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This paper aims to study the oxidation kinetics of the nanocrystalline Al ultrathin films. The influence of structure and composition evolution during thermal oxidation will be observed. The reason for the change in the oxidation activation energy on increasing the oxidation temperature will be discussed.

Al thin films are deposited on the silicon wafers as substrates by vacuumed thermal evaporation under the base pressure of 2 × 10⁻⁴ Pa, where the substrates are not heated. A crystalline quartz sensor is used to monitor the film thickness. The film thickness varies in the range from 30 to 100 nm. To keep the silicon substrate from oxidation during thermal oxidation of the Al film, a 50-nm gold film was deposited on the back side of silicon substrate. Isothermal oxidation studies of the Al film were carried out in air to assess the oxidation kinetics at 400-600°C.

The activation energy is positive and low for the low temperature oxidation, but it becomes apparently negative at higher temperatures. The oxide grains are nano-sized, and γ-Al₂O₃ crystals are formed at above 500°C. In light of the model by Davies, the grain boundary diffusion is believed to be the reason for the logarithmic oxidation rate rule. The negative activation energy at higher temperatures is apparent, which comes from the decline of diffusion paths due to the formation of the γ-Al₂O₃ crystals.

It is found that the oxidation kinetics of nanocrystalline Al thin films in air at 400-600°C follows the logarithmic law, and this logarithmic oxidation rate law is related to the grain boundary diffusion. The negative activation energies in the higher temperature range can be attributed to the formation of γ-Al₂O₃ crystal.

Drawing on career and self‐initiated expatriation/repatriation literatures, this paper aims to examine the career experiences of Chinese self‐initiated repatriates after their return to China.

The authors conducted an exploratory, qualitative study involving in‐depth interviews with 20 Chinese individuals who returned to China after spending at least three years living, studying and/or working in a range of “host” countries.

This study shows that the career agency of Chinese returnees reflects both independent and interdependent factors. It provides specific empirical support for Tams and Arthur's argument that career agency is impacted by both individual and contextual factors.

The findings indicate the central role played by individual proactivity and contextual influences during self‐initiated repatriation. The small sample size allows for rich data, but limits the generalizability of the findings.

Managerial practices that address the unique career values and expectations of self‐initiated repatriates can facilitate the application of skills and knowledge acquired abroad to the local context. Policy makers should provide more institutional support to encourage and facilitate the return of overseas Chinese.

This study is among only a small number to explore the experiences of self‐initiated repatriates in developing countries. Recent research has addressed the importance of recognizing and identifying the boundaries that constrain and enable global careers. This study identifies a number of such boundaries and also adds to the understanding of the challenges and difficulties of repatriation.

The purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic review of the literature addressing international aid to education, primarily focusing on China's aid principles and its practice of scholarship programs and short-term training held in higher education institutions (HEIs).

Using the systematic review approach, the authors identified 25 English-language articles in the academic databases. The review is driven by the analytical lenses of (a) the policy formulation and implementation of China's educational aid across macro-, meso- and micro-levels and (b) theories and methodologies that are commonly adopted in the existing studies.

The review identified three themes: (a) China's aid discourse in the international aid landscape, (b) critical reflections on educational aid program management and (c) international students' study experiences and perceptions of China. The authors also outline prevalent theories and methodological approaches used in the existing literature.

This literature review provides a review of research on China's international aid to education in the past 20 years, as a frequently cited example of emerging donors that have taken alternative aid approaches, thus bringing about a broader and nuanced perspective of aid to education. It also generates implications for researchers who are interested in studying education and development in the global context.

This study provides is first systematic literature review of studies on international aid to education provided by emerging donors, taking China as an example, to summarize its aid principles and aid practice in China's HEIs.