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This work reports development of a new donor-acceptor–type star-shaped 4,4′,4″-(1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triyl)tris(N,N-diphenylaniline) (TRZDPA) molecule towards detection of an ultratrace amount of picric acid (PA). TRZDPA showed solvent-dependent fluorescence spectra in an excited state owing to its strong intramolecular charge-transfer properties. As a fluorescent probe, TRZDPA shows remarkable sensitivity towards the PA in a highly selective manner compared with other nitroaromatic compounds. Furthermore, efficiency of the quenching process was evaluated by the Stern–Volmer equation. The fluorescence quenching mechanism of the probe during PA detection was evaluated from the photophysical and other spectral characterizations. The detection limit of PA was 0.37 nM, confirming the detection of PA in aqueous media at a trace level. To facilitate easy detection of PA, TRZDPA-modified fluorescent thin-layer chromatography (TLC) strips were developed as ‘turn-off’ sensors which can be visualized by the naked eye.

Background/Introduction:Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a Pacific nation of over nine million. It is one of the world’s most diverse nations, with over 800 languages and geographic diversity that includes both tropical islands and highland mountains. Located on the Pacific “ring of fire,” PNG is regularly struck by disasters and outbreaks. The COVID-19 pandemic triggered multiple deployments of international EMTs to PNG, which were coordinated through a national EMT Coordination Cell. To strengthen rapid, national response to future emergencies, the PNG Government through its National Department of Health is now developing the “PNG EMT.”Objectives:To describe the development of the PNG EMT.Method/Description:PNG’s national EMT development was inspired by multiple international EMT deployments, including the 2018 Highlands earthquake and multiple COVID-19 deployments. With support from WHO, PNG’s National Department of Health led EMT coordination efforts in those responses, and recognized the need for similar capabilities to be developed for national response.Results/Outcomes:To develop the PNG EMT, a focal point was appointed, a national technical working group was formed, and SOPs have been drafted with support from WHO and partners. In consultation with PNG and other Pacific EMTs, WHO is procuring a tailored Pacific EMT cache, including items specifically selected for PNG’s diverse geographic and climactic environments. PNG plans to train team members and be ready for self-sufficient national deployments by late 2022.Conclusion:PNG is strengthening readiness for future emergencies by developing a national EMT capable of rapid response to challenging and austere post-disaster environments.

Polyester monofilaments were grafted with methacrylic acid monomer in order to improve the water absorption and dye uptake characteristics. Kinetic parameters like percent grafting and grafting efficiency were measured as a function of concentration of monomer, initiator concentration, time of reaction, and temperature. The results show that the rate of grafting is proportional to the 0.167 power of the monomer concentration and the 0.545 power of the initiator concentration. The activation energy for grafting, calculated from an Arrhenius plot, was found to be 11.12 kcal˙mol-1. Water absorption and dye uptake were tremendously improved by grafting.