42 research outputs found
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becoming slower and outdated.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)
A new class of glycomimetic drugs to prevent free fatty acid-induced endothelial dysfunction
Background: Carbohydrates play a major role in cell signaling in many biological processes. We have developed a set of glycomimetic drugs that mimic the structure of carbohydrates and represent a novel source of therapeutics for endothelial dysfunction, a key initiating factor in cardiovascular complications. Purpose: Our objective was to determine the protective effects of small molecule glycomimetics against free fatty acidinduced endothelial dysfunction, focusing on nitric oxide (NO) and oxidative stress pathways. Methods: Four glycomimetics were synthesized by the stepwise transformation of 2,5dihydroxybenzoic acid to a range of 2,5substituted benzoic acid derivatives, incorporating the key sulfate groups to mimic the interactions of heparan sulfate. Endothelial function was assessed using acetylcholineinduced, endotheliumdependent relaxation in mouse thoracic aortic rings using wire myography. Human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) behavior was evaluated in the presence or absence of the free fatty acid, palmitate, with or without glycomimetics (1µM). DAF2 and H2DCFDA assays were used to determine nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, respectively. Lipid peroxidation colorimetric and antioxidant enzyme activity assays were also carried out. RTPCR and western blotting were utilized to measure Akt, eNOS, Nrf2, NQO1 and HO1 expression. Results: Ex vivo endotheliumdependent relaxation was significantly improved by the glycomimetics under palmitateinduced oxidative stress. In vitro studies showed that the glycomimetics protected HUVECs against the palmitateinduced oxidative stress and enhanced NO production. We demonstrate that the protective effects of preincubation with glycomimetics occurred via upregulation of Akt/eNOS signaling, activation of the Nrf2/ARE pathway, and suppression of ROSinduced lipid peroxidation. Conclusion: We have developed a novel set of small molecule glycomimetics that protect against free fatty acidinduced endothelial dysfunction and thus, represent a new category of therapeutic drugs to target endothelial damage, the first line of defense against cardiovascular disease
Enhancing municipal decision-making through an intelligent conflict support system
Most conflict scholars, practitioners, and parties dedicated to the
thematic of conflict agree that alternative means of solving and
managing conflicts other than the traditional court system offers
an efficient and cost-effective way to manage and resolve
conflicts. However in the area of conflicts involving
municipalities, the use of these alternative means and, in
particular, early intelligent decision-support systems is not
common. Therefore, we propose to deliver an intelligent
environment capable of assisting elected and non-elected
municipal officials in managing conflict. To develop this
proposal, we present a brief review about how the conflict is
handled in a digital environment. Further, the system's
requirements and a conceptual framework to facilitate information
gathering are depicted. Through a proof of concept, we also
expose that our approach to handling conflict can be integrated
into a generic municipal decision-making process in a viable and
feasible way.This work has been supported by COMPETE: POCI-01-0145-
FEDER-007043 and FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a
Tecnologia (Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology)
within the Project Scope UID/CEC/00319/2013.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio