Online dispute resolution: an artificial intelligence perspective

Litigation in court is still the main dispute resolution mode. However, given the amount and characteristics of the new disputes, mostly arising out of electronic contracting, courts are becoming slower and outdated. Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) recently emerged as a set of tools and techniques, supported by technology, aimed at facilitating conflict resolution. In this paper we present a critical evaluation on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) based techniques in ODR. In order to fulfill this goal, we analyze a set of commercial providers (in this case twenty four) and some research projects (in this circumstance six). Supported by the results so far achieved, a new approach to deal with the problem of ODR is proposed, in which we take on some of the problems identified in the current state of the art in linking ODR and AI.The work described in this paper is included in TIARAC - Telematics and Artificial Intelligence in Alternative Conflict Resolution Project (PTDC/JUR/71354/2006), which is a research project supported by FCT (Science & Technology Foundation), Portugal. The work of Davide Carneiro is also supported by a doctoral grant by FCT (SFRH/BD/64890/2009).Acknowledgments. The work described in this paper is included in TIARAC - Telematics and Artificial Intelligence in Alternative Conflict Resolution Project (PTDC/JUR/71354/2006), which is a research project supported by FCT (Science & Technology Foundation), Portugal. The work of Davide Carneiro is also supported by a doctoral grant by FCT (SFRH/BD/64890/2009)

Identification of genetic variants associated with Huntington's disease progression: a genome-wide association study

Background Huntington's disease is caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the huntingtin gene, HTT. Age at onset has been used as a quantitative phenotype in genetic analysis looking for Huntington's disease modifiers, but is hard to define and not always available. Therefore, we aimed to generate a novel measure of disease progression and to identify genetic markers associated with this progression measure. Methods We generated a progression score on the basis of principal component analysis of prospectively acquired longitudinal changes in motor, cognitive, and imaging measures in the 218 indivduals in the TRACK-HD cohort of Huntington's disease gene mutation carriers (data collected 2008–11). We generated a parallel progression score using data from 1773 previously genotyped participants from the European Huntington's Disease Network REGISTRY study of Huntington's disease mutation carriers (data collected 2003–13). We did a genome-wide association analyses in terms of progression for 216 TRACK-HD participants and 1773 REGISTRY participants, then a meta-analysis of these results was undertaken. Findings Longitudinal motor, cognitive, and imaging scores were correlated with each other in TRACK-HD participants, justifying use of a single, cross-domain measure of disease progression in both studies. The TRACK-HD and REGISTRY progression measures were correlated with each other (r=0·674), and with age at onset (TRACK-HD, r=0·315; REGISTRY, r=0·234). The meta-analysis of progression in TRACK-HD and REGISTRY gave a genome-wide significant signal (p=1·12 × 10−10) on chromosome 5 spanning three genes: MSH3, DHFR, and MTRNR2L2. The genes in this locus were associated with progression in TRACK-HD (MSH3 p=2·94 × 10−8 DHFR p=8·37 × 10−7 MTRNR2L2 p=2·15 × 10−9) and to a lesser extent in REGISTRY (MSH3 p=9·36 × 10−4 DHFR p=8·45 × 10−4 MTRNR2L2 p=1·20 × 10−3). The lead single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in TRACK-HD (rs557874766) was genome-wide significant in the meta-analysis (p=1·58 × 10−8), and encodes an aminoacid change (Pro67Ala) in MSH3. In TRACK-HD, each copy of the minor allele at this SNP was associated with a 0·4 units per year (95% CI 0·16–0·66) reduction in the rate of change of the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS) Total Motor Score, and a reduction of 0·12 units per year (95% CI 0·06–0·18) in the rate of change of UHDRS Total Functional Capacity score. These associations remained significant after adjusting for age of onset. Interpretation The multidomain progression measure in TRACK-HD was associated with a functional variant that was genome-wide significant in our meta-analysis. The association in only 216 participants implies that the progression measure is a sensitive reflection of disease burden, that the effect size at this locus is large, or both. Knockout of Msh3 reduces somatic expansion in Huntington's disease mouse models, suggesting this mechanism as an area for future therapeutic investigation

Mortality from gastrointestinal congenital anomalies at 264 hospitals in 74 low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries: a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study

Summary Background Congenital anomalies are the fifth leading cause of mortality in children younger than 5 years globally. Many gastrointestinal congenital anomalies are fatal without timely access to neonatal surgical care, but few studies have been done on these conditions in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We compared outcomes of the seven most common gastrointestinal congenital anomalies in low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries globally, and identified factors associated with mortality. Methods We did a multicentre, international prospective cohort study of patients younger than 16 years, presenting to hospital for the first time with oesophageal atresia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, intestinal atresia, gastroschisis, exomphalos, anorectal malformation, and Hirschsprung’s disease. Recruitment was of consecutive patients for a minimum of 1 month between October, 2018, and April, 2019. We collected data on patient demographics, clinical status, interventions, and outcomes using the REDCap platform. Patients were followed up for 30 days after primary intervention, or 30 days after admission if they did not receive an intervention. The primary outcome was all-cause, in-hospital mortality for all conditions combined and each condition individually, stratified by country income status. We did a complete case analysis. Findings We included 3849 patients with 3975 study conditions (560 with oesophageal atresia, 448 with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 681 with intestinal atresia, 453 with gastroschisis, 325 with exomphalos, 991 with anorectal malformation, and 517 with Hirschsprung’s disease) from 264 hospitals (89 in high-income countries, 166 in middleincome countries, and nine in low-income countries) in 74 countries. Of the 3849 patients, 2231 (58·0%) were male. Median gestational age at birth was 38 weeks (IQR 36–39) and median bodyweight at presentation was 2·8 kg (2·3–3·3). Mortality among all patients was 37 (39·8%) of 93 in low-income countries, 583 (20·4%) of 2860 in middle-income countries, and 50 (5·6%) of 896 in high-income countries (p<0·0001 between all country income groups). Gastroschisis had the greatest difference in mortality between country income strata (nine [90·0%] of ten in lowincome countries, 97 [31·9%] of 304 in middle-income countries, and two [1·4%] of 139 in high-income countries; p≤0·0001 between all country income groups). Factors significantly associated with higher mortality for all patients combined included country income status (low-income vs high-income countries, risk ratio 2·78 [95% CI 1·88–4·11], p<0·0001; middle-income vs high-income countries, 2·11 [1·59–2·79], p<0·0001), sepsis at presentation (1·20 [1·04–1·40], p=0·016), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score at primary intervention (ASA 4–5 vs ASA 1–2, 1·82 [1·40–2·35], p<0·0001; ASA 3 vs ASA 1–2, 1·58, [1·30–1·92], p<0·0001]), surgical safety checklist not used (1·39 [1·02–1·90], p=0·035), and ventilation or parenteral nutrition unavailable when needed (ventilation 1·96, [1·41–2·71], p=0·0001; parenteral nutrition 1·35, [1·05–1·74], p=0·018). Administration of parenteral nutrition (0·61, [0·47–0·79], p=0·0002) and use of a peripherally inserted central catheter (0·65 [0·50–0·86], p=0·0024) or percutaneous central line (0·69 [0·48–1·00], p=0·049) were associated with lower mortality. Interpretation Unacceptable differences in mortality exist for gastrointestinal congenital anomalies between lowincome, middle-income, and high-income countries. Improving access to quality neonatal surgical care in LMICs will be vital to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.2 of ending preventable deaths in neonates and children younger than 5 years by 2030

Análisis Exploratorio de datos para desarrollar propuestas de conservación de la comunidad de Anfibios referentes al Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis en el Parque Nacional Cajas, Cuenca-Ecuador

