The information behaviour of Nigerian digital entrepreneurs: idea generation in start-up businesses.

Though a wealth of research on information behaviour has been undertaken in a variety of contexts over the years, less has been done on entrepreneurship. In particular, there is a lack of literature around the ideation or business idea generation component in the early stages of business formation. This study seeks to address the theoretical and empirical gap within this research stream, bringing together information, innovation and creativity theory as lenses through which to explore the phenomenon. Twenty-six semi-structured interviews were conducted with business founders. Participants operated in a variety of segments of the digital technology spectrum, such as financial technology, digital art/non-fungible tokens, cryptocurrency, telecommunication, digital surveillance and e-commerce. Critical Realism (CR) and Grounded Theory (GT) were used as theoretical and practical data techniques, using abduction in the theoretical redescription of concepts (codes) identified in the empirical data, and retroduction to identify the necessary contextual conditions for a particular causal mechanism to take effect and result in the observed empirical trends. Results show several societal and personal factors play a role in shaping the information behaviour of digital entrepreneurs. These factors include but are not limited to poverty, marginalising, parenting (especially maternal) and mentors. Digital entrepreneurs traverse through various information landscapes - predominantly the Internet - and employ a composite approach to navigate these environments, depending on their information needs at any given time. Marginalised entrepreneurs - especially immigrants and women - show sophisticated information behaviour strategies in equalising socio-economic adversities. The current research indicates that language, social and economic status can present significant barriers for individuals seeking information, and they can add additional layers of complexity to the already existing barriers

An empirical analysis on customers’ acceptance of Islamic micro finance in Kano State, North Western-Nigeria : the moderating effect of awareness

Purpose: The objective of this research paper is to conceptualize the model in examining the moderating effect of awareness on attitude, knowledge, and customers’ acceptance of Islamic micro finance in Kano State, North Western-Nigeria. As, Islamic micro financial institutions deliver loans to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Since, it serves as a means of curving of some social vices such as poverty, ethno-religious crises, farmers and herdsmen crises, cattle rustling, arm rubbers and kidnappers among others. Despite it great contributions to the growth of the economy there is deprived awareness on Islamic micro finance which leads to inadequate investment and patronage by the people in Kano State. Investors and the general public can use this research for guidance towards investments of their capital into Islamic micro finance for maximum profits. Also, stake holders, SMEs, traders and farmers can utilize the outcome of this study. Similarly, stock exchange commission, Central Bank of Nigeria and other financial institutions can use the results of this study towards making policies and strategies. -- Design/methodology/approach: Questionnaire was used and data was collected by random sample of 400 selected Islamic micro finance customers in Kano state, Nigeria. PLSSEM was used in analysing and testing the formulated hypotheses. -- Findings: Result indicated that knowledge and attitude have positive and significant relationship on acceptance of Islamic micro finance, while, awareness did not moderate relationship between attitudes but moderates knowledge and acceptance of Islamic micro finance.peer-reviewe

Advancing IoT wireless sensor nodes with a low profile multiband RF rectifier based on multi-stub J-Inverter network

In this paper, a unique RF rectifier design is introduced, employing a multi-stub impedance matching network (IMN). The structure of the IMN comprises a series of three sections with multiple stub tuning elements interconnected via a meandered line (MDL) to form multi-frequency susceptance blocks. The rectifier has been developed to work at frequency bands: 1.84, 2.10, and 2.45 GHz. These frequencies align with the designated bands for GSM/1800, UMTS/2100, and Wi-Fi, respectively. By implementing a complete ground architecture, the rectifier utilizes a minimal space of 0.57 on the RT/Duroid 5880 PCB board. The experiment’s outcomes show the proposed RF rectifier’s effectiveness in converting radio frequency (RF) signals into direct current (DC) power (RF-to-DC). The results indicate PCE values of 32.70%, 27.60%, and 24.50%, corresponding to input powers of -20 dBm at the targeted operational frequencies. Additionally, the rectifier design proposed within this study achieves its peak RF-to-DC PCE of 75.30% when energized by an input power of 3 dBm. Moreover, notable stability is demonstrated by the rectifier, sustaining an RF-to-DC PCE surpassing 50% throughout the frequency range spanning 1.7 to 2.4 GHz. This robust performance remains consistent even at lower input power levels, such as -10 dBm Furthermore, the rectifier can produce a direct current (DC) voltage output ( ), measured at 0.411 V in an ambient context. The integration of the rectifier with the power management module (PMM), facilitated through the utilization of the bq25504-674 evaluation module (EVM), successfully established a connection within the PMM system. This integration yielded a of 1.270 V. Hence, through proficient management of the proposed RF rectifier, it becomes feasible to utilize ambient RF signals to energize a range of low-energy devices effectively

