspect of a plan. The problem will be solved by introducing a level of ind...

the issue of water resources and their effect on human life doesn't need any analysis and reasoning. however, such factors as population growth, improved quality of life and development of urbanization along with improved industrial and technological dimensions of human life have necessitated logical and reasonable planning for optimal use of water and water basins of the world. these fact...

Agent negotiation is a form of decision making where two or more agents jointly search for a mutually agreed solution to a certain problem. In multiissue negotiation, with information available about the agents’ preferences, a negotiation may result in a mutually beneficial agreement. In a competitive negotiation environment, however, self-interested agents may not be willing to reveal their pr...

is inked is marked by a certain pride of accomplishment and a promise for an enduring relationship. Yet, this exuberance is tinged with uncertainty as to what the future may bring. Some relationships grow and flourish, with each side nurturing the other. Others don’t last. The relationship continues as long as there is a mutually agreed-upon equilibrium. However, when this balance is disturbed—...