Towards a More Robust Evaluation of Climate Model and Hydrological Impact Uncertainties

Water Resources Management - The uncertainty of climate model projections is recognized as being large. This represents a challenge for decision makers as the simulation spread of a climate model...     

Modellierung des technischen Wahrnehmungsbewusstseins für den Bereich Home Automation

The OSI model and the system of profiles defined for various branches are the most important models for describing the communication of technical units in the area of home automation. But they are not enough for describing complex expiry scenarios in houses and buildings as a whole. The following paper presents such a model, which is presently being realized in the Smart Kitchen project. In doing so we will be able to cover, amongst other things, aspects like reliability, availability, maintainability, interoperability and profitability. Several institutes are involved in this project.     

Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) concentrations in house dust are related to hormone levels in men

Despite documented widespread human exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) through dietary intake and contact with or inhalation of indoor dust, along with growing laboratory evidence for altered endocrine function following exposure, human studies of PBDE exposure and endocrine effects remain limited. We conducted a preliminary study within an ongoing study on the impact of environmental exposures on male reproductive health. We measured serum hormone levels and PBDE concentrations (BDE 47, 99 and 100) in house dust from 24 men recruited through a US infertility clinic. BDE 47 and 99 were detected in 100% of dust samples, and BDE 100 was detected in 67% of dust samples, at concentrations similar to those reported in previous US studies. In multivariable regression models adjusted for age and BMI, there was a statistically significant inverse relationship between dust PBDE concentrations and free androgen index. Dust PBDE concentrations were also strongly and inversely associated with luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and positively associated with inhibin B and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Finally, consistent with limited recent human studies of adults, PBDEs were positively associated with free T4. In conclusion, the present study provides compelling evidence of altered hormone levels in relation to PBDE exposures estimated as concentrations in house dust, and that house dust is an important source of human PBDE exposure, but more research is urgently needed.     

22-nm Half-pitch extreme ultraviolet node development at the SEMATECH Berkeley microfield exposure tool

Microfield exposure tools continue to play a dominant role in the development of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) resists. Here we present an update on the SEMATECH Berkeley 0.3-NA microfield exposure tool and summarize the latest test results from high-resolution line-space printing. Printing down to 20-nm is presented with large process latitude at 22-nm half-pitch lines. Also presented are line-edge roughness results along with a discussion of the importance of mask contributors to line-edge roughness measured in resist. Finally we briefly describe an upgrade to the tool that will enable EUV resist development at the 16-nm half-pitch node and beyond. (This paper was presented in MNE 2008 conference, <http://www.mne08.org>, <http://www.mne-conf.org>).     

Inaugural diversity award winner is announced; law firm award,honorable mention go to two U.K. firms

The CPR Institute presents its first Award for Outstanding Contribution to Diversity in ADR, and its second set of honorees for the Law Firm Award for Excellence in ADR. Also, CPR offers mediation space, and more.