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The purpose of this paper is to create a platform framework based on agent for virtual enterprise (VE) with the characteristic of supply chain by adopting multi‐agent technology.

According to the system hierarchy theory and the features of VE with the characteristic of supply chain, the conception and organization structure of supply chain‐oriented VE are proposed. Combined with characters of multi‐agent, a platform framework based on agent for VE with the characteristic of supply chain is created. Aiming at complexity of net node of running platform framework, two‐layer architecture mode, which are information alternation layer and basic function layer inside net node based on agent, are designed. The modes are proved to be reasonable in the management of the system and networks resources.

The theory base of realization of the VE based on agent with the characteristic of supply chain is found.

The reasonable basic function design of various agents are main limitations.

The paper presents a very useful tool for the operation and management of VE.

A new approach and scheme for VE with the characteristic of supply chain is presented. This paper is aimed at researchers and engineers.

First this paper introduces the concepts of virtual manufacturing system (VMS). The host enterprise and the multiple numbers of supply and distribution enterprises that make up a VMS, and the hierarchical and horizontal relationship that exists between these enterprises are explained. The steps involved in formation and operation of a VMS are then analyzed in detail. Second, we present a three view based methodological approach to make a multi‐agent model of VMS. Finally, with the help of a testing prototype, we show how to develop an autonomous Internet based data collection system for operation of VMS in accordance with the proposed methodological approach.

This article describes the use of intelligent agents to filter and categorise information and concludes with case studies of select Verity partners who have built unique applications using Verity agent technology.

The mythological ‘Daily Me’. At the recent NetMedia 97 conference at City University I watched a presentation by Steve Yelvington, Editor of the Star Tribune Online in Minneapolis. He was describing the development of an intelligent agent system called MOM (My Own Matrix) that the Star Tribune is developing to serve the needs of its readers.

Fairly rapid environmental changes call for continuous surveillance and on‐line decision making. There are two main areas where IT technologies can be valuable. In this paper we present a multi‐agent system for monitoring and assessing air‐quality attributes, which uses data coming from a meteorological station. A community of software agents is assigned to monitor and validate measurements coming from several sensors, to assess air‐quality, and, finally, to fire alarms to appropriate recipients, when needed. Data mining techniques have been used for adding data‐driven, customized intelligence into agents. The architecture of the developed system, its domain ontology, and typical agent interactions are presented. Finally, the deployment of a real‐world test case is demonstrated.

One of the greatest challenges facing any intelligent tutoring system is being able to adapt its behaviour based on the student's current knowledge level, ability, needs and wishes within a course. This paper aims to present a framework of BDI agents within an agent‐based intelligent tutoring system (ABITS).

A conceptual discussion approach is taken.

The agents provide the core reasoning ability. In particular, the paper demonstrates how the system sources and refines a particular set of commonly available data. Also shows how these data are incorporated into the agents' belief set so that they may adapt their behaviour to support individual students.

Provides a framework that can improve learning procedures for future users of ABITS.

This paper provides the specification of a platform for the management of mobile agents, and describes, using Mobile Unified Modeling Language (M‐UML), a mobile game application that uses the specified mobile platform. The specified platform considers the architectural guidelines described by the Foundation for Intelligent Physical Agents that allows the interoperability between agents running on different agent platforms. Our platform specifications provide the application developer with an application programming interface (API) that allows the launching of mobile agents with two optional features, security and fault‐tolerance. Using the platform’s APIs, new mobile games can then be efficiently developed and deployed on the Internet.

The purpose of this paper is to study the curing mechanisms, anticorrosive properties and protective mechanisms of three kinds of amine curing agents applied in a new kind of light colored water‐borne epoxy antistatic anticorrosive paint.

Using light color‐conductive mica, titanium oxides and environmentally‐friendly anticorrosive pigments in the two‐component water‐borne epoxy system, the light colored water‐borne antistatic anticorrosive paint was prepared. The molecular structure and curing mechanisms of the curing agents was analyzed by Fourier transform infra‐red spectroscopy, and the influence of the curing agents on anticorrosive properties and protective mechanisms was studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

The paints cured by the modified amine curing agent possessed optimal integrated properties with a coating surface resistivity of 10⁶ Ω and the best anticorrosive performance.

A novel light colored water‐borne epoxy antistatic anticorrosive paint cured by the optimal curing agent could be used in corrosion protection for oil tanks to replace the traditional oil‐based antistatic anticorrosive paints.

The objective of this paper is to present a model that uses multi‐agent system (MAS) technology to assist doctors based at rural areas to receive timely expert opinions from specialist doctors working in medical institutions like the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Research, Chandigarh or the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi.

A MAS is a software entity wherein agent metaphor is used to represent human‐like intelligence and behavior. These agents are distributed over geographical areas and are part of software running at these sites. The foundation for this model lies in the fact that medical intelligence is distributed in nature and, if it is possible to bring this knowledge together, it could prove to be advantageous in providing improved health care to those people in rural areas. A few existing research works are included to demonstrate the usage of MAS in health care.

It has been observed that the health scenario in India is ranked poor world‐wide by international organizations and, with the increasing population, this will worsen.

Initially, the aim is to concentrate on a few medical departments only. It can be extended into more detailed framework.

Physical computing and networking infrastructure are required for practical implementation along with training for the doctors.

The primary beneficiaries of this system are likely to be those patients in the rural sector requiring expert medical opinion. The government health organizations will be able to provide quality medical facilities comparable with the medical facilities available in the developed nations. Currently this would seem to be a distant dream.

Electronic information retrieval is becoming a necessity for most businesses, including medical practice. Agent technology promises to provide a facile means for intelligently searching the Internet. However, any agent or other electronic information placed onto the Internet poses a security risk. Encryption and firewalls are traditional methods for increasing Internet information security, but are these techniques sufficient to protect adequately electronic information carried by Internet agents? Need to know and partial information strategies are discussed as methods for improving information security for Internet agents.