Plenary Talks

Prof. Maurizio Bozzi, University of Pavia, Italy

Maurizio Bozzi received the Ph.D. degree in electronics and computer science from the University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy, in 2000. He held research positions with various universities worldwide, including the Technische Universitaet Darmstadt, Germany; the Universitat de Valencia, Spain; and the Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal, Canada. In 2002, he joined the Department of Electronics, University of Pavia, where he is currently a full professor of electromagnetic fields. He was also a Guest Professor at Tianjin University, China (2015-2017) and a Visiting Professor at Gdansk University of Technology, Poland (2017-2018). His main research interests concern the computational electromagnetics, the substrate integrated waveguide technology, and the use of novel materials and fabrication technologies for microwave circuits (including paper, textile, and 3D printing). He has authored or co-authored more than 160 journal papers and 350 conference papers. He co-edited the book Periodic Structures (Research Signpost, 2006) and co-authored the book Microstrip Lines and Slotlines (Artech House, 2013). Prof. Bozzi is an Elected Member of the MTT-S AdCom for the term 2017–2022. He was the Secretary of MTT-S (2016), the Chair of the MTT-S Meetings and Symposia Committee (2018-2019), and the Treasurer (2020-2022). He was also a member of the General Assembly of the European Microwave Association (EuMA) from 2014 to 2016. He is a Track Editor of the IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques, and he was an Associate Editor of the IEEE Microwave and Wireless Components Letters, the IET Microwaves, Antennas and Propagation, and the IET Electronics Letters. He was the General Chair of the IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Workshop Series-Advanced Materials and Processes (IMWS-AMP 2017), in Pavia, Italy, 2017, of the inaugural edition of the IEEE International Conference on Numerical Electromagnetic Modeling and Optimization (NEMO2014), in Pavia, Italy, 2014, and of the IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Workshop Series on Millimeter Wave Integration Technologies, in Sitges, Spain, 2011. Maurizio Bozzi is a Fellow of the IEEE. He received several awards, including the 2015 Premium Award for Best Paper in IET Microwaves, Antennas & Propagation, the 2014 Premium Award for the Best Paper in Electronics Letters, the Best Student Paper Award at the 2016 IEEE Topical Conference on Wireless Sensors and Sensor Networks (WiSNet2016), the Best Paper Award at the 15th Mediterranean Microwave Symposium (MMS2015), the Best Student Award at the 4th European Conference on Antennas and Propagation (EuCAP 2010), the Best Young Scientist Paper Award of the XXVII General Assembly of URSI in 2002, and the MECSA Prize of the Italian Conference on Electromagnetics (XIII RiNEm) in 2000

Microwave Sensors: Novel Techniques, Topologies, and Manufacturing Technologies

Abstract: This paper presents and overview of the recent advances we made in the field of microwave sensors. Sensors for different physical quantities are presented, ranging from structures for the retrieval of the electric and magnetic characteristics of materials, to devices for the determination of position and angular rotation. These sensors are based on various fabrication technologies, including planar structures, additive manufacturing, and hybrid solutions, which take advantage of the best features of different technologies.

Prof. Zoya Popovic, Colorado, Boulder, USA

Zoya Popovic is a Distinguished Professor and the Lockheed Martin Endowed Chair in Electrical Engineering at the University of Colorado, Boulder. She obtained her Dipl.Ing. degree at the University of Belgrade, Serbia, and her Ph.D. at Caltech. She holds an honorary doctorate from the Carlos III University in Madrid. She was a Visiting Professor with the Technical University of Munich in 2001/03, ISAE in Toulouse, France in 2014, and was a Chair of Excellence at Carlos III University in Madrid in 2018/19. She has graduated over 70 PhDs and currently advises 18 doctoral students, most US citizens. Her research interests are in microwave and millimeter-wave high-performance circuits for communications and radar, medical and industrial applications of microwaves, quantum sensing and metrology, and wireless powering. She is a Fellow of the IEEE and the recipient of two IEEE MTT Microwave Prizes for best journal papers, the White House NSF Presidential Faculty Fellow award, the URSI Issac Koga Gold Medal, the ASEE/HP Terman Medal and the German Alexander von Humboldt Research Award. She was elected as foreign member of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts in 2006 and was named IEEE MTT Distinguished Educator in 2013 and the University of Colorado Distinguished Research Lecturer in 2015. Prof. Popovic was elected a Member of the National Academy of Engineering in 2022. She has a husband physicist and three daughters who can all solder.

