Copperbelt University

Graphite is the most widely used commercial anode material for lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries owing to its high electrical conductivity, low lithiation potential, low cost, and excellent cycling stability. However, its moderate theoretical capacity and limited density of electrochemically active sites constrain its application in next-generation high-energy-density energy storage systems. In this study, graphite–titania (Gr/TiO₂) nanocomposite anodes with graphite-to-TiO₂ weight ratios of 85:5, 80:10, and 70:20 within the active-material fraction were fabricated to investigate the influence of TiO₂ incorporation on the structural and electrochemical properties of graphite anodes. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the coexistence of graphitic carbon and anatase TiO₂ phases without the formation of secondary phases. TiO₂ incorporation progressively increased structural disorder, reducing the graphite crystallite size from approximately 233 nm for pristine graphite to 126 nm for the Gr/TiO₂ (70:20) composite while increasing the lattice microstrain from 6.62 × 10⁻⁴ to 1.22 × 10⁻³. SEM analysis revealed progressive TiO₂ surface decoration and increasing particle agglomeration with increasing TiO₂ content, with the Gr/TiO₂ (80:10) electrode exhibiting an intermediate morphology that preserved the graphite framework while providing substantial TiO₂ coverage. Raman spectroscopy further confirmed the increase in defect density and progressive modification of the oxide–carbon interfacial environment induced by TiO₂ addition. Electrochemical characterization revealed enhanced lithium-storage behaviour following TiO₂ incorporation. Cyclic voltammetry showed that the Gr/TiO₂ (70:20) electrode exhibited the highest voltammetric response, indicating enhanced electrochemical activity and lithium-ion accessibility. Galvanostatic charge–discharge measurements, however, demonstrated that the Gr/TiO₂ (80:10) composite delivered the highest reversible specific capacity of 136.9 mAh g⁻¹, compared with 132.0 mAh g⁻¹ for the Gr/TiO₂ (85:5) composite and 128.1 mAh g⁻¹ for pristine graphite, corresponding to capacity improvements of approximately 6.9% and 3.0%, respectively. In addition, the composite electrodes maintained coulombic efficiencies exceeding 99% during extended cycling, indicating highly reversible lithium insertion/extraction, minimal irreversible lithium consumption, and stable electrode/electrolyte interfacial reactions. The enhanced electrochemical performance is attributed to the synergistic role of TiO₂ as both a structural modifier and an active lithium-storage component, which increases defect density, shortens lithium-ion diffusion pathways, facilitates charge-transfer kinetics, and provides additional lithium-storage sites. These findings demonstrate that controlled TiO₂ incorporation is an effective strategy for improving the structural stability and electrochemical performance of graphite anodes, with the Gr/TiO₂ (80:10) composition providing the most favourable balance between enhanced lithium-storage capacity and electrode conductivity. This highlights the potential of Gr/TiO₂ nanocomposites as promising anode materials for high-performance lithium-ion batteries.

This study examines the influence of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on financial performance of SME suppliers and contractors in the mining industry in Zambia and tests the direct and mediating effects of entrepreneurial leadership on this relationship. Using primary data from 254 SMEs in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia, we conducted a regression analysis to evaluate the effect of CSR on financial performance and the mediating role of entrepreneurial leadership. The results indicate a positive relationship between CSR and financial performance and that this relationship was partially mediated by entrepreneurial leadership. This suggests that SMEs who embrace entrepreneurial leadership along with CSR initiatives are more likely to see improvements in their financial performance. Therefore, the study recommends that owner-managers of SMEs should embrace entrepreneurial leadership and integrate CSR activities to improve their financial performance. This study makes contribution to the literature in the domain of sustainable performance of SMEs. The study also contributes to our knowledge on how CSR practices can improve the financial performance of SMEs in developing countries. In addition, this study is different from others because it introduces entrepreneurial leadership as a mediating factor in the CSR-financial performance relationship.

