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Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering "Guglielmo Marconi" - DEI

Relevant research products with a high interdisciplinary content

As part of its strategic objectives, DEI promotes highly interdisciplinary research activities, as evidenced by the many publications and prototypes listed here

The following DEI's research groups have conducted scientific activities with a strong interdisciplinary focus

Marconi Institute for Creativity (MIC) 

Identifies ten major research challenges in cyber-creativity, integrating cognitive science, AI, and creativity studies. 

  • Faiella, A., Zielińska, A., Karwowski, M., & Corazza, G. E. (2025). Am I Still Creative? The Effect of Artificial Intelligence on Creative Self-Beliefs. Journal of Creative Behavior, 59(2), e70011. 
    https://doi.org/10.1002/jocb.70011

Examines how exposure to AI-generated content alters creative self-beliefs, highlighting implications for human–AI interaction. 

Links cognitive mechanisms with futures studies to improve strategic foresight and anticipatory thinking. 

Emerging biomedical technologies for diagnosis and therapy

Provides a standardized 15‑segment atrial model to harmonize cardiac mapping, improving arrhythmia research and personalized treatment. 

  • Cortesi M., et al. (2025). Development and validation of a computational tool to predict treatment outcomes in high‑grade serous ovarian cancer patients. Bioengineering & Translational Medicine. 
    https://doi.org/10.1002/btm2.70082

Presents a digital‑twin tool predicting treatment response in ovarian cancer, supporting precision oncology. 

Investigates mechanisms underlying sudden cardiac death in Brugada syndrome by integrating clinical electrophysiology and bioengineering. 

Develops an ionic model for atrial-like iPSC cardiomyocytes, supporting regenerative medicine and drug-testing applications. 

Electromagnetic Propagation and Wireless Systems 

Studies electromagnetic and thermal behaviour of antenna-embedded intelligent walls, linking telecommunications engineering with civil engineering for future smart buildings. 

Provides an analytical characterization of transmission loss in antenna-embedded walls, supporting interdisciplinary design of intelligent built environments. 

Quantum Information Engineering 

  • D. Forlivesi, L. Valentini and M. Chiani, "Logical Error Rates of XZZX and Rotated Quantum Surface Codes," in IEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications, vol. 42, no. 7, pp. 1808-1817, July 2024.
    https://doi.org/10.1109/JSAC.2024.3380088

Analyzes state-of-the-art quantum error-correction codes, combining quantum physics, applied mathematics, and information engineering to address noise in scalable quantum computing. 

  • L. Valentini, R. B. Christensen, P. Popovski and M. Chiani, "Reliable Quantum Communications Based on Asymmetry in Distillation and Coding," in IEEE Transactions on Quantum Engineering, vol. 5, pp. 1-13, 2024, Art no. 4100613.
    https://doi.org/10.1109/TQE.2024.3399609

Explores how asymmetries in entanglement distillation can improve future quantum internet protocols, merging quantum information theory with communication engineering. 

  • L. Valentini, D. Forlivesi and M. Chiani, "Cylindrical and Möbius Quantum Codes for Asymmetric Pauli Errors," in IEEE Transactions on Information Theory, vol. 71, no. 5, pp. 3766-3778, May 2025.
    https://doi.org/10.1109/TIT.2025.3546769

Introduces advanced quantum codes inspired by algebraic topology to correct asymmetric Pauli errors, outperforming standard surface codes under practical decoding conditions. 

Power electronic circuits and photovoltaics

  • P. Pilati, R. Mandrioli, V. Cirimele, D. Guilbert and M. Ricco (2025). Phase Shedding of a Ripple-Free Stacked Interleaved Boost Converter for Fuel Cell-Based Powertrains. IEEE Transactions on Transportation Electrification. 
    https://doi.org/10.1109/TTE.2025.3609934

Analyzes a ripple-free boost converter topology for fuel‑cell powertrains, integrating power electronics with hydrogen‑based transportation systems. 

Mathematical Models and Signal Processing for Neuroscience 

  • D. Borra, M. Filippini, M. Ursino, P. Fattori, E. Magosso (2024). Convolutional neural networks reveal properties of reach-to-grasp encoding in posterior parietal cortex. Computers in Biology and Medicine.
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.108188

Uses convolutional neural networks to uncover neural encoding mechanisms of reach-to-grasp movements, integrating AI methods with neurophysiology and biomedical engineering. 

