Abstract: Methods of detecting scan avoidance events during decode sessions are disclosed herein. An example method includes during a timeout period at one or more processors of the symbology scanner, identifying and decoding a transaction affecting indicia on an object in one or more images to obtain a transaction affecting payload; during the timeout period at the one or more processors, identifying one or more visual features in the one or more images; and in response to identifying a non-transaction affecting indicia associated with the one or more visual features, and failing to identify or decode the transaction affecting indicia, determining a potential scan avoidance attempt and generating a scan avoidance alarm signal.

Abstract: Methods of detecting scan avoidance events during decode sessions are disclosed herein. An example method includes during a timeout period at one or more processors of the symbology scanner, identifying and decoding a transaction affecting indicia on an object in one or more images to obtain a transaction affecting payload; during the timeout period at the one or more processors, identifying one or more visual features in the one or more images; and in response to identifying a non-transaction affecting indicia associated with the one or more visual features, and failing to identify or decode the transaction affecting indicia, determining a potential scan avoidance attempt and generating a scan avoidance alarm signal.

Abstract: Nanoparticles, methods of preparation thereof, and methods of detecting a target molecule using embodiments of the nanoparticle, are disclosed. One embodiment of an exemplary nanoparticle, among others, includes a surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic active composite nanostructure. The surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic active composite nanostructure includes a core, at least one reporter molecule, and an encapsulating material. The reporter molecule is bonded to the core. The reporter molecule is selected from: an isothiocyanate dye, a multi-sulfur organic dye, a multi-heterosulfur organic dye, a benzotriazole dye, and combinations thereof. The encapsulating material is disposed over the core and the reporter molecule. After encapsulation with the encapsulating material, the reporter molecule has a measurable surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic signature.

Abstract: Nanoparticles, methods of preparation thereof, and methods of detecting a target molecule using embodiments of the nanoparticle, are disclosed. One embodiment of an exemplary nanoparticle, among others, includes a surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic active composite nanostructure. The surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic active composite nanostructure includes a core, at least one reporter molecule, and an encapsulating material. The reporter molecule is bonded to the core. The reporter molecule is selected from: an isothiocyanate dye, a multi-sulfur organic dye, a multi-heterosulfur organic dye, a benzotriazole dye, and combinations thereof The encapsulating material is disposed over the core and the reporter molecule. After encapsulation with the encapsulating material, the reporter molecule has a measurable surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic signature.

Abstract: Submicron-sized particles or labels that can be covalently or non-covalently affixed to entities of interest for the purpose of quantification, location, identification, tracking, and diagnosis, are described.