The present invention is directed to systems and methods for monitoring characteristics of a subject. A system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a sensor subsystem including at least one respiratory sensor disposed proximate to the subject and configured to detect a respiratory characteristic of the subject, wherein the sensor subsystem is configured to generate and transmit at least one respiratory signal representing the respiratory characteristic, and at least one physiological sensor disposed proximate to the subject and configured to detect a physiological characteristic of the subject, wherein the sensor subsystem is configured to generate and transmit at least one physiological signal representing the physiological characteristic, and a processor subsystem in communication with the sensor subsystem, the processor subsystem being configured to receive at least one of the at least one respiratory signal and the at least one physiological signal.

A face mask includes a fabric filter configured to be worn on a user's face. A composition with anti-viral properties is arranged on the fabric. The composition preferably includes anti-viral oils and an anti-viral metal such as copper or copper oxide.

An electroless process for depositing gold (Au.sup.0) from a solution, comprising allowing gold (Au.sup.0) place from a solution of gold thiocyanate complex dissolved in a mixture of water-miscible organic solvent and water, or the deposition of gold (Au.sup.0) takes place on a deposition-directing layer comprising positively charged organic groups, said layer being provided on at least a portion of a surface of a substrate sought to be gold-coated.

The invention relates to a magnetically responsive scrim containing a scrim which contains a plurality of yarns and a magnetically responsive coating covering at least a portion of the yarns of the scrim. The magnetically responsive coating contains magnetically responsive particulate material and a binder, where the magnetically responsive coating is at least about 40% by weight magnetically responsive particulate material, and where the magnetically responsive coating has an areal density of at least twice the areal density of the scrim.

The invention relates to a magnetic scrim containing a scrim which contains a plurality of yarns and a magnetic coating covering at least a portion of the yarns of the scrim. The magnetic coating contains magnetic elements and a binder, where the magnetic coating is at least about 40% by weight magnetic elements, and where the magnetic coating has an areal density of at least twice the areal density of the scrim.

A face mask includes a non-woven fabric filter configured to be worn on a user's face. A composition with anti-viral properties is arranged on the fabric. The composition preferably includes anti-viral oils and an anti-viral metal such as copper or copper oxide.

A conductive monofilament and static dissipative fabric having the same wherein the monofilament includes electrically conductive material and binder and has static dissipation properties.

A method of fabricating a conductive thin film includes the following steps: forming a polymer fiber made of a polymer and a metal precursor distributed in a surface layer near the surface of the polymer fiber; and applying a plasma treatment on the polymer fiber to concurrently etch the polymer and reduce the metal precursor in the surface layer of the polymer fiber. When the plasma treatment is completed, a metal membrane is formed on the surface of the polymer fiber.

A layered composite includes an insulation sheet and at least one scrim layer secured thereto. The at least one scrim layer may be embedded within the thickness of the insulation sheet, or bonded to a corresponding face of the insulation sheet, and have a tensile strength greater than that of the insulation sheet. As such, the scrim layer provides structural support to the insulation sheet as well as a trap for fibers or particles that may separate from the insulation sheet.