  • M. Ursino, G. Pirazzini (2024). Theta–gamma coupling as a ubiquitous brain mechanism: implications for memory, attention, dreaming, imagination, and consciousness. Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences. 
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cobeha.2024.101433

Reviews evidence on theta–gamma coupling as a fundamental mechanism across multiple cognitive functions, bridging computational neuroscience and cognitive science. 

  • J. Trajkovic, G. Ricci, G. Pirazzini, L. Tarasi, F. Di Gregorio, E. Magosso, M. Ursino, V. Romei (2025). Aberrant Functional Connectivity and Brain Network Organization in High-Schizotypy Individuals: An EEG Study. Schizophrenia Bulletin.
    https://doi.org/10.1093/schbul/sbaf004 

Investigates altered functional connectivity and brain-network organization in high-schizotypy individuals using EEG, integrating cognitive psychology, computational neuroscience, and biomedical signal analysis. 

  • M. Ursino, S. Pelle, F. Nekka, P. Robaey, M. Schirru (2025). Valence-dependent dopaminergic modulation during reversal learning in Parkinson's disease: A neurocomputational approach. Neurobiology of Learning and Memory.
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nlm.2024.107985

Models how dopaminergic mechanisms influence reversal learning in Parkinson’s disease, combining clinical evidence with computational neuroscience. 

  • S. Pelle, A. Scarabello, L. Ferri, G. Ricci, F. Bisulli, M. Ursino (2025). Enhancing Non-Invasive Pre-Surgical Evaluation through Functional Connectivity and Graph Theory in Drug-Resistant Focal Epilepsy. Journal of Neuroscience Methods. 
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneumeth.2024.110300

Uses advanced connectivity estimation and graph-theory metrics to improve localization of epileptic foci in drug-resistant focal epilepsy, integrating biomedical engineering with clinical neuroscience. 

  • M. Monti, S. Molholm, J. Foxe, C. Cuppini (2025). Is Competition the Default Configuration of Cross-Sensory Interactions? European Journal of Neuroscience. 
    https://doi.org/10.1111/ejn.70233

Explores cross-sensory competition mechanisms through computational and cognitive neuroscience approaches, shedding light on perceptual processing and atypical sensory development. 

  • C. Cuppini, E. Di Rosa, L. Astolfi, M. Monti (2025). Unraveling Audiovisual Perception Across Space and Time: A Neuroinspired Computational Architecture. European Journal of Neuroscience. 
    https://doi.org/10.1111/ejn.70217

Introduces a neuroinspired computational model for audiovisual perception, integrating cognitive psychology, computational neuroscience, and biomedical engineering to explain spatial–temporal detection interactions. 

  • M.B. Amadeo, C. Cuppini, A. Tonelli, C. Tammurello, W. Setti, C. Campus, S. Signorini, E. Cocchi, M. Bonino, F. Tinelli, P. Camicione, M. Serafino, M. Gori (2025). Space impacts temporal processing via a visual-dependent spatially organized neural architecture. Journal of Neuroscience. 
    https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1444-24.2025

Demonstrates how spatial processing shapes temporal perception through a visually dependent neural architecture, integrating developmental psychology, computational neuroscience, and sensory physiology. 

Embedded, Integrated and Parallel Ultra-Low Power Electronic Systems (PULP) 

Reviews embedded systems for EMG acquisition and hand-movement decoding, integrating biomedical engineering, signal processing, and ultra-low-power embedded computing. 

Proposes a deep learning framework enabling nano-drones to transfer racing skills from simulation to real-world environments, combining robotics, AI, and embedded systems. 

Intelligent Sensor Systems 

  • Ragusa, E., Zonzini, F., De Marchi, L., & Zunino, R. (2024). Compression–accuracy co-optimization through hardware-aware neural architecture search for vibration damage detection. IEEE Internet of Things Journal. 
    https://doi.org/10.1109/JIOT.2024.3419251

Proposes a hardware-aware neural architecture search method for vibration-based structural monitoring in IoT systems with limited computational resources. 

