Abstract: A pressure sensor for connecting to a detector is provided. The pressure sensor comprises: an optical fibre, having a distal end with a distal plane for sensing pressure, a proximal end for communicating with a patch cord, and an In-fibre Bragg grating (FBG) therebetween; a housing, having a distal aperture, a proximal aperture and a bore therebetween, and sized to accept the optical fibre; an annular ring, forming a flexible seal between said optical fibre and housing at least distal to the FBG and a holder for retaining the housing. The FBG is housed in the housing such that in use, axial strain is transferred to said In-fibre Bragg grating housed within said housing by pressure exerted on the distal plane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and methods for computer user profiling based on behavioral biometrics. The approach consists of establishing distinctive profiles for computer users based on how they use a motion-based input device such as, but not limited to, a mouse and/or a keyboard. The profiles computed in the present invention are more accurate than those obtained through the traditional statistical profiling techniques, since they are based on distinctive biological characteristics of users.

Abstract: An optical fiber sensing device for detecting physical parameters such as pressures, strains and temperatures comprises a probe housing therein an optical fiber. The distal end of the probe houses a distal portion of the optical fiber having a section provided with a fiber Bragg grating. The proximal end of the probe is mounted into a holder. The optical fiber is sealably mounted into the probe housing with a first seal overlaid the proximal portion of the optical fiber The seal may extend to about the proximal end of the optical fiber section with the Bragg grating. A second seal is overlaid the distal portion of the optical fiber and extends from the distal end of the probe to about the distal end of the optical fiber section with the Bragg grating. The proximal end of the probe is communicable with a fiber Bragg grating interrogation system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for use as an antifouling agent and a method of decreasing fouling of a surface in a marine environment. The composition is a polymeric matrix, the polymeric matrix comprising subunits of at least one structural monomer and at least one ionic monomer. The ionic monomer comprising a salt, that is an anion that is a conjugate base of an acid having a pKa less than about 9 and at least one cation that is a cationic biocide. One embodiment includes guanidinium counterions that undergo ion exchange to slowly release a biocidal component.

Abstract: A method of preparing a lanthanide-doped nanoparticle sol-gel matrix film having a high signal to noise ratio is provided. The sol-gels are also provided. A method of preparing light emitting sol-gel films made with lanthanide doped nanoparticles, for the production of white light is also provided. The method comprises selecting lanthanides for the production of at least one of green, red and blue light when excited with near infrared light, preparing nanoparticles comprising the selected lanthanides, stabilizing the nanoparticles with ligands operative to stabilize the nanoparticles in an aqueous solution and selected to be substantially removed from the sol-gel matrix film during synthesis, incorporating the stabilized nanoparticles into a sol-gel matrix and heating to increase the signal to noise ratio of the luminescence by substantially removing the low molecular weight organic molecules. Additionally, light emitting sol-gel films made with lanthanide doped nanoparticles are provided.