Microwave Radiometry for Measuring Internal Body Temperature

Abstract: This talk presents a study of near-field radiometry for internal temperature measurements of the human body. Radiometry is shown to be a feasible method for implementing a portable or even wearable microwave thermometer. One of the possible frequencies of operation is the 1.4 GHz quiet band, which is appropriate for centimeter penetration into tissues with minimized radio-frequency interference (RFI). The total blackbody power from a tissue stack is received by a probe placed on the skin, designed to receive a high percentage of the total power from a buried tissue layer. Temperature retrieval for sub-surface tissue layers is performed using near-field weighting functions, obtained by full-wave simulations with known tissue complex electrical parameters. Measurements are presented using a calibrated Dicke radiometer at 1.4GHz for various phantom tissues. It is shown that temperature can be tracked within a fraction of a degree for a phantom muscle tissue layer under phantom fat and skin layers.

Invited papers

Prof. Jialin Cai, Hangzhou Dianzi University, China

Machine learning based technique used for modeling and optimization of RF PA

Abstract: With the increasing complexities of the wireless communication systems, such as 5G/6G systems, coupled with shorter design cycles, there is a great demand for modeling and design methodologies that are both accurate and fast at the same time. However, these contradictory requirements are extremely challenging with conventional computer-aided design (CAD) techniques. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in employing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) approaches for the modeling and design of electronic devices, circuits, including nonlinear device modeling, power amplifier (PA) behavioral modeling, digital predistortion design, passive circuit design and optimization, antenna design and optimization, PA design and optimization.

Prof. Jacopo Iannaci, Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK), Trento, Italy

Prospects of Micro/Nano technologies in the 6G scenario with focus on RF-MEMS

Abstract: Looking at 2030 and ahead, 6G and Future Networks (FN) will relentlessly increase the variety of services on the move and provide immersive experience to end-users. After identifying and putting together performance trends and technology constraints already ongoing today with 5G, this contribution states that the well-established currently in use approaches to design and develop Hardware-Software (HW-SW) systems, are inappropriate to meet the challenges of 6G/FN. In response, a fresh concept of SW-mimicking HW is formulated here. The novel HW definition embodies features typically implemented by more complex HW-SW sub-systems, like, e.g., self-management, and it is forecasted to be crucial to empower 6G/FN, especially at the network edge. Microtechnologies and Nanotechnologies are identified as pivotal to this target. Given such a frame of reference, the contribution focuses on RF-MEMS technology as an enabling tile in the identified complex scenario. To this end, recent advances at design and fabrication level are reported, with particular reference to key passive components, like micro-switches, reconfigurable step attenuators and multi-state phase shifters

Prof. Aleksandar Jevremović, Singidunum University, Serbia

AI in HCI: To Serve and Protect

Abstract: The rapid development and progress of artificial intelligence algorithms in the last decade has opened up many new possibilities and fields for its application. The field of human-computer interaction is not only not an exception, but it can also be considered a veteran. In this paper, we will summarize the current conditions, trends and experiences in this area.

Matteo B. Lodi, University of Cagliari, Italy

Modelling of Magnetic Scaffolds for RF Hyperthermia of Deep Seated Tumors

Abstract: Deep seated tumors are neoplasms grown in challenging sites that call for innovative interventional strategies. Thanks to the development of magnetic nanocomposite biomaterials, multifunctional electromagnetic-responsive thermoseeds, called magnetic scaffolds, can be used as hyperthermia agents to control the local recurrence rate of deep seated cancers through radiofrequency (RF) heating. To achieve an effective and high quality treatment, the planning through multiphysics simulations is mandatory. A computational framework for solving the coupled electromagnetic and thermal phenomena ruling the RF heating of magnetic scaffolds will be presented and used to study different biomaterials, physiopathological scenarios and applications.