  • Menghini, M., Mallipeddi, S. K., De Marchi, L., & Castaldi, P. (2024). Modelling and parameter identification of UUV Blucy for control design: A benchmark model. Ocean Engineering. 
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oceaneng.2024.119617

Develops a benchmark model for underwater vehicle control that integrates AI, automatic control, and mathematical modelling for advanced marine applications. 

RF / millimetre-wave circuits and antennas design 

  • A. Di Florio Di Renzo, S. Trovarello, O. Afif, M. Tartagni, D. Masotti, and A. Costanzo (2025). A Predictive-Model-Assisted Moisture Content Sensor by Monitoring the DC-Unstable States of a Microwave Self-Oscillating Antenna. IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques. 
    https://doi.org/10.1109/TMTT.2025.3541970

Develops a microwave self-oscillating antenna used as a moisture sensor, combining electromagnetic engineering, wood science, and agronomy for smart agricultural and environmental monitoring. 

  • G. Battistini, E. Augello, G. Paolini, S. Bastianini, G. Zoccoli, D. Masotti, and A. Costanzo (2024). Soft, Implantable, Battery-Free, and Wirelessly Controlled Optoelectronic System for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment. IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Biomedical Conference. 
    https://doi.org/10.1109/IMBioC60287.2024.10590109

Demonstrates a soft, wireless, implantable optoelectronic system for treating sleep apnea, integrating RF engineering, biomedical electronics, and neuroscience. 

Electromagnetic Compatibility and Plasmas for Industrial, Aerospace, and Biomedical Applications

  • Arturo Popoli, Andrea Cristofolini, Laurent Garrigues, Dongho Lee, Guentae Doh, Holak Kim, and Wonho Choe (2025). Hybrid Modeling of Miniaturized 50 W Annular Hall Thruster. Journal of Propulsion and Power.
    https://doi.org/10.2514/1.B39268

Combines numerical simulation and laser diagnostics to model a miniaturized plasma thruster, integrating plasma physics, electrical engineering, and aerospace technologies for next‑generation satellite propulsion. 

  • L. Ibba, G. Pierotti, A. Popoli, D. Aceto, C. D. Pintassilgo, A. Cristofolini, ... & I. Furno (2025). Nanosecond-pulsed volume DBD plasma in saturated humid air: a combined experimental and computational study using EFISH and LIF. Plasma Sources Science and Technology.
    https://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1361-6595/ae0765

Uses advanced diagnostics (EFISH and LIF) and kinetic modelling to study humid-air DBD plasmas, relevant for biomedical sterilization, hydrogen production, and plasma-assisted chemical processes. 

Innovative Technologies for Electric Power Systems 

  • E. Stojchevska, P. Makreski, M. Zanoni, L. Gasperini, G. Selleri, D. Fabiani, C. Gualandi, A. Bužarovska (2024). Piezoelectric PVDF‑TrFE nanocomposite mats filled with BaTiO₃ nanofibers: The effect of poling conditions. Polymers for Advanced Technologies. 
    https://doi.org/10.1002/pat.6333

Develops PVDF‑TrFE/BaTiO₃ piezoelectric nanofiber mats, integrating polymer science, materials chemistry, and electrical engineering for flexible energy harvesting and wearable sensor applications. 

  • F. Mongioì, G. Selleri, T. M. Brugo, E. Maccaferri, D. Fabiani, A. Zucchelli (2024). Multifunctional composite material based on piezoelectric nanofibers and Cu‑CFRP electrodes for sensing applications. Composite Structures. 
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2024.118076

Introduces multifunctional composite materials integrating piezoelectric nanofibers and Cu‑CFRP electrodes for structural health monitoring in aerospace and automotive engineering. 

  • G. Selleri, F. Grolli, M. R. Randi, E. Maccaferri, T. M. Brugo, G. Valdre, A. Zucchelli, D. Fabiani (2024). Composite material based on piezoelectric core–shell nanofibers for tactile recognition. Composites Part B. 
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2024.111494

Develops core–shell piezoelectric nanofibers enabling tactile sensing capabilities for advanced robotics and electronic‑skin technologies. 

