This paper deals with the possibility of adopting microwave imaging to continuously monitor a patient after the onset of a brain stroke, with the aim to follow the evolution of the disease, promptly counteract its uncontrolled growth, and possibly support decisions in the clinical treatment. In such a framework, the assessed techniques for brain stroke diagnosis are indeed not suitable to pursue this goal. Conversely, microwave imaging can provide a diagnostic tool able to follow up the disease’s evolution, while relying on a relatively low cost and portable apparatus. The proposed imaging procedure is based on a differential approach which requires the processing of scattered field data measured at different time instants. By means of a numerical analysis dealing with synthetic data generated for realistic anthropomorphic phantoms, we address some crucial issues for the method’s effectiveness. In particular, we discuss the role of patient-specific information and the effect of inaccuracies in the measurement procedure, such as an incorrect positioning of the probes between two different examinations. The observed results show that the proposed technique is indeed feasible, even when a simple, nonspecific model of the head is exploited and is robust against the above mentioned inaccuracies.

Radar imaging from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is a dynamic research topic attracting huge interest due to its practical fallouts. In this context, this article provides a comprehensive review of the current state of the art and challenges related to UAV-based ground-penetrating radar (GPR) imaging systems. First, a description of the available prototypes is provided in terms of radar technology, UAV platforms, and navigation control devices. Afterward, the paper addresses the main issues affecting the performance of UAV-based GPR imaging systems. such as the control of the UAV platform during the flight to collect high-quality data, the necessity to provide accurate platform position information in terms of probing wavelength, and the mitigation of clutter and other electromagnetic disturbances. A description of the major applicative areas for UAV GPR systems is reported with the aim to show their potential. Furthermore, the main signal-processing approaches currently adopted are detailed and two experimental tests are also reported to prove the actual imaging capabilities. Finally, open challenges and future perspectives regarding this promising technology are discussed.

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a flexible and cost-effective tool for performing structural integrity assessment and quick damage evaluation of manmade structures, including cultural heritage (CH) assets. In this context, this paper deals with the usefulness of GPR surveys enhanced by the use of a Microwave Tomographic data processing approach as a methodology for the diagnosis and monitoring of CH exposed to climate events and natural hazards. Specifically, the paper reports on the results of a measurement campaign carried out at the Loggia of the Consoli Palace of Gubbio (Italy). These results allowed us to increase our knowledge of the architecture of the surveyed zones and their structural hazards.