Lampreys, the jawless vertebrates, contain three Pax6 genes with distinct expression in eye, brain and pancreas

10.1038/s41598-019-56085-8Scientific Reports911955

Automated data extraction from synthetic and real radargrams of complex structures

This paper presents a comparative study of two algorithms for detecting and analyzing the characteristic shapes of reflection obtained as a result of Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) scanning technology. The first algorithm is a sub-array processing method that uses direction-of arrival algorithms and the matched filter technique; this approach is implemented in SPOT-GPR (release 1.0), a new freeware tool for the detection and localization of targets in radargrams. The second algorithm, APEX, is based on machine learning and pattern recognition techniques and it allows finding the coordinates of apexes and further characteristic points of hyperbolas in radargrams. Both software solutions are implemented in MATLAB environment. As a first step, we compare the accuracy of our algorithms when applied to synthetic data, calculated by using the open-source finite-difference time-domain simulator gprMax; the scenarios are two concrete cells hosting different metallic and dielectric targets. Then, we compare the accuracy of our algorithms when applied to experimental data, recorded over district heating pipes in a trench, with known geometry and depth of the pipes. For the latter scenario, we have also generated a gprMax radargram, matching the geometry and scanning settings of the real one; both algorithms are tested on this synthetic radargram, as well. Overall, both algorithms perform well and rather uniformly in localizing the targets. The accuracy of the algorithms is at centimeter level, which is sufficient in most applications

Applications of Ground Penetrating Radar in Civil Engineering – COST Action TU1208

This paper focuses on the use of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) in civil engineering. Open issues in this field are identified and desirable advances in GPR technology, application procedures, data processing algorithms and analysis tools, are addressed. European associations, institutes and consortia interested in this topic are mentioned, together with the main relevant international events. The new COST (European COoperation in Science and Technology) Action TU1208 'Civil Engineering Applications of Ground Penetrating Radar' is presented, started in April 2013: this interdisciplinary project offers important research opportunities and will strengthen European excellence in all the fields concerning the success of GPR technique, with a main focus on its applications in civil engineering. Four Working Groups (WGs) carry out the research activities: WGI focuses on the design of innovative GPR equipment, on the building of prototypes, as well as on the testing and optimization of new systems; WG2 focuses on the GPR surveying of pavement, bridges, tunnels and buildings, as well as on the sensing of underground utilities and voids; WG3 deals with the development of electromagnetic forward and inverse scattering methods and of advanced data processing algorithms; WG4 explores the use of GPR in fields different from civil engineering and the integration of GPR with other nondestructive testing techniques. The COST Action TU1208 is still open to the participation of new parties: in this paper, information is provided for scientists and scientific institutions willing to join the Action and participate to its activities