  • C. Gotti, M. Torsello, R. Onesti, G. Tanganelli, A. Sensini, C. Boi, D. Fabiani, M. L. Focarete, A. Zucchelli (2024). Negative Voltage Electrospinning for the Production of Highly Efficient PVDF Filters. Macromolecular Materials and Engineering. 
    https://doi.org/10.1002/mame.202300442

Optimizes electrospinning parameters to fabricate high‑efficiency PVDF nanofiber filters for biomedical and environmental purification applications. 

  • F. Mongioì, G. Selleri, E. Maccaferri, D. Fabiani, A. Zucchelli, T. M. Brugo (2025). CFRP laminate with autonomous sensing and enhanced impact resistance by P(VDF-TrFE) nanofibers interleaving. Composites Part B: Engineering. 
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2025.112143

Introduces P(VDF-TrFE) piezoelectric nanofiber interleaves in CFRP laminates to enable autonomous sensing and improved impact resistance, merging composite mechanics, nanotechnology, and electrical engineering. 

  • L. Gasperini, G. Selleri, D. Pegoraro, D. Mariani, A. Rumi, P. Seri, D. Fabiani (2025). Corona triode poling of P(VDF-TrFE) nanofibers: Mechanisms and optimization strategies. Journal of Science: Advanced Materials and Devices. 
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsamd.2025.100870

Investigates corona-poling mechanisms in PVDF-based nanofibers and proposes optimization strategies, contributing to the development of high-performance flexible piezoelectric devices. 

  • G. Selleri, M. E. Gino, F. Zonzini, L. De Marchi, M. L. Focarete, D. Fabiani, A. Zucchelli, T. M. Brugo (2025). PZT piezoceramic nanofibers for impact localization in composite laminates. Thin-Walled Structures. 
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tws.2025.114104

Develops PZT-based piezoceramic nanofibers for integration into laminated composites, enabling impact localization for predictive maintenance of aerospace and civil structures. 

  • G. Mazzanti, Z. Lv (2024). Technical Committees: Recent Activities of the DEIS Technical Committee on 'HVDC Cable Systems'. IEEE Electrical Insulation Magazine. 
    https://doi.org/10.1109/MEI.2024.10721380

Summarizes advancements in emerging standards and measurement techniques for HVDC cable systems, including space-charge sensing, thermal analysis, and insulation diagnostics. 

  • G. Mazzanti, M. Paajanen, I. Rytöluoto, F. Wurm, J. Harjuhahto, A. Caprara, C. Vergine, K. Lahti, M. Niittymäki, B. Diban, P. Pieroni, A. Leproux, A. Ciroth, M. Kannampuzha (2025). The Horizon Europe NEWGEN research project: new generation of HVDC insulation materials, cables and systems. IEEE Industry Applications Magazine. 
    https://doi.org/10.1109/MIAS.2025.3559863

Reports on the progress of the NEWGEN Horizon Europe project after 24 months, integrating materials science, insulation diagnostics, reliability modelling, and hybrid AC–DC grid simulation. 

  • G. Mazzanti, B. Diban, A. Tzimas, N. Chitiris, A. Caprara, N. Hozumi, Z. Lv, K. Wu, Y. Qin, Z. Tian, I. Troia (2025). Space Charge Measurements on Flexible Factory Joints for HVDC Extruded Cables. IEEE Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation. 
    https://doi.org/10.1109/TDEI.2025.3587638

Provides the first extensive space-charge measurements on flexible factory joints for HVDC submarine cables, integrating advanced insulation sensing, thermomechanics, and signal analysis. 

  • Mansouri, K., Kessairi, M., Hendel, K., Radja, A., Tilmatine, A., & Cavallini, A. (2025). Advanced Fusion of MLP, RBF, and SVR Models for Predicting Short Gap Breakdown Voltage in Air Gaps under Varying Temperature and Humidity Conditions. IEEE Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation. 
    https://doi.org/10.1109/TDEI.2025.3596044

Combines AI models with high-voltage electrical measurements to predict breakdown voltage under variable environmental conditions, enhancing diagnostic automation and reducing human error. 

  • C. Yu, P. Wang, A. Cavallini, Y. Zhu (2025). Performance Evaluation of Insulation Designs for Rotating Machines in More Electric Aircraft. IEEE Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation. 
    https://doi.org/10.1109/TDEI.2024.3462671

Evaluates insulation designs for electrical machines in next-generation aircraft, addressing reliability challenges in high-altitude, high-performance aviation environments. 

