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This article reports on a proposed reform in Germany which would promote of class of super-elite universities and colleges just as in the old days. In those days, Germany's universities were designed to train members of an ultra-elite cadre to become teaching researchers. Despite a professorial style that was somewhat authoritarian and pompous, the system generally was collegial, informal, and open. At the university level, it was assumed that the gentleman-student would be able to craft his own educational plan. In order to revive this past glory, initiatives by both the German government and European authorities are being undertaken.

This article focuses on the resurgence of broadband over power lines or what the Europeans prefer to call power line communications. Makers of equipment that turns electricity outlets into Internet data ports believe that power line communications is now poised to mount a serious challenge to digital subscriber lines and cable and Internet services. This resurgence is largely attributable to the advances made by Intellon Corp. by solving the noise problems of power line networking. Other important advances came from technology providers. U.S. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Michael K. Powell has said that power line technology can help expand the availability and affordability of broadband. The commission is proposing new measures that will limit on-air noise as much as possible. The rules would include a requirement that power line communications services reduce power levels and exclude problematic frequencies if complaints are raised, and one demanding that providers have the capability to deactivate power line communications devices in case of serious noise. INSET: Silicon Valley: Sizzle or Fizzle?.

Just imagine the "network of all networks," the globe-spanning Internet, becoming a loose web of tightly guarded, nearly impermeable regional or even national networks. It seems antithetical to the mythology surrounding the Internet's power and purpose. But ongoing revelations about the extensive surveillance activities of the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) are pushing countries like Germany and Brazil to take concrete steps in that direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In April 2004, the European Commission in Brussels took bold steps to curb Microsoft's control of the computer software market by slapping the company with tough sanctions aimed at its treasured "bundling" strategy and crafted to influence its future behavior in the market. In the landmark ruling drafted by Mario Monti, the European Union's competition commissioner, Monti called Microsoft an abusive monopolist and issued a set of far-reaching penalties. If the decision stands up to appeal, Microsoft will be required to offer a version of its desktop Windows operating system software without the Media Player application built into it. It must also share "interface documentation" so that competitors can more readily design servers to interact with the company's software, and it must pay the European Commission a 600 million U.S. dollar fine, the biggest fine ever imposed by EU competition regulators.

This article focuses on the Future Store supermarket which is located at Dusseldorf, Germany. Customers at the store can use a number of equipments that promise speed, comfort and even a bit of fun: scales with digital cameras that can differentiate tomatoes from apples, so as to weigh and price them; multimedia kiosks that provide information about select foods and wines in the store; and carts outfitted with a small computer and display with an integrated scanner that allows you to call up the day's sales bargains and tally your own purchases, as well as help you navigate the store. The innovation does not stop there: smart shelves alert staff to replenish items that are running low or are sold out, while wireless tags, so far only on some products, promise someday to altogether eliminate the tedious task of scanning manually for price. The entire store is covered by a wireless local-area network, based on the IEEE 802.11b Wi-Fi standard.

Reports on the growth of the wireless data application, 802.11b or Wi-Fi. Features of the computer network protocol; Estimated monthly sales of Wi-Fi communication cards; Factors that contributed to the technology's growth.

Focuses on the issue surrounding the cost of building third-generation (3G) telecommunication networks in Europe. Plan of telecommunication companies to share radio access technology for 3G networks; Countries that permit 3G sharing; Criticisms on the efficiency of 3G infrastructure sharing.

The article reports on the plan of the European Union (EU) to build a power grid of high-voltage cables under the North Sea. It states that the grid will transport energy supplied by a combination of solar, wind and tidal power between Belgium, France, and Luxemburg. According to electrical engineer Sven Teske, behind the pursuit for supergrids and cross-border infrastructure, the wind industry is a huge factor and the new players need it for survival.

The article discusses the caps for carbon emission from European cars. Motor vehicles manufactured from the European Union (EU) generate one of the biggest carbon emissions in EU's total carbon output. These manufactures include BMW, Audi, Porsche, and DaimlerChrysler. Because of this, EU has proposed to cut the average car emission to 130 grams per kilometer for cars built from 2012 onwards. Manufacturers lament that this proposal could force them to cut jobs or transfer to low-cost countries to cope with rising costs. But even as they complain, manufacturers are already designing low-emission vehicles, such as those that run on electricity, biofuels, and batteries.

