Ontologies for Agents : Theory and Experiences
On the other hand, ontologies have established themselves as a powerful tool to enable kno- edge sharing, and a growing number of applications have bene?ted from the use of ontologies as a means to achieve semantic interoperability among heterogeneous, distributed systems. In principle ontologies and agents are a match made in heaven, that has failed to happen. What makes a simple piece of software an agent is its ability to communicate in a ”social” environment, to make autonomous decisions, and to be proactive on behalf of its user. Communication ultimately depends on und- standing the goals, preferences, and constraints posed by the user. Autonomy is theabilitytoperformataskwithlittleornouserintervention,whileproactiveness involves acting autonomously with no need for user prompting. Communication, but also autonomy and proactiveness, depend on knowledge. The ability to c- municate depends on understanding the syntax (terms and structure) and the semantics of a language. Ontologies provide the terms used to describe a domain and the semantics associated with them. In addition, ontologies are often comp- mented by some logical rules that constrain the meaning assigned to the terms. These constraints are represented by inference rules that can be used by agents to perform the reasoning on which autonomy and proactiveness are based.
On The Interpretation of Treaties : The Modern International Law as Expressed in the 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties
This book investigates the contents and structure of this system. By importing knowledge from linguistics, and pragmatics in particular, a model is established giving representation to the concept of a rule of interpretation. Drawing on this model, the book then proceeds to reconstruct the contents of the various rules of interpretation. To facilitate reference, the conclusions suggest a list of 44 rules, all of which can be invoked by appliers citing VCLT Articles 31-33.
On Communication : An interdisciplinary and mathematical approach
This book offers a radical new approach for the understanding of communication. By using the theoretical framework of complex systems theory communication is defined as the interplay of social and cognitive dynamics: communicators are modelled as complex cognitive systems who interact according to social rules and generate communicative systems. Messages generate meaning, which is understood as an attractor in the cognitive system of the receiver. Information is measured via the difference between a factual message and the message expected by the receiver.
Nanoinformatics
Brings out the state of the art on how informatics-based tools are used and expected to be used in nanomaterials research. There has been great progress in the area in which “big-data” generated by experiments or computations are fully utilized to accelerate discovery of new materials, key factors, and design rules. Data-intensive approaches play indispensable roles in advanced materials characterization. "Materials informatics" is the central paradigm in the new trend. "Nanoinformatics" is its essential subset, which focuses on nanostructures of materials such as surfaces, interfaces, dopants, and point defects, playing a critical role in determining materials properties. There have been significant advances in experimental and computational techniques to characterize individual atoms in nanostructures and to gain quantitative information. The collaboration of researchers in materials science and information science is growing actively and is creating a new trend in materials science and engineering.
Multivalency: Concepts, Research and Applications
Multivalency: Concepts, Research & Applications is divided into three parts. Part one provides background knowledge on various aspects of multivalency and cooperativity and presents practical methods for their study. Fundamental aspects such as thermodynamics, kinetics and the principle of effective molarity are described, and characterisation methods, experimental methodologies and data treatment methods are also discussed. Parts two and three provide an overview of current systems in which multivalency plays an important role in chemistry and biology, with a focus on the design rules, underlying chemistry and the fundamental principles of multivalency.
Multimodal User Interfaces : From Signals to Interaction
The book presents a common theoretical framework for fusion and fission of multimodal information using the most advanced signal processing algorithms constrained by HCI rules, described in detail and integrated in the context of a common distributed software platform for easy and efficient development and usability assessment of multimodal tools. The book also demonstrates the use of the multimodal framework for the development of a set of applications in the areas of edutainment, interfaces for disabled people and interfaces for medical applications.
Modelling in Mathematical Programming : Methodology and Techniques
This book provides basic tools for learning how to model in mathematical programming, from models without much complexity to complex system models. It presents a unique methodology for the building of an integral mathematical model, as well as new techniques that help build under own criteria. It allows readers to structure models from the elements and variables to the constraints, a basic modelling guide for any system with a new scheme of variables, a classification of constraints and also a set of rules to model specifications stated as logical propositions, helping to better understand models already existing in the literature. It also presents the modelling of all possible objectives that may arise in optimization problems regarding the variables values. The book is structured to guide the reader in an orderly manner, learning of the components that the methodology establishes in an optimization problem. The system includes the elements, which are all the actors that participate in the system, decision activities that occur in the system, calculations based on the decision activities, specifications such as regulations, impositions or actions of defined value and objective criterion, which guides the resolution of the system.
Modeling Complex Living Systems : A Kinetic Theory and Stochastic Game Approach
Using tools from mathematical kinetic theory and stochastic game theory, this work deals with the modeling of large complex systems in the applied sciences, particularly those comprised of several interacting individuals whose dynamics follow rules determined by some organized, or even "intelligent" ability. Traditionally, methods of mathematical kinetic theory have been applied to model the evolution of large systems of interacting classical or quantum particles. This book, on the other hand, examines the modeling of living systems as opposed to inert systems.
Model-Driven Design Using Business Patterns
This book takes exactly this step: it shows you how to apply the pattern ideas in business applications and presents more than 20 structural and behavioral business patterns that use the REA (resources, events, agents) pattern as a common backbone. If you are a developer working on business frameworks, you can use the patterns presented to derive the right abstractions (e.g., business objects) and to design and ensure that the meta-rules (e.g., process patterns) are followed by the developers of the actual applications. And if you are an application developer, you can use these patterns to design your business application, to ensure that it does not violate the domain rules, and to adapt the application to changing requirements without the need to change the overall architecture. As with patterns in general, this approach allows for both more flexible and more solid software architectures and hence better software quality.