ABSTRACT Fresh fish is highly perishable and requires an efficient cold chain to maintain quality and safety. In Zambia, recurrent load shedding disrupts refrigeration and storage systems, increasing the risk of post‐harvest losses and food safety. This study examined the effects of load shedding on fresh fish handling, supply and consumer access in Chinsali District of Muchinga Province, Zambia, in June 2024. Semi‐structured questionnaires were administered to fish suppliers (n = 19) and consumers (n = 169), and data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the chi‐square test of independence. Results showed that 93% of suppliers and 84% of consumers were negatively affected by load shedding, mainly through accelerated spoilage, inconsistent supply and increased operational costs. Consumers responded by purchasing smaller quantities or shifting to alternative protein sources, whereas suppliers adopted coping measures, such as reducing inventory and investing in alternative energy options. The findings highlight the vulnerability of the fresh fish value chain to energy disruptions and emphasize the need for improved preservation technologies, training in post‐harvest handling and policy support to strengthen cold‐chain resilience in rural aquaculture and fisheries markets.

Copper and cobalt are critically important metals for the transition to renewable energy and various aspects of modern life. Their production from primary sources, ores, necessitates metallurgical separation from the unwanted host materials, resulting in the generation of a huge amount of waste. Copper smelting slag is one of these metallurgical wastes, with 39 million tonnes of slag generated and discarded globally each year. These massive amounts of slag occupy a considerable and growing land footprint, often close to residential areas, and present a hazard that potentially releases contaminants into the environment. On the other hand, they also represent a material that often contains a significant residual amount of valuable copper and cobalt. To better understand and address the challenge of reducing the adverse impacts of the waste, as well as the possible commercial opportunity the contained critical metals present, this study reviews global smelting slag production over the last 25 years, its composition, and technical reprocessing options. A summary of the chemical and mineralogical characterization of the copper slag from diverse research is thus provided, as well as a comprehensive overview of the processing strategies for metal recovery from copper slag, such as flotation, pyrometallurgy, and hydrometallurgy. The study demonstrates that a huge amount of smelting slag has been produced, with great variation and complexity, which represents a major potential resource for cobalt and copper metals. The chemical and mineralogical composition of smelting slag varies from location to location, depending on the properties of the feed concentrate, type of fluxes, furnace type, and cooling rates employed during and after the smelting processes. The overview of the production trends and reprocessing techniques shows that while some notable effective options exist or are emerging, further research is needed into the reprocessing of smelting slag waste in order to create economic value, improve energy efficiency in metal production, increase critical metal supply, and reduce negative environmental impacts.

BackgroundThe rapid emergence of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT is transforming teaching and learning practices in higher education. This study assessed the awareness, attitudes, and usage patterns of ChatGPT among university students in Zambia and examined factors associated with students’ attitudes toward the technology.MethodsA multi-institutional cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,829 university students in Zambia using a structured questionnaire adapted from instruments informed by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Data were analysed using SPSS version 26.0, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.ResultsAmong the 1,829 participants, 81.7% were aged 18–25 years, 52.5% were female, and 92.4% were unmarried. Overall, 96.8% of the students had heard of ChatGPT, and 85.6% reported having used it before this study. Among AI-usage constructs, 74.8% of respondents perceived high risks associated with AI use, 73.3% perceived ChatGPT as easy to use, 64.0% perceived it as useful, and 56.8% reported behavioural intention to use AI tools. In multivariable analysis, students aged ≥40 years were more likely to report positive attitudes toward ChatGPT compared with those aged 18–25 years (aOR = 5.91; 95% CI: 1.23–28.33; p = 0.026). Technology/social influence was also significantly associated with positive attitudes (aOR = 2.04; 95% CI: 1.55–2.68; p < 0.001). Conversely, perceived risks were associated with lower odds of positive attitudes (aOR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.43–0.75; p < 0.001). Regarding ChatGPT use, perceived usefulness significantly predicted higher usage (aOR = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.17–1.89; p = 0.001), while perceived risks were associated with reduced