Multi-agent systems are applied to distributed problem-solving applications because of their ability to overcome the limitations that individual agents face when solving complex problems. Large numbers of agents acting as problem-solvers on networks suggest a virtual marketplace. In this marketplace, groups of self-interested agents can interact to solve highly constrained and distributed problems by assuming varying roles and forming “temporary teams”. This dissertation presents a decision making mechanism for multi-agent team formation between self-interested agents in a competitive, open and dynamic environment. An agent perceives environmental uncertainties, and models those uncertainties into simplified categories such as risks and benefits. The dissertation further demonstrates how an agent’s attitudes shape how risk and rewards are weighted when making decisions among multiple alternatives. Accordingly, agent-borne attitudes toward proactive behavior, risk, reward, and urgency are proposed as the basis of the proposed team formation mechanism. Finally, a learning technique assists an agent in continuously learning what attitudes it needs in order to adapt to dynamic environments and increase its resulting rewards. / text

In Turkey, there is not a comprehensive (integrated) coastal policy. In addition, there are many different policies and legal regulations describing the implementation processes of these policies and institutional structures emerged as the consequences of these regulations concerning the coastal areas. Although there is a coastal law specified for the coasts, the applicability of the rules determining the utilization principles of the coast and shore strip described with this law administratively has always been controversial. In the Constitution, the principle of controlling the coasts and shore strips within the framework of public interest and environmental protection was adopted. The valid Coastal Law necesitates the formation of a uniform spatial pattern in the shore strip described in a stable manner. This situation means that the existing characteristics of small coastal settlements, existed in an integration with the sea throughout the history, were ignored and the relations of these settlements with the sea were disconnected. The main target of the thesis is to put forward and critisize to what extent the spatial pattern desired to constitute with the planning approach proposed in the Law is in service of the public interest and principles of environmental protection in the small coastal settlements. Finally, the implementation problems caused by the Coastal Law in Bozburun are put forward in this thesis. Recommendations are given concerning that the power of planning should be increased in this process and accordingly institutional structure should be rearrenged in stead of the Coastal Law&rsquo / s proposing similar plan decisions for the coastal settlements at any scale.