Methodology of Uniform Contract Law : The UNIDROIT Principles in International Legal Doctrine and Practice
In this book, the author examines uniform contract law comprehensively in all relevant areas of legal doctrine and practice and considers the barriers which exist toward it in modern nation states, namely in the German and English legal systems. She suggests ways in which these barriers can be overcome and develops an autonomous methodology of interpretation of transnational contract principles. The author wants to encourage the use of existing uniform transnational law rules, such as the UNIDROIT Principles of International Commercial Contracts, which are analysed here as an example.
Mémento de la recherche biomédicale portant sur un médicament à usage humain = Summary of biomedical research on a medicinal product for human use
Presents the reference texts, structures and authorities that govern clinical research in France, as well as its practical aspects. It is aimed at all of its stakeholders, both caregivers and patients. It will allow the most novices to familiarize themselves with the specific vocabulary of this discipline, to answer the questions raised during the conduct or participation in a therapeutic trial, and the most experienced to consider setting up a research structure. clinic in the rules of art.
Mechanical Behaviour of Engineering Materials : Metals, Ceramics, Polymers, and Composites
How do engineering materials deform when bearing mechanical loads? To answer this crucial question, the book bridges the gap between continuum mechanics and materials science. The different kinds of material deformation (elasticity, plasticity, fracture, creep, fatigue) are explained in detail. The book also discusses the physical processes occurring during the deformation of all classes of engineering materials (metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites) and shows how these materials can be strengthened to meet the design requirements. It provides the knowledge needed in selecting the appropriate engineering material for a certain design problem. The reader will thus learn how to critically employ design rules and thus to avoid failure of mechanical components.
Mathematics for enzyme reaction kinetics and Reactor performance ; 2 Volumes set
The second volume begins with an introduction to basic concepts in calculus, i.e. limits, derivatives, integrals and differential equations; limits, along with continuity, are further expanded afterwards, covering uni- and multivariate cases, as well as classical theorems. After recovering the concept of differential and applying it to generate (regular and partial) derivatives, the most important rules of differentiation of functions, in explicit, implicit and parametric form, are retrieved – together with the nuclear theorems supporting simpler manipulation thereof. The book then tackles strategies to optimize uni- and multivariate functions, before addressing integrals in both indefinite and definite forms.
International Luxury Brand Strategy
Gives an overview of how a luxury brand is created through the understanding and application of economic rules and through firms adopting new management models across multiple business dimensions. It also explains the application of theories and models and illustrates specific issues through case studies drawn from international markets such as China and France. The Chinese cases provide unique opportunities and insights into how these new luxury brands were created and how they have benefited from the international market over time.
International criminal law practitioner library: international criminal procedure
Volume 3 completes the review of international criminal law begun in Volumes 1 and 2, which analyse the forms of responsibility and the elements of the core crimes. This volume reviews the procedural law and practices of the international criminal tribunals from investigation to trial, appeal, and punishment, and examines the framework within which the substantive law operates. The authors present a critical study of those procedures that are essential to effective investigations and fair trials.
International Company Taxation in the Era of Information and Communication Technologies : Issues and Options for Reform
As a result of the progress in information and communication technologies (ICT) economic activities have become less dependent on time and place. This is leading to manifold changes in economic structures. Consequently, the question is whether and to what extent the existing rules of international company taxation are still applicable in an appropriate way.Anne Schäfer analyses the current issues of international company taxation with regard to the economic changes induced by the use of ICT and provides reform approaches for international company taxation which cover the whole system of international taxation.
Intermediate accounting IFRS, international adaptation
International financial reporting standards (IFRS) are a set of accounting standards and rules issued by the international accounting standards board (IASB) that govern how particular types of transactions and events should be reported in financial statements. by presenting IFRS in light of current accounting practice, this book not only offers a more comprehensive understanding of IFRS standards but also emphasizes fair value, proper accounting for financial instruments, and new developments in international accounting. in addition to covering the latest IFRS standards and how they are applied in practice, this edition provides new learning aids such as accounting matters and analytics in action.
Interfacial Processes and Molecular Aggregation of Surfactants
Given the enormous interest in surface phenomena in areas ranging from materials science to applications in life science, this volume is a very timely addition to the literature. Emphasis is on surfactants mediating interfacial and molecular aggregation phenomena, and the following topics are reviewed in particular: dissolution rates, equilibrium adsorption, mixing rules, and spreading on a solid surface of surfactants, as well as the role of surfactants in mediating a range of processes, such as the fabrication of various nanomaterials.
Interactive systems design, specification, and verification ; 13th International Workshop, DSVIS 2006, Dublin, Ireland, July 26-28, 2006, Revised Papers
This book constitutes the thoroughly refereed post-proceedings of the 13th International Workshop on Design, Specification, and Verification of Interactive Systems, DSVIS 2006, held in Dublin, Ireland in July 2006.
Intelligent Distributed Computing, Systems and Applications ; Proceedings of the 2nd International Symposium on Intelligent Distributed Computing – IDC 2008, Catania, Italy, 2008
Addresses many topics related to intelligent and distributed computing, systems and applications, including: adaptivity and learning; agents and multi-agent systems; argumentation; auctions; case-based reasoning; collaborative systems; data structures; distributed algorithms; formal modeling and verification; genetic and immune algorithms; grid computing; information extraction, annotation and integration; network and security protocols; mobile and ubiquitous computing; ontologies and metadata; P2P computing; planning; recommender systems; rules; semantic Web; services and processes; trust and social computing; virtual organizations; wireless networks; XML technologies.



















