Alkali ion migration control from flat glass substrates

Sodium diffusion from flat glass substrates during annealing changes properties of refined flat glass. In the ease of the development of the CuInSe2 thin film solar eell, annealing at 550 °C is necessary for the formation of suitable crystalline phases. Sodium diffusing from the soda-lime-silica glass substrate influences crystal growth and the main electrical parameters of the solar cell. Different possibilities in sodium ion migration control are presented, considering the influence of glass composition on sodium diffusion and its chemical potential as well as passivation of sodium-containing glasses by diffusion barriers. Experimental results in connection with the thin film solar cell show that sodium-free substrates or glass compositions which immobilise sodium at tetrahedral sites of boron oxide or alumina can be used without further surface treatment. Soda-lime-silica glass with sputter-deposited AI2O3 and BiOx thin films or CVD coatings (SiNx: H, SiOx) as diffusion barrier coatings shows promise as a cheap substrate material. Alternatively, dealkalisation of soda-lime-silica glass in HCl atmosphere leads to silica-rich surfaces with excellent barrier properties. The investigations are carried out using various surface analytical tools like Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES), X-Ray Diffractommetry under Grazing Incidence (GI-XRD), high-resolution Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)

The representative COVID-19 cohort Munich (KoCo19): from the beginning of the pandemic to the Delta virus variant

Le Gleut R, Plank M, Pütz P, et al. The representative COVID-19 cohort Munich (KoCo19): from the beginning of the pandemic to the Delta virus variant. BMC Infectious Diseases. 2023;23(1): 466.**Background** Population-based serological studies allow to estimate prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infections despite a substantial number of mild or asymptomatic disease courses. This became even more relevant for decision making after vaccination started. The KoCo19 cohort tracks the pandemic progress in the Munich general population for over two years, setting it apart in Europe. **Methods** Recruitment occurred during the initial pandemic wave, including 5313 participants above 13 years from private households in Munich. Four follow-ups were held at crucial times of the pandemic, with response rates of at least 70%. Participants filled questionnaires on socio-demographics and potential risk factors of infection. From Follow-up 2, information on SARS-CoV-2 vaccination was added. SARS-CoV-2 antibody status was measured using the Roche Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 anti-N assay (indicating previous infection) and the Roche Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 anti-S assay (indicating previous infection and/or vaccination). This allowed us to distinguish between sources of acquired antibodies. **Results** The SARS-CoV-2 estimated cumulative sero-prevalence increased from 1.6% (1.1-2.1%) in May 2020 to 14.5% (12.7-16.2%) in November 2021. Underreporting with respect to official numbers fluctuated with testing policies and capacities, becoming a factor of more than two during the second half of 2021. Simultaneously, the vaccination campaign against the SARS-CoV-2 virus increased the percentage of the Munich population having antibodies, with 86.8% (85.5-87.9%) having developed anti-S and/or anti-N in November 2021. Incidence rates for infections after (BTI) and without previous vaccination (INS) differed (ratio INS/BTI of 2.1, 0.7-3.6). However, the prevalence of infections was higher in the non-vaccinated population than in the vaccinated one. Considering the whole follow-up time, being born outside Germany, working in a high-risk job and living area per inhabitant were identified as risk factors for infection, while other socio-demographic and health-related variables were not. Although we obtained significant within-household clustering of SARS-CoV-2 cases, no further geospatial clustering was found. **Conclusions** Vaccination increased the coverage of the Munich population presenting SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, but breakthrough infections contribute to community spread. As underreporting stays relevant over time, infections can go undetected, so non-pharmaceutical measures are crucial, particularly for highly contagious strains like Omicron