Design of Wideband Circular-Slot Antenna for Harvesting RF Energy

The design of a wideband circular-slot antenna for RF signal harvesting is reported in this work. e proposed design frequency range accommodates the leading contributors to the available RF signals accessible by the RFEH node. ese widely utilized frequency bands comprise GSM1800, UMTS2100, Wi-Fi2.450, and LTE2600. e antenna geometry comprises circular-ring radiating component lled with two orbital circular and rectangular slots. At the bottom plane, a pair of rectangular and semirectangular-circle slits are integrated. e antenna presented is designed on a double layer of 1.6 mm high FR-4 substrate. e source antenna achieved a simulated and measured impedance bandwidth (BW) of 1.510 and 1.590 GHz, amounting to 68% and 73% fractional BW (FBW), covering -10 dB reection coecient (|S11|) between 1.640 to 3.150 GHz and 1.550 to 3.140 GHz, in that order. e wideband circular-slot source antenna realized a maximum measured gain of 1.88, 2.13, 2.81, 3.22, and 4.32 dBi for 1.800, 2.100, 2.450, 2.650, and 3.20 GHz, respectively. e proposed design dimension on the printed board is 0.61 lambdag × 0.70 lambdag. e improved antenna gain is obtained from a circular parasitic patch coupled to the defected ground structure (DGS) for better RF energy harvesting in an ambient environment.Dr. Mohammad Alibakhshikenari acknowledges support from the CONEX-Plus programme funded by the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid and the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement no. 801538

Broadband RCN-based RF-rectifier with a large range of power for harvesting ambient wireless energy

In this paper, a broadband RF-rectifier with a wide scale of RF input power levels, using FR-4 substrate, is proposed. A wideband resistance compression network (RCN) is applied to achieve the unique RF-rectifier design approach. The method improves the matching performance of the circuit over a broader range of the available input RF signals and frequency. The RF-rectifier circuit is configured in two sections. The two sections are configured using a modified L-section matching network (MN) through a series impedance transformer (ITx). A wideband RCN integrates the two RF-rectifier segments to a 50 transmission line (TL). The design provides a wider span of accessible RF power from −15 to 15 dBm via a 2 k load terminal. The proposed RF-rectifier achieved a simulated and measured fractional percentage bandwidth (FBW) of 38.5% and 38% from 1.780 to 2.620 GHz and 1.780 to 2.610 GHz, respectively. The maximum measured RF-to-DC PCE and output DC voltage () realized by the proposed RF harvester are 75.5% and 3.2 V, respectively. The design also reached a high PCE of 88.25% and 15.10%, respectively, from the quad-tone signals at 10 and −20 dBm RF input power. The proposed RF-rectifier’s ambient evaluation produces a of 0.322 V and also activated a low-power bq25504-674 evaluation module (EVM) at 0.682 V

Advancing microstrip patch antennas through prosopis africana conductive ink-based thick films for enhanced bandwidth in radar applications

This paper addresses the bandwidth limitations inherent in microstrip patch antennas, which are commonly employed in radar applications owing to their compact size and integration convenience. To overcome these limitations, this study explores the application of Prosopis Africana conductive ink-based thick film, an innovative and environmentally friendly material. Originating from the African mesquite tree, this ink exhibits high conductivity owing to its elevated carbon content, presenting a compelling solution for enhancing microstrip patch antenna bandwidth. The research entails thoroughly examining microstrip antenna design principles and associated challenges, followed by exploring the unique properties of Prosopis Africana conductive ink. A detailed methodology outlines the fabrication process of the ink-based thick layer or film on the substrate, with simulation and measurements employed to evaluate its impact on impedance matching and radiation characteristics. Emphasizing the eco-friendliness of Prosopis Africana conductive ink aligning with green electronics trends, the study showcases its potential for advancing wireless communication systems while reducing ecological footprints. Results demonstrate a substantial bandwidth improvement exceeding 1.85 GHz, a simulation |S11| return loss value of −16.19 dB, and achieved 84.5% radiation efficiency of the operating frequency at 9.5 GHz and a peak realized gain of 7.10 dB. Hence, integrating Prosopis Africana conductive ink-based thick film is a viable strategy for augmenting microstrip patch antenna bandwidth, rendering them more adept for radar applications

Advancing Microstrip Patch Antennas through Prosopis Africana Conductive Ink-based Thick Films for Enhanced Bandwidth in Radar Applications

This paper addresses the bandwidth limitations inherent in microstrip patch antennas, which are commonly employed in radar applications owing to their compact size and integration convenience. To overcome these limitations, this study explores the application of Prosopis Africana conductive ink-based thick film, an innovative and environmentally friendly material. Originating from the African mesquite tree, this ink exhibits high conductivity owing to its elevated carbon content, presenting a compelling solution for enhancing microstrip patch antenna bandwidth. The research entails thoroughly examining microstrip antenna design principles and associated challenges, followed by exploring the unique properties of Prosopis Africana conductive ink. A detailed methodology outlines the fabrication process of the ink-based thick layer or film on the substrate, with simulation and measurements employed to evaluate its impact on impedance matching and radiation characteristics. Emphasizing the eco-friendliness of Prosopis Africana conductive ink aligning with green electronics trends, the study showcases its potential for advancing wireless communication systems while reducing ecological footprints. Results demonstrate a substantial bandwidth improvement exceeding 1.85 GHz, a simulation |S11| return loss value of -16.19 dB, and achieved 84.5% radiation efficiency of the operating frequency at 9.5 GHz and a peak realized gain of 7.10 dB. Hence, integrating Prosopis Africana conductive ink-based thick film is a viable strategy for augmenting microstrip patch antenna bandwidth, rendering them more adept for radar applications