Los anfibios son uno de los grupos mayormente amenazados con la extinción a nivel mundial, incluso en áreas protegidas o de conservación. No se sabe a ciencia cierta cuál es el factor principal que produce la declinación o si varios de ellos actúan y cómo en cada caso. Uno de los principales, es la aparición de enfermedades emergentes que han sido responsables de extinciones en varias zonas del planeta. Con este estudio se plantea relacionar la altitud, la posición geográfica y 9 especies registradas en el Parque Nacional Cajas (Azuay, Ecuador) con los registros de Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis.Magíster en Gestión Ambienta

Los páramos de la parte altoandina de la reserva de la biosfera macizo del Cajas (Ecuador): gestión para el mantenimiento de los servicios ecosistémicos

Aquest estudi busca proporcionar una reflexió teòrica inicial sobre la importància d’entendre el territori de l’Àrea de Biosfera Macizo del Cajas (ABMC) a sud de l’Equador i la seva gestió des de la complexitat, com a eina conceptual per generar processos integrals i pràctics per a la conservació dels ecosistemes i els serveis que aquests proporcionen com a mitjà principal de la qualitat de vida dels seus habitants. La incorpoción d’anàlisi transdisciplinaris des de l’observació de certs símptomes respecte a l’estat de coneixement i de conservació d’elements claus de biodiversitat, importants per les seves característiques bioindicadores, la seva sensibilitat i endemisme com les espècies de granotes altoandines (Atelopus nanay i A. exiguus) que amplien el seu rang de distribució i mostren francs processos d’imminent risc d’extinció, i que es complementen i relacionen, des d’altres visions, a l’escàs nivell d’interès i compromís dels múltiples actors en el territori de l’ABMC per gestionar aquest territori, els seus ecosistemes, recursos naturals i serveis ecosistèmics, associats amb la concepció de la sostenibilitat i l’aplicació de la proposta de la figura de Reserva de Biosfera promoguda per la UNESCO. Així mateix, una reflexió de la immensa potencialitat que tenen els ecosistemes continguts en aquest territori altoandino i la seva importància en la generació de serveis ecosistèmics bàsics i claus per al desenvolupament i supervivència de les seves poblacions així com estratègics per a tot el país i la seva relació amb aquesta necessitat d’entesa holístic amb eixos científics, socials, culturals, eductivos i de polítiques clares per al seu maneig.Este estudio busca proporcionar una reflexión teórica inicial sobre la importancia de entender el territorio del Área de Biosfera Macizo Cajas (ABMC) al sur del Ecuador y su gestión desde la complejidad, como herramienta conceptual para generar procesos integrales y prácticos para la conservación de los ecosistemas y los servicios que estos proporcionan como medio principal de la calidad de vida de sus habitantes. La incorpoción de análisis transdisciplinarios desde la observación de ciertos síntomas respecto al estado de conocimiento y de conservación de elementos claves de biodiversidad, importantes por sus características bioindicadoras, su sensibilidad y endemismo como las especies de ranas altoandinas (Atelopus nanay y A. exiguus) que amplian su rango de distribución y muestran francos procesos de inminente riesgo de extinción, y que se complementan y relacionan , desde otras visiones, al escaso nivel de interés e involucramiento de los múltiples actores en el territorio del ABMC para gestionar este territorio, sus ecosistemas, recursos naturales y servicios ecosistémicos, asociados con la concepción de la sustentabilidad y la aplicación de la propuesta de la figura de Reserva de Biosfera promovida por UNESCO. Así mismo, una reflexión de la inmensa potencialidad que tienen los ecosistemas contenidos en este territorio altoandino y su importancia en la generación de servicios ecosistémicos básicos y claves para el desarrollo y supervivencia de sus poblaciones así como estratégicos para todo el país y su relación con esta necesidad de entendimiento holístico con ejes científicos, sociales, culturales, educativos y de políticas claras para su manejo.This study seeks to provide an initial theoretical reflection on the importance of understanding the territory of the Cajas Massif Biosphere Area (ABMC) in southern Ecuador and its management from complexity, as a conceptual tool to generate comprehensive and practical processes for the conservation of ecosystems and the services they provide as the main means of the quality of life of its inhabitants. The incorporation of transdisciplinary analyzes from the observation of certain symptoms regarding the state of knowledge and conservation of key elements of biodiversity, important for their bio-indicative characteristics, their sensitivity and endemism as the species of High Andean frogs (Atelopus nanay and A. exiguus) that expand their range of distribution and show frank processes of imminent risk of extinction, and that complement and relate, from other visions, the low level of interest and involvement of the multiple actors in the ABMC territory to manage this territory, its ecosystems, natural resources and ecosystem services, associated with the conception of sustainability and the application of the proposal of the Biosphere Reserve figure promoted by UNESCO. Likewise, a reflection of the immense potential of the ecosystems contained in this high Andean territory and its importance in the generation of basic and key ecosystem services for the development and survival of its populations as well as strategic for the whole country and its relationship with this need for holistic understanding with scientific, social, cultural, educational and clear policy axes for its management

