Time-resolved terahertz–Raman spectroscopy reveals that cations and anions distinctly modify intermolecular interactions of water

The solvation of ions changes the physical, chemical and thermodynamic properties of water, and the microscopic origin of this behaviour is believed to be ion-induced perturbation of water’s hydrogen-bonding network. Here we provide microscopic insights into this process by monitoring the dissipation of energy in salt solutions using time-resolved terahertz–Raman spectroscopy. We resonantly drive the low-frequency rotational dynamics of water molecules using intense terahertz pulses and probe the Raman response of their intermolecular translational motions. We find that the intermolecular rotational-to-translational energy transfer is enhanced by highly charged cations and is drastically reduced by highly charged anions, scaling with the ion surface charge density and ion concentration. Our molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the water–water hydrogen-bond strength between the first and second solvation shells of cations increases, while it decreases around anions. The opposite effects of cations and anions on the intermolecular interactions of water resemble the effects of ions on the stabilization and denaturation of proteins

Preliminary Survey on the Crucial Root Causes of Material Waste Generation in Malaysian Construction Industry

Construction waste generation has been perceived as a crucial issue that has critical consequences on the project effectiveness and ecological effect of the construction industry. The key objective of the current research is to identify the root causes of material construction waste generation in Malaysia. A well-structured questionnaire was designed based on the 52 identified root causes of material waste generation. The developed questionnaire was distributed to 35 highly experienced in Malaysian construction industry experts. The collected data was analyzed by the use of mean score analysis. The top identified root causes are poor supervision during the construction stage, lack of efficient site management, last minute changes, cutting uneconomical sizes of materials, and constant design changes during the construction period. The initial findings will aid construction practitioners to focus on these root causes in order to reduce the material construction waste generation at construction sites

Beyond cardiovascular medicine: potential future uses of icosapent ethyl

The REDUCE-IT trial demonstrated that icosapent ethyl, an ethyl ester of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), reduced cardiovascular events in an at-risk population by a substantial degree. While the cardiovascular protective properties of this compound are now proven, several other potential uses are being actively explored in clinical studies. These areas of investigation include cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, infections, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and depression. The next decade promises to deepen our understanding of the beneficial effects that EPA may offer beyond cardiovascular risk reduction

A review of SMEs recruitment and selection dilemma: Finding a fit

This systematic review of theoretical approaches is to determine whether the recruitment and selection process in SMEs shows evidence of a strategic 'fit' and second, examining the extent of a structured, innovative and flexible recruitment and selection process. HR managers may be aware of Strategic Human Resource Management but their understanding of recruitment and selection process as a HR architecture linking the firm and HR strategy may be vague. Findings in literature shows that priority research tends to be non-HRM related functions. HRM practices are seen as less important. The review also shows evidence that recruitment and selection is an under researched area and no specific research papers provided insights on the concept of 'fit' in recruitment and selection. Although general literature presents various models of recruitment but the compatibility between the individual, job and environment - 'fit', as a strategic process in SMEs seems disconnected and unexplored. This suggests that the HRM functions in the Malaysian SMEs are treated and perceived as secondary, routine and an insignificant function

Thigh-length compression stockings and DVT after stroke

Controversy exists as to whether neoadjuvant chemotherapy improves survival in patients with invasive bladder cancer, despite randomised controlled trials of more than 3000 patients. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effect of such treatment on survival in patients with this disease