Wideband RF rectifier circuit for low-powered IoT wireless sensor nodes

This paper proposed a broadband RF-rectifier circuit. The design is matched through a combination of a wideband resistance compression network (RCN) with a modified short-stub matching network (MN) for Terminal-1 (T1) and a -MN for Terminal-2 (T2). The RCN incorporates the two terminals using a transmission line (TL) of 50 . The TL-MN parameters are analyzed and evaluated in the design using closed-form equations. The HSMS2850-based prototype model demonstrates that the peak RF-to-DC power conversion efficiencies (PCE) realized at 3 dBm input power ( ) are (76.92%, 70.53%, 69.75%, 67.54%) for (1.82, 2.13, 2.45, and 2.67 GHz), respectively. The prototype is terminated with a 1 k load terminal ( ) and attained a maximum average output DC voltage of 2.52 V. The model is tested in the ambient environment and achieved a T1(T2) of 0.350(0.230) V. This approach also mitigated the impact of impedance variations imposed by diode non-linearity. The RF harvester drive a low-power evaluation module (EVM) for T1(T2) at 0.600(0.470) V

Advancement of a High-Efficiency Wearable Antenna Enabling Wireless Body Area Networks

This paper presents a unique antenna that is designed to be efficient, with improved gain and partial flexibility, for use in wearable biomedical telemetry applications. The antenna design utilizes a semi�flexible RO5880 substrate material (dielectric constant, εr = 2.2, loss tangent, (tan δ) = 0.0009) with physical dimensions measuring 0.47λg × 0.47λg. The model involves the incorporation of rectangular inverted ‘‘C’’ slots, which effectively results in a reduction of the resonant frequency. Additionally, a distributed rectangular slot is introduced on the ground plane, contributing to the augmentation of the operational bandwidth. The operational frequency of the proposed antenna design is 2.40 GHz, accompanied by a bandwidth (BW) of 320 MHz at a −10 dB level. This equates to a fractional percentage bandwidth (FBW) of 13.33% centered around the frequency of 2.40 GHz. The antenna design presented in this work demonstrates the preservation of improved gain and efficiency, achieving values of 3.67 dBi and 94%, respectively, at a frequency of 2.40 GHz. The work demonstrates through simulation and experimental outcomes that the antenna exhibits minimal impact on parameters such as gain reflection coefficient (|S11|), BW, and bending efficiency. Furthermore, the antenna underwent simulation and experimental testing in close proximity to the human body, revealing favorable operational characteristics. The proposed antenna exhibits substantial potential as a viable option for wearable biomedical instruments. Thus, the proposed wearable antenna design in this study offers a wideband antenna for ISM band applications, expanding bandwidth without compromising performance. Bending the antenna minimally affects gain, bandwidth, and efficiency when worn on the body, making it suitable for wearables. It also maintains a reasonably low Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), reducing wave absorption by the body. Unique features like rectangular inverted ‘‘C’’ slots and a distributed rectangular slot on the ground plane enhance bandwidth while maintaining performance during bending

A multiband SSr diode RF rectifier with an improved frequency ratio for biomedical wireless applications

Abstract This paper described a four-band implantable RF rectifier with simplified circuit complexity. Each RF-rectifier cell is sequentially matched to the four operational frequencies to accomplish the proposed design. The proposed RF rectifier can harvest RF signals at 1.830, 2.100, and white space Wi-Fi bands between 2.38 to 2.68 GHz, respectively. At 2.100 GHz, the proposed RF harvester achieved a maximum (radio frequency direct current) RF-to-DC power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 73.00% and an output DC voltage $$V_{DC}$$ V DC of 1.61 V for an RF power of 2 dBm. The outdoor performance of the rectenna shows a $$V_{DC}$$ V DC of 0.440 V and drives a low-power bq25504-674 evaluation module (EVM) at 1.362 V. The dimension of the RF-rectifier on the FR-4 PCB board is 0.27 $$\lambda _{g}$$ λ g $$\times$$ × 0.29 $$\lambda _{g}$$ λ g . The RF-rectifier demonstrates the capacity to effectively utilize the frequency domain by employing multi-band operation and exhibiting a good impedance bandwidth through a sequential matching technique. Thus, by effectively controlling the rectenna’s ambient performance, the proposed design holds the potential for powering a range of low-power biomedical implantable devices. (BIDs)