Abstract
A label-free fiber optic biosensor based on a long period grating (LPG) and a basic optical interrogation scheme using off the shelf components is used for the detection of in-situ DNA hybridization. A new methodology is proposed for the determination of the spectral position of the LPG mode resonance. The experimental limit of detection obtained for the DNA was 62 +/- 2 nM and the limit of quantification was 209 +/- 7 nM. The sample specificity was experimentally demonstrated using DNA targets with different base mismatches relatively to the probe and was found that the system has a single base mismatch selectivity.

Abstract
Direct identification of cohesive laws in modes I and II of wood bonded joints is addressed by the double cantilever beam (DCB) and end-notched flexure (ENF) tests, respectively. Moreover, the development and extension of fracture process zone (FPZ) ahead of the initial crack tip, is analysed by means of digital image correlation (DIC) and embedded fibre Bragg grating (FBG) sensors. From FBG spectral response, the spectrum geometric mean is determined and the strain induced by wavelength variation employed to identify the initial and final stages of the FPZ. These stages are used to consistently define the cohesive laws in both modes I and II. Resistance-curves are determined from the compliance-based beam method (CBBM). Besides, the crack tip opening displacements (CTOD) are determined by post-processing displacement field provided by DIC around the initial crack tip. The strain energy release rate as a function of the CTOD are then determined for both mode I and mode II. The respective cohesive laws are reconstructed by numerical approximation and differentiation. It is concluded that the proposed data reduction scheme is effective to determine both the FPZ development phase and the corresponding cohesive laws of wood bonded joints in both mode I and mode II.

Abstract
This work addresses the experimental identification of mode I cohesive law of wood bonded joints. The approach combines the double cantilever beam (DCB) test with both digital image correlation (DIC) and embedded fibre Bragg grating (FBG) sensors. The spectrum geometric mean of the FBG reflected spectral response was determined, and the wavelength evolution was used to define the fracture process zone (FPZ) development phase. This evaluation allowed a consistent selection of experimental range of over which the identification procedure of mode I cohesive law is build up. Mode I crack length, Resistancecurve and cohesive law parameters are characterised and discussed. The strain energy release rate (G(I)) is determined from the P-delta curve by the compliance-based beam method (CBBM). The crack tip opening displacement (w(1)) is determined by post-processing displacements measured by DIC. The cohesive law in mode I (sigma(1)-w(1)) is then obtained by numerical differentiation of the G(1)-w(1) relationship.

Abstract
Nanotechnology is an emerging field of research that has been widely applied in different scientific and engineering areas. The agro-food sector is not an exception, which considers its applicability in several areas of major interest for both consumers and producers. This review considers major concepts related to nanostructures and nano-based instruments used in the food sector, as well as their applications in agro-food products. Food safety through the use of nanosensors for pathogen detection, smart packaging, and valorisation of food products by nanoencapsulation/nanodelivery of food ingredients (e.g. flavours) are examples of important areas of nanotechnology. Consumers' apprehension regarding food stability and safety issues is also considered.

Abstract
An evanescent wave fiber optic sensor for detection of E. coli outer membranes proteins (EcOMPs) is presented. The sensing probe is achieved by the functionalization of a Long Period Grating (LPG) inscribed in a single mode fiber (SMF28) with poly-L-lysine (PLL) resulting in a label-free configuration capable of specific recognition of EcOMPs in waters due to the resonance wavelength shift variation owing to refractive index changes of the medium (approximate to 100 nm/RIU). The sensing head was characterized and tested against EcOMP and applied to spiked environmental water samples. The sensor displayed linear responses in the range of 1x10(-10) M to 1x10(-8) M EcOMP and is regenerated (under low pH conditions) and the deviation of the subsequent detection was less than 0.1 %.

Abstract
An evanescent wave fiber optic sensor for detection of Escherichia coli (E. coli) outer membranes proteins (EcOMPs) using long period gratings (LPGs) as a refractometric platform is presented. The sensing probes were attained by the functionalization of LPGs inscribed in single mode fiber using two different methods of immobilization; electrostatic assembly and covalent binding. The resulting label-free configuration enabled the specific recognition of EcOMPs in water by monitoring the resonance wavelength shift due to refractive index changes induced by binding events. The sensors displayed linear responses in the range of 0.1 nM to 10 nM EcOMPs with sensitivities of -0.1563 +/- 0.005 nm decade(-1) [EcOMP, M] (electrostatic method) and -0.1597 +/- 0.004 nm decade(-1) [EcOMP, M] (covalent method). The devices could be regenerated (under low pH conditions) with a deviation less than 0.1% for at least three subsequent detection events. The sensors were also applied to spiked environmental water samples.