Existence and extensions of positive linear operators

In this paper we develop some unified methods, based on the technique of the auxiliary sublinear operator, for obtaining extensions of positive linear operators. In the first part, a version of the Mazur-Orlicz theorem for ordered vector spaces is presented and then this theorem is used in diverse applications: decomposition theorems for operators and functionals, minimax theory and extensions of positive linear operators. In the second part, we give a general sufficient condition (an implication between two inequalities) for the existence of a monotone sublinear operator and of a positive linear operator. Some particular cases in which this condition becomes necessary are also studied. Dedicated to Prof. Romulus Cristescu on his 80th birthday