  • T. Shahsavarian, M. Hendel, K. Radja, A. Tilmatine, A. Cavallini (2024). Unveiling Insights Into Partial Discharge and Design and Encapsulation Challenges in DCB-Based Power Converters for Aerospace Applications. IEEE Access. 
    https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3442016

Examines partial discharge behaviour and encapsulation challenges in DCB-based aerospace power converters, integrating insulation science, thermal effects, and high-reliability power electronics. 

  • X. Dai, P. Wang, R. Zhang, L. Liu, Y. Zhu (2024). Unraveling High Temperature-Induced Glass Transition Effect on Underlying Multitimescales Dynamic Mechanisms of Epoxy Resin Insulation in Power Electronic Applications. IEEE Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation. 
    https://doi.org/10.1109/TDEI.2024.3403075

Characterizes the impact of high-temperature-induced glass transition on epoxy insulation used in power electronics, providing models for improved thermal and dielectric reliability. 

  • S. Ma, P. Wang, A. Cavallini, Y. Zhu (2024). PD Electromagnetic Emission of Turn-to-Turn Insulation in Inverter-Fed Motor. IEEE Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation. 
    https://doi.org/10.1109/TDEI.2024.3349994

Analyzes high-frequency electromagnetic emissions caused by partial discharges in inverter-fed motors, supporting reliability assessment in electric vehicle propulsion systems. 

  • J. Gao, X. Zhang, L. Liu, Z. Tian, Y. Qin (2024). Experimental Investigation on the Formation Mechanism of the Lowest Breakdown Voltage Area in a Long Air Gap Containing a Floating Conductor Under Positive Switching Impulses. IEEE Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation. 
    https://doi.org/10.1109/TDEI.2023.3309284

Investigates breakdown mechanisms in long air gaps with floating conductors, improving safety standards and operational practices for high-voltage transmission systems. 

  • S. V. Suraci, A. Xu, X. Colin, D. Fabiani (2024). Electrical and Chemical Characterization of the Antioxidant Effects on Thermal Aging of Crosslinked Polyethylene (XLPE). IEEE Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation. 
    https://doi.org/10.1109/TDEI.2024.3408800

Correlates chemical changes and electrical property degradation in antioxidant-modified XLPE, improving understanding of insulation lifetime in modern power cable systems. 

  • L. Gasperini, I. Iannarelli, S. V. Suraci, D. Fabiani (2025). Enhancing Electrospun PVDF-HFP Nanofibres for Lithium-Ion Battery Separators Through the Incorporation of Inorganic Nanoparticles. IET Nanodielectrics. 
    https://doi.org/10.1049/nde2.70021

Develops improved PVDF-HFP nanofiber separators incorporating inorganic nanoparticles to enhance safety and electrochemical performance in Li-ion batteries. 

  • S. V. Suraci, D. Fabiani (2025). Radiation-Induced Degradation in Polymeric Materials: Alterations in Physical–Chemical Properties and Their Effects on Electrical Performance of Insulation Systems. High Voltage. 
    https://doi.org/10.1049/hve2.70071

Investigates the impact of radiation-induced degradation on polymeric insulation used in extreme environments such as aerospace, nuclear facilities, and particle accelerators. 

  • S. V. Suraci, J. Jin, R. Tinarelli, L. Peretto, D. Fabiani, A. Mingotti (2025). Dielectric Properties of Transformer Resin Under Varying Conditions: Impact on Instrument Transformer Stability and Accuracy. Sensors. 
    https://doi.org/10.3390/s25051626

Examines how thermo-hygrometric variations affect dielectric behaviour in transformer resins, with implications for accuracy and stability in modern measurement transformers. 

Advanced Control and Technologies for Enhanced Mechatronics and Automation (ACTEMA)

  • Toward New Sustainable Paradigms for High-Performance Mechatronics Enabled by Additive Manufacturing, Edge Computing, and Artificial Intelligence. 

Introduces a prototype platform integrating additive manufacturing, advanced power electronics, edge computing, and AI-driven control to explore next-generation sustainable and high‑performance mechatronic systems.