Migration and identity processes among first-generation British South Asians

There has been little scholarly attention to the identities and migratory experiences of first-generation British South Asians, especially from social psychologists. Drawing upon Identity Process Theory, this article examines the inter-relations between migration and identity processes among twenty first-generation British South Asians. The interview data were analysed using qualitative thematic analysis. Results suggested that migration was perceived as a means of enhancing identity and that following migration individuals acquired a ‘higher’ social status in the homeland. Moreover, the psychologically traumatic aspects of migration, such as the loss of community and ‘otherisation’ from one's ethnic ingroup, were outlined. It is argued that migration can have profound socio-psychological implications and that decades later it can continue to shape individuals' sense of self and their attachment to relevant social categories. Furthermore, migration has important outcomes for the extent and nature of British national identification as well one's relationship with the ethnic ‘homeland’

First-principles calculations-based model for the reactive ion etching of metal oxide surfaces

A model for the RIE process design of metal oxide surfaces based on density functional theory-based total energy calculations has been developed. Cluster and periodic systems were employed in order to develop the model and hence gain a deeper understanding of the process mechanisms on an atomic scale. In the present study, FeO was used for the cluster system, and NiO for the periodic system as metal oxide surfaces. Possible gas combinations and by-products were studied with the aim of producing a more efficient and effective RIE process for metal oxide thin films. This study can be considered as fundamental groundwork required for the understanding of the reactivity in the etching of metal oxide surfaces and a means of decreasing the processing period of RIE for metal oxide thin films by optimum selection of gas combinations with a knowledge of their probable by-products