Participación y defensa de los derechos de la Naturaleza en el Azuay, Ecuador (Tema Central)

This paper presents an analysis of the participation of communities in the province of Azuay in the defense of nature conceived as Pachamama and how it acquires, together with the communities, a political role. The objective was to analyze the defense of the rights of nature granted by the Ecuadorian constitution in the Andean cosmovision. A mixed methodology (quanti-quali) was applied in seven communities in the province of Azuay. A total of 303 semi-structured surveys were conducted with different types of organizations defending the rights of nature: Community Councils, Water Boards, and Decentralized Autonomous Governments (GADs). The main results were grouped into 4 categories: community perception of the meaning of Pachamama, community participation in the protection of nature and its rights, community organization in the defense of nature and its rights, and perception of the implementation of public policies by the state to protect nature and its rights. In general, the communities perceived Pachamama as “mother nature” and, from this conception, their relationship with the territory was one of mutual care, the defense and protection of which not only involves the fact that the constitution grants it rights but also the way in which the inhabitants participate and organize themselves in the face of the violation of Pachamama’s rights, since it constitutes a threat to the integrity of life.El trabajo presenta un análisis de la participación de las comunidades de la provincia del Azuay en la defensa de la naturaleza, concebida como la Pachamama, y cómo ella adquiere, junto a las comunidades, un rol político. El objetivo fue analizar la defensa de los derechos de la naturaleza otorgados por la Constitución ecuatoriana desde la cosmovisión andina. Se aplicó una metodología mixta (cuanti-cuali) en siete comunidades de la provincia del Azuay. Se realizaron 303 encuestas semiestructuradas en diferentes tipos de organizaciones que defienden los derechos de la naturaleza: cabildos comunales, juntas de agua y gobiernos autónomos descentralizados (GAD). Los principales resultados se agruparon en cuatro categorías: percepción comunitaria sobre el significado de la Pachamama, participación comunitaria en la protección de la naturaleza y sus derechos, organización comunitaria en la defensa de la naturaleza y sus derechos y percepción sobre la implementación de políticas públicas por parte del Estado para proteger la naturaleza y sus derechos. En general, las comunidades percibieron a la Pachamama como la madre naturaleza y, desde esta concepción, su relación con el territorio fue de cuidado mutuo. La defensa y la protección no solo atraviesa por el hecho de que la Constitución le otorga derechos, sino en la forma cómo los habitantes participan y se organizan ante la vulneración de los derechos de la Pachamama, pues constituye una amenaza para la integralidad de la vida

Los páramos de la parte altoandina de la reserva de la biosfera macizo del Cajas (Ecuador) : gestión para el mantenimiento de los servicios ecosistémicos /