The article reports on the delivery of ultra-low-cost cellular (ULC) phones in developing countries such as Bangladesh, India, Nigeria, and Yemen. Mobile phone operators and equipment makers see less-developed regions as opportunities to expand their business. According to the GSM Association, the shipment of goods will connect the less fortunate of the world. The association added that almost 80 percent of the population in poorer countries is within reached of a mobile phone base station, however, only 25 percent can afford a handset. Also, ULC phones have potential in developed markets. Several big chip makers in the industry such as Motorola, Philips, and Texas Instruments are engaged in the distribution of ULC.

This article focuses on the broadcast television (TV) feature of mobile phones. Thousands of cellular phone owners in Europe and North America are able to watch TV on their phones, using services that stream content to their handsets over high-speed, packet-based cellular networks. And millions more could soon join the fray with the launch of an alternative television-broadcast technology. The author tested the streamed service in Germany and viewed a demonstration of the emerging broadcast service at the CeBit 2005 trade show in Hannover, Germany in March 2005.

Examines copyright legislation in the European Union as of May 2003. European Commission's creation of copyright protection proposals which are yet to be approved by the European Parliament; Directive against counterfeiting and copyright infringement; European Parliament's failure to introduce digital rights management legislation. INSET: TO PROBE FURTHER..

Reports on the economic recovery of the semiconductor industry in Europe. List of semiconductor manufacturers in the region; Advantages of larger wafers; Growth of the semiconductor industry.

Discusses the closing of the Neuer Markt stock market in Frankfurt, Germany. Replacement of the exchange with two broad segments in the main exchange by Deutsche Borse Ag; Plans to launch a separate technology index for the biggest Neur Markt companies; Drop in company market values.

Features safety engineer Daniel Hedqvist of the Volvo Safety Center in Goteborg, Sweden. Crash test engineer; Role of Hedqvist in the preparation of a car prior to a crash; Background on mechanical engineering; Application of a virtual test to simulate collision effects; Specialty equipment used to conduct actual road tests.

Focuses on the efforts of Microsoft and Intel to develop broadband mobile phones. Plan on combining Microsoft software and Intel chips to enable companies to manufacture handsets; Target market of the product; Aim on opening the industry to low-production-cost vendors.

Discusses the decision of the German government to abandon a capital-gains tax on profits from sales of corporate stakes in firms. Effects of the law; Views of foreign investors on the tax law; Concerns of Rainer Mueck, chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce tax committee in Frankfurt, Germany, on the tax change

Focuses on a research on extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography systems for chipmakers in Europe as of January 2002. Responsibilities of the research project Medea+; Plans of the Swedish government on EUV research; Views of executive Dieter Gotz on EUV research.

A new ID card will establish an engineer's credentials throughout the EU. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Even loosening immigration won't fill the gap, say experts – Germany needs to address the growing number of job openings for engineers if it hopes to keep its mighty manufacturing machine roaring ahead. In June, the Association of German Engineers (VDI) reported that there were 76400 vacant engineering jobs, an all-time high. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article reports on the vehicle communications systems in Europe. It discusses different projects such Cooperative Vehicle-Infrastructure System (CVIS) and Safespot Integrated Project, which develop the car technology. It also provides the advantage of the innovation like prevention of car accidents, faster and easier travel, and wireless communication while inside the car. According to the author, the European Union (EU) continues to study and integrate the technology.

Discusses the proposal of the European Central Bank to imbed computer chips in euro bank notes for security reasons. Negotiations between the European Central Bank and semiconductor manufacturers; Preparation of a feasibility study by the Dutch chipmaker Philips; Risk concerning counterfeit euro notes.

Discusses the impact of third-generation (3G) technology on mobile cellular phone users in Europe. Services available for mobile phone users with the use of 3G technology; Highlights of a meeting held by the International Telecommunication Union in Istanbul, Turkey, in May 2000; Features of the 3G infrastructure.