Open Access

Liquid silanes can be used for low-cost, fast deposition of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) as an alternative to state-of-the-art deposition processes such as plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition or electron beam evaporation. However, liquid silane deposition techniques are still in their infancy. In this paper, we present a new version of the atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition technique designed to improve the reproducibility of a-Si:H deposition. With this new tool, we explore ways to improve the quality of the material. The films can be prepared using pure trisilane as a precursor; frequently, however, trisilane is diluted with cyclooctane for better handling and process control. Currently, the influence of this dilution on the film quality is not well understood. In our work, we investigate and compare both precursor strategies. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the effects of cyclooctane dilution, deposition temperature, process duration, and precursor amount on the structure stoichiometry and electronic properties of the resulting films. The analysis was performed using a range of techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, electronic spin resonance spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, ellipsometry, secondary ion mass spectrometry, and conductivity measurements. For films deposited with pure silane, we found a low oxygen (O) and carbon (C) impurity incorporation and an adjustable H content up to 10%, resulting in a photosensitivity of up to 104. Dependent on the dilution and deposition temperature, the films deposited with cyclooctane dilution showed various amounts of C incorporation, culminating in an a-Si:H/a-SiC:H structure for high temperatures and dilutions. High purity a-Si:H films as a-Si:C:H films are promising for application in solar cells and transistors either as an amorphous functional layer or as a precursor for recrystallization processes, e.g., in TOPCon solar cell technology.

Eating behavior is shaped by individual, societal, and cultural factors. Gender stereotypes (GS) influence the symbolic meaning of food and may play a role in dietary choices. While international research has explored these associations, empirical data from German-speaking countries is scarce. The GenderDish I study aimed to examine existing GS related to food and eating behavior through a nationwide anonymous online survey conducted in Germany in August and September 2024. A total of 1,430 individuals participated (67% female, 33% male). The 73-item questionnaire addressed taste preferences, cooking skills, dietary patterns, and gender-related food perceptions, using established instruments to assess femininity, masculinity, and social desirability. In this sample, meat, beer, and hearty meals were more commonly associated with men, while plant-based, sweet, and light foods were linked to women. Women more frequently reported vegetarian or vegan diets, greater dietary experience, and higher health awareness. In contrast, men tended to prefer spicy, fatty foods and expressed a stronger desire for muscle gain. Regarding domestic responsibilities, women more often saw themselves as primarily responsible, while men more frequently supported equal division. The sample was not representative, as most participants were female, from western Germany (>77%), childless (83%) and highly educated (44%). Additionally, as with any voluntary online survey without direct invitation to participate, self-selection bias cannot be excluded. Nevertheless, this is the first survey of its size and scope in Germany, and within this specific group, the results suggest that food-related behaviors and perceptions may still be influenced by GS in Germany, with male-associated stereotypes appearing particularly persistent. Gender-sensitive nutrition education could be a valuable approach to addressing such stereotypes and encouraging more inclusive and health-promoting eating behaviors.

Die Art und Weise, wie Menschen Liebes- und Sexualbeziehungen gestalten, hat sich in den letzten Jahrzehnten erheblich gewandelt. Während monogame Partnerschaften lange als gesellschaftliche Norm galten, gewinnen alternative Beziehungsformen wie Polyamorie zunehmend an Bedeutung. Dieser Beitrag gibt einen umfassenden Überblick über die aktuelle Forschung zu Konsensueller Nicht-Monogamie (KNM). Er beleuchtet die Verbreitung und gesellschaftliche Akzeptanz, stellt verschiedene Beziehungsmodelle vor und analysiert empirische Befunde zu Wohlbefinden, Beziehungszufriedenheit und Herausforderungen innerhalb polyamorer Beziehungen. Zudem wird die Rolle von Bindungssicherheit und Kommunikation diskutiert. Ein zusätzlicher Fokus liegt auf den Erfahrungen von Kindern in polyamoren Familienstrukturen, für die es bislang nur begrenzte empirische Daten gibt. Abschließend werden praxisnahe Schlussfolgerungen für die Beratung von Menschen in KNM-Beziehungen gezogen. Der Beitrag verdeutlicht, dass Polyamorie weder pauschal als idealisiertes noch als problematisches Beziehungsmodell betrachtet werden sollte, sondern einer differenzierten, wissenschaftlich fundierten Auseinandersetzung bedarf.