The excitation of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) and its association with extraordinary optica... more The excitation of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) and its association with extraordinary optical transmission (EOT) has been presented in this report.. The 1-dimensional periodic grating structure of copper (Cu) has been designed over the glass substrate in rf-module of COMSOL Multiphysics 5.3a. The geometry was illuminated from glass side with visible-near infrared (400-900nm) electromagnetic spectrum. The 0th order transmission spectra have been investigated to study the maximum value of EOT at different slit widths by taking the period (700nm) and thickness of Cu grating (50nm) constant. Moreover, the near field analysis has been used to investigate the field behavior at desired interface and to verify the results of transmission spectra. It is worth mentioning that the highest value of EOT corresponds to the slit width of 250nm which is affiliated with the strongest plasmonic mode i.e., fundamental plasmonic mode. Such devices are increasingly applicable in sensing, chemical a...
Journal of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers and Materials, 2020
Anti-bacterial activity of biologically synthesized zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures has engrossed... more Anti-bacterial activity of biologically synthesized zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures has engrossed great attention around the globe due to distinctive nanotechnological applications. Biogenic ZnO nanostructures have prominent anti-bacterial properties as compared to bulk because small sized nanostructures exhibit larger surface area leading to improved particle surface-reactivity. This study reveals that biologically synthesized ZnO nanostructures are bio-compatible, stable and have longer shelf life due to presence of phytochemicals which acts as stabilizing and capping agents during synthesis process. The anti-bacterial mechanism of ZnO nanostructures includes production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydrogen peroxide H 2 O 2 , OH -and O 2 -2 . The ROS provides major toxicity mechanism which includes destruction of cell wall due to interaction of ZnO nanostructures. Sometimes, ZnO nanostructures have increased anti-bacterial activity due to surface imperfections and ROS generation in dark. Interaction between ZnO nanostructures and bacterial cell causes mitochondrial weakness, intra-cellular outflow, and oxidative stress which eventually inhibits bacterial growth and kills the whole cell. This review describes anti-bacterial activity of biologically synthesized ZnO nanostructures by previously reported literature and tests used to examine anti-bacterial activity, influence of UV illumination, ZnO unique features i.e. size, concentration, morphology, and defects. Furthermore, it also presents significant anti-bacterial applications of ZnO nanostructures particularly in food packaging industry, pharmaceutical industry and other health care applications.
The aim of the study was to explore the career aspirations of the youth in Manipur, and data were... more The aim of the study was to explore the career aspirations of the youth in Manipur, and data were collected through focus group discussions from 18 participants. The analysis of the data using thematic analysis was done to identify themes to develop an understanding of what careers these youth aspire for and the barriers to their aspirations. Four major themes identified were aspirations, barriers, support from family, and impact of the insurgency. The participants were found to have high career aspirations, clarity with regard to what they want to achieve in life, and desire to have careers that let them work for the betterment of their community. Limited job opportunities in Manipur and underdevelopment of private sector were attributed as major barriers. Participants from lower socioeconomic status reported facing greater challenge. Emotional as well as monetary support from family facilitated high career aspirations and perseverance in achieving them.
International Journal of Social Science & Entrepreneurship
Education tremendously impacts a woman's capacity to build relationships with others. Pakista... more Education tremendously impacts a woman's capacity to build relationships with others. Pakistan has one of the lowest schooling rates in South Asia, which limits its human resources and makes reforming the country more difficult. Patriarchal ideas heavily influence the societal structure in Pakistan. Education for young men is favored over education for young women. The Human Development Report lists Pakistan as having "low human advancement" The country's growth and prosperity depend on its educational system. So, this study aimed to analyze barriers to women’s educational empowerment in Pakistan. Subsequently, a descriptive content analysis was conducted through an intensive research review. Research shows that mentoring young women often yields more substantial income and benefit gains. A woman's ability to find well-paying work and support a healthy family can be significantly increased through education. Education is also greatly impacted by a girl or woman...
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Papers by Maria Zafar