Prof. Olga Borić-Lubecke, University of Hawaii at Manoa, USA

Radar Occupancy Sensing and Monitoring for Smart Buildings

Abstract: Smart buildings promise to adapt environmental conditions to the needs of occupants based on statistical analytics applied to various monitored data. While sensors for accurate monitoring of building parameters such as temperature, lighting, and air-quality abound, sensors for occupant presence and comfort are wanting. Doppler radar sensors have shown great promise for unobtrusive recognition and monitoring of occupant presence, count, activity, and cardiopulmonary vital signs. With such measures, a smart building can optimize operations not only for the most efficient use of energy and space, but also to create healthy and sustainable environments that support occupant wellness, comfort, and productivity. This paper presents an overview of emerging sensors and systems redefining the concept of human-building interactive systems.

Prof. Victor Lubecke, University of Hawaii at Manoa, USA

Radar Monitoring in Sleep Medicine

Abstract: Good overall health depends on and affects one’s sleep quality. Insufficient or disordered sleep decreases cognitive function and predisposes patients to hypertension, stroke, and heart disease. An overnight sleep study can provide vital health diagnostics yet typically involves applying and monitoring multiple body-contact sensors, which can interfere with sleep and require cumbersome manual data analysis. Doppler radar technology has been demonstrated to provide a non-invasive means of measuring vital signs through clothing and bedding, including respiratory rate, heart rate, activity, body position, and tidal respiratory volume. This paper examines the potential for applying physiological radar to assess sleep apnea in a manner suitable for aiding patients and their caregivers in developing effective intervention strategies.

Prof. Ana Vukovic, University of Nottingham, UK

Unstructured Transmission Line Modelling (TLM) Method for Modelling of Advanced Photonic Structures

Abstract: This paper overviews the most recent advances in the unstructured Transmission Line Modelling method that is uniquely placed for modeling advanced photonic applications with multi-scale features. The paper focuses on the holistic approach that needs to be taken when considering these applications which involves not just the electromagnetic solver, but also important aspects of the unstructured mesh generation and geometry definition. The capability of the UTLM is demonstrated on the complex geometry of a photonic polarization splitter that incorporates diverse components namely tapers, multimoded waveguides and a photonic crystal region.

Prof. Luigi Boccia, University of Calabria, Italy

Antenna Systems and Integration Technologies for Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN)

Abstract: Satellite communication (SatCom) systems are a critical component of the global telecommunications infrastructure, providing connectivity to remote and underserved areas, supporting emergency and disaster response, and enabling a wide range of new applications. SatCom systems are also essential for the emerging Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs), which promise to revolutionize the way we communicate by providing ubiquitous access to broadband internet even in the most remote and challenging environments. However, one of the key challenges to the widespread deployment of NTNs is the cost of user terminals. User terminals of different types are needed to cover manifold application scenarios, including high-speed communication, Internet of Things (IoT), and Machine to Machine (M2M) systems. In general, the adaptability of the user terminal to different applications requires an antenna redesign, which is usually time-consuming and costly. Tile-based antennas offer a promising solution to this challenge. Tile-based antennas are made up of small, individual tiles that can be combined to form a larger antenna array. This makes them very flexible and scalable, and they can be used to create antenna systems with a variety of different shapes and sizes. Tile-based antennas are also relatively easy to manufacture, which helps to reduce the cost of user terminals. This presentation will discuss the latest developments in tile-based antennas for NTN applications and explore how they can be used to reduce the cost of user terminals and accelerate the deployment of NTNs.

Prof. Vasyl Martsenyuk, University of Bielsko-Biala, Poland

On Emerging Methodology for Collection of Good Practices in the Area of Applied Artificial Intelligence

Abstract: The work is fulfilled within the framework of Erasmus+ project “The Future is in Applied Artificial Intelligence” (FAAI) and devoted to the development the methodology for collecting and analyzing good practices in the field of applied artificial intelligence (AAI) regarding the competences, training, existing solutions and real cases, which can be used for developing training courses of competence based education. Here we propose the definition of good practice in the field of AAI together with the corresponding criteria and features. The offered methodology uses system research based on the data gathered from existing training courses in AAI, labor market, surveys filled in by academics, students and employers, AAI use cases in science and industry

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