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Construction disputes may arise from various situations and have varied consequences throughout the project life cycle. Whilst previous studies examined the leading causes of disputes, there is still a lack of understanding of the differences between the various disputes in terms of severity, probable implications, and outcomes. Specifically, once disputes reach a stage where they must be resolved through binding dispute resolution methods (DRMs), little research has been conducted to understand the impact of these DRMs on project outcomes. The research presented in this paper sought to establish which causes of disputes lead to binding DRMs. A sequential exploratory research design was adopted. First, interviews were conducted with nine construction experts in Quebec, Canada, to evaluate the potential of linking specific causes of disputes with the escalation to binding DRMs. The second phase involved collecting and analysing data from 94 participants through a survey. The findings revealed that unforeseen changes, lack of communication, ambiguities in contract documents, design errors, and work progress delays were the most commonly associated causes of reaching binding DRMs. The paper concluded that alternative approaches such as relational contracts, team integration, and innovative technology and communication tools should be considered to be used as preventative measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work evaluates the effectiveness of various consolidating treatments applied to Pugliese tuff (Gravina Calcarenite). This type of stone has been used in numerous historic buildings in the Puglia area (southeast of Italy), which presents durability problems due to high porosity, low cohesion between clasts, and low mechanical resistance. Eco-friendly treatments that generate CaCO3 have been selected, specifically bioconsolidant KBYO biological and lime water, which a priori are capable of consolidating without occluding the pores or reducing them excessively, thereby creating compounds similar to those contained in the stone and being respectful of the environment. Nano-sized treatments have also been tested, including nanosilica and nanolime, to compare results with eco-friendly treatments. The bioconsolidating treatment has been applied in two different ways, the usual way consisting of two applications a day for 7 days, as well as a double treatment that is applied in two batches of 7 days with a rest of 7 days between applications. Double treatment has shown a great improvement in consolidation compared to the usual 7-day application; this treatment has obtained the best results in both mechanical and petrophysical properties. This study not only demonstrates the effectiveness of the bioconsolidant but also expands eco-friendly conservation strategies to improve the preservation of historical structures built in calcarenite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Drilling Resistance Measurement System (DRMS) test is a minimally destructive technique suitable for the field assessment of the mechanical properties (such as uniaxial compressive strength) of masonry relic surfaces within a certain depth range, but the test results of drilling resistance are prone to be affected by user-control variables. Currently, there is no unified test specification or standard for the manual of user-control variables. To ensure that the drilling resistance test results are comparable under different user-control variables, in this study, sandstone and clay brick were used as the research objects to investigate and analyse the effects of different user-control variables on the drilling resistance test results. The results show that the drilling resistance had a linear positive correlation with the penetration rate, drill bit diameter, and drill bit wear but a linear negative correlation with the revolution speed; the drilling resistance of sandstone had a linear negative correlation with the water content, while the opposite was observed for clay bricks. The drilling resistance mean values at different drilling depth ranges were compared, and a method for calculating the drilling resistance mean value was proposed. Moreover, the uniaxial compressive strengths of the sandstone and clay brick were evaluated by drilling resistance. Wider spreading of the DRMS can be achieved by recording user-control variables in detail if the correlation expressed in this paper is further tested.

HIV incidence in Kazakhstan increased by 73% between 2010 and 2020, with an estimated 35,000 people living with HIV (PLHIV) in 2020. The development of antiretroviral drug resistance is a major threat to effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), yet studies on the prevalence of drug resistance in Kazakhstan are sparse. In this study on the molecular epidemiology of HIV in Kazakhstan, we analyzed 968 partial HIV-1 pol sequences that were collected between 2017 and 2020 from PLHIV across all regions of Kazakhstan, covering almost 3% of PLHIV in 2020. Sequences predominantly represented subtypes A6 (57%) and CRF02_AG (41%), with 32% of sequences exhibiting high-level drug resistance. We further identified distinct drug-resistant mutations (DRMs) in the two subtypes: subtype A6 showed a propensity for DRMs A62V, G190S, K101E, and D67N, while CRF02_AG showed a propensity for K103N and V179E. Codon usage analysis revealed that different mutational pathways for the two subtypes may explain the difference in G190S and V179E frequencies. Phylogenetic analysis highlighted differences in the timing and geographic spread of both subtypes within the country, with A62V-harboring subtype A6 sequences clustering on the phylogeny, indicative of sustained transmission of the mutation. Our findings suggest an HIV epidemic characterized by high levels of drug resistance and differential DRM frequencies between subtypes. This emphasizes the importance of drug resistance monitoring within Kazakhstan, together with DRM and subtype screening at diagnosis, to tailor drug regimens and provide effective, virally suppressive ART. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HIV incidence in Kazakhstan increased by 73% between 2010 and 2020, with an estimated 35,000 people living with HIV (PLHIV) in 2020. The development of antiretroviral drug resistance is a major threat to effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), yet studies on the prevalence of drug resistance in Kazakhstan are sparse. In this study on the molecular epidemiology of HIV in Kazakhstan, we analyzed 968 partial HIV-1 pol sequences that were collected between 2017 and 2020 from PLHIV across all regions of Kazakhstan, covering almost 3% of PLHIV in 2020. Sequences predominantly represented subtypes A6 (57%) and CRF02_AG (41%), with 32% of sequences exhibiting high-level drug resistance. We further identified distinct drug-resistant mutations (DRMs) in the two subtypes: subtype A6 showed a propensity for DRMs A62V, G190S, K101E, and D67N, while CRF02_AG showed a propensity for K103N and V179E. Codon usage analysis revealed that different mutational pathways for the two subtypes may explain the difference in G190S and V179E frequencies. Phylogenetic analysis highlighted differences in the timing and geographic spread of both subtypes within the country, with A62V-harboring subtype A6 sequences clustering on the phylogeny, indicative of sustained transmission of the mutation. Our findings suggest an HIV epidemic characterized by high levels of drug resistance and differential DRM frequencies between subtypes. This emphasizes the importance of drug resistance monitoring within Kazakhstan, together with DRM and subtype screening at diagnosis, to tailor drug regimens and provide effective, virally suppressive ART.