Aquest estudi busca proporcionar una reflexió teòrica inicial sobre la importància d'entendre el territori de l'Àrea de Biosfera Macizo del Cajas (ABMC) a sud de l'Equador i la seva gestió des de la complexitat, com a eina conceptual per generar processos integrals i pràctics per a la conservació dels ecosistemes i els serveis que aquests proporcionen com a mitjà principal de la qualitat de vida dels seus habitants. La incorpoción d'anàlisi transdisciplinaris des de l'observació de certs símptomes respecte a l'estat de coneixement i de conservació d'elements claus de biodiversitat, importants per les seves característiques bioindicadores, la seva sensibilitat i endemisme com les espècies de granotes altoandines (Atelopus nanay i A. exiguus) que amplien el seu rang de distribució i mostren francs processos d'imminent risc d'extinció, i que es complementen i relacionen, des d'altres visions, a l'escàs nivell d'interès i compromís dels múltiples actors en el territori de l'ABMC per gestionar aquest territori, els seus ecosistemes, recursos naturals i serveis ecosistèmics, associats amb la concepció de la sostenibilitat i l'aplicació de la proposta de la figura de Reserva de Biosfera promoguda per la UNESCO. Així mateix, una reflexió de la immensa potencialitat que tenen els ecosistemes continguts en aquest territori altoandino i la seva importància en la generació de serveis ecosistèmics bàsics i claus per al desenvolupament i supervivència de les seves poblacions així com estratègics per a tot el país i la seva relació amb aquesta necessitat d'entesa holístic amb eixos científics, socials, culturals, eductivos i de polítiques clares per al seu maneig.Este estudio busca proporcionar una reflexión teórica inicial sobre la importancia de entender el territorio del Área de Biosfera Macizo Cajas (ABMC) al sur del Ecuador y su gestión desde la complejidad, como herramienta conceptual para generar procesos integrales y prácticos para la conservación de los ecosistemas y los servicios que estos proporcionan como medio principal de la calidad de vida de sus habitantes. La incorpoción de análisis transdisciplinarios desde la observación de ciertos síntomas respecto al estado de conocimiento y de conservación de elementos claves de biodiversidad, importantes por sus características bioindicadoras, su sensibilidad y endemismo como las especies de ranas altoandinas (Atelopus nanay y A. exiguus) que amplian su rango de distribución y muestran francos procesos de inminente riesgo de extinción, y que se complementan y relacionan , desde otras visiones, al escaso nivel de interés e involucramiento de los múltiples actores en el territorio del ABMC para gestionar este territorio, sus ecosistemas, recursos naturales y servicios ecosistémicos, asociados con la concepción de la sustentabilidad y la aplicación de la propuesta de la figura de Reserva de Biosfera promovida por UNESCO. Así mismo, una reflexión de la inmensa potencialidad que tienen los ecosistemas contenidos en este territorio altoandino y su importancia en la generación de servicios ecosistémicos básicos y claves para el desarrollo y supervivencia de sus poblaciones así como estratégicos para todo el país y su relación con esta necesidad de entendimiento holístico con ejes científicos, sociales, culturales, educativos y de políticas claras para su manejo.This study seeks to provide an initial theoretical reflection on the importance of understanding the territory of the Cajas Massif Biosphere Area (ABMC) in southern Ecuador and its management from complexity, as a conceptual tool to generate comprehensive and practical processes for the conservation of ecosystems and the services they provide as the main means of the quality of life of its inhabitants. The incorporation of transdisciplinary analyzes from the observation of certain symptoms regarding the state of knowledge and conservation of key elements of biodiversity, important for their bio-indicative characteristics, their sensitivity and endemism as the species of High Andean frogs (Atelopus nanay and A. exiguus) that expand their range of distribution and show frank processes of imminent risk of extinction, and that complement and relate, from other visions, the low level of interest and involvement of the multiple actors in the ABMC territory to manage this territory, its ecosystems, natural resources and ecosystem services, associated with the conception of sustainability and the application of the proposal of the Biosphere Reserve figure promoted by UNESCO. Likewise, a reflection of the immense potential of the ecosystems contained in this high Andean territory and its importance in the generation of basic and key ecosystem services for the development and survival of its populations as well as strategic for the whole country and its relationship with this need for holistic understanding with scientific, social, cultural, educational and clear policy axes for its management

Red List assessment of amphibian species of Ecuador: A multidimensional approach for their conservation.

Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, but faces severe pressures and threats to its natural ecosystems. Numerous species have declined and require to be objectively evaluated and quantified, as a step towards the development of conservation strategies. Herein, we present an updated National Red List Assessment for amphibian species of Ecuador, with one of the most detailed and complete coverages for any Ecuadorian taxonomic group to date. Based on standardized methodologies that integrate taxonomic work, spatial analyses, and ecological niche modeling, we assessed the extinction risk and identified the main threats for all Ecuadorian native amphibians (635 species), using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. Our evaluation reveals that 57% (363 species) are categorized as Threatened, 12% (78 species) as Near Threatened, 4% (26 species) as Data Deficient, and 27% (168 species) as Least Concern. Our assessment almost doubles the number of threatened species in comparison with previous evaluations. In addition to habitat loss, the expansion of the agricultural/cattle raising frontier and other anthropogenic threats (roads, human settlements, and mining/oil activities) amplify the incidence of other pressures as relevant predictors of ecological integrity. Potential synergic effects with climate change and emergent diseases (apparently responsible for the sudden declines), had particular importance amongst the threats sustained by Ecuadorian amphibians. Most threatened species are distributed in montane forests and paramo habitats of the Andes, with nearly 10% of them occurring outside the National System of Protected Areas of the Ecuadorian government. Based on our results, we recommend the following actions: (i) An increase of the National System of Protected Areas to include threatened species. (ii) Supporting the ex/in-situ conservation programs to protect species considered like Critically Endangered and Endangered. (iii) Focalizing research efforts towards the description of new species, as well as species currently categorized as Data Deficient (DD) that may turn out to be threatened. The implementation of the described actions is challenging, but urgent, given the current conservation crisis faced by amphibians

Estudios sociales y administrativos en América Latina

Esta obra contiene la compilación de una serie de investigaciones latinoamericanas en las cuales se presenta los nuevos enfoques investigativos, metodológicos y cientificos. Para la generación de soluciones que contribuyan a la toma de decisiones en variables, sociales, economicas y administrativas en los diferentes contextos organizacionales. Además de estos elementos, en esta obra se presentan nuevas apuestas multidisciplinares cuanti-cualitativas en las cuales se destacan la ingeniería, derecho entre otros.

NEOTROPICAL ALIEN MAMMALS: a data set of occurrence and abundance of alien mammals in the Neotropics

Biological invasion is one of the main threats to native biodiversity. For a species to become invasive, it must be voluntarily or involuntarily introduced by humans into a nonnative habitat. Mammals were among first taxa to be introduced worldwide for game, meat, and labor, yet the number of species introduced in the Neotropics remains unknown. In this data set, we make available occurrence and abundance data on mammal species that (1) transposed a geographical barrier and (2) were voluntarily or involuntarily introduced by humans into the Neotropics. Our data set is composed of 73,738 historical and current georeferenced records on alien mammal species of which around 96% correspond to occurrence data on 77 species belonging to eight orders and 26 families. Data cover 26 continental countries in the Neotropics, ranging from Mexico and its frontier regions (southern Florida and coastal-central Florida in the southeast United States) to Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay, and the 13 countries of Caribbean islands. Our data set also includes neotropical species (e.g., Callithrix sp., Myocastor coypus, Nasua nasua) considered alien in particular areas of Neotropics. The most numerous species in terms of records are from Bos sp. (n = 37,782), Sus scrofa (n = 6,730), and Canis familiaris (n = 10,084); 17 species were represented by only one record (e.g., Syncerus caffer, Cervus timorensis, Cervus unicolor, Canis latrans). Primates have the highest number of species in the data set (n = 20 species), partly because of uncertainties regarding taxonomic identification of the genera Callithrix, which includes the species Callithrix aurita, Callithrix flaviceps, Callithrix geoffroyi, Callithrix jacchus, Callithrix kuhlii, Callithrix penicillata, and their hybrids. This unique data set will be a valuable source of information on invasion risk assessments, biodiversity redistribution and conservation-related research. There are no copyright restrictions. Please cite this data paper when using the data in publications. We also request that researchers and teachers inform us on how they are using the data