The aim of the article is to show a stochastic approach for both modelling and optimizing the statistical agent belief in a probability model. Two networks are defined: a decision network D of the agent belief state and a utility network U, presenting the utility structure of the agent belief problem. The agent belief is presented via the following three items (B,D,U), where B is a Bayesian net...

Caste based endogamy is one of the main characteristics of traditional caste system practiced in rural Pakistan. Members of different quoms do not inter-marry or at least do not prefer to marry out of their quom. While social acceptance for inter quom marriages among different landowning quoms is increasing in Punjabi villages, inter marriages between landowning quoms and service providing quom...

We study the diffusion of a product in two customer segments where the acceptance level in one segment affects the diffusion rate not only in that same segment, but also in the other. The inter-segment influence can be positive or negative, i.e., the acceptance level of the product in one segment can reinforce or impede its diffusion in the other. The model set-up also applies to the diffusion ...

Imprecision in probability values (represented through credal sets) allows a more realistic modelling of uncertainty in decision problems. Uncertainties often lead to partially ordered preferences and, consequently, different criteria of choice may be taken into account. In this paper, we present an algorithm that evaluates an extended version of influence diagrams, where chance variables repre...

Influence diagrams allow for intuitive and yet precise description of complex situations involving decision making under uncertainty. Unfortunately, most of the problems described by influence diagrams are hard to solve. In this paper we discuss the complexity of approximately solving influence diagrams. We do not assume no-forgetting or regularity, which makes the class of problems we address ...

ethic is a reflection and mirror image of dominant values in organizational activities and responsibilities. the present study investigates the experience and viewpoints of faculty members of payam-e-noor university of kerman regarding the factors that may influence professional behavior at the stable virtual university. the study analyses the contents of the interviews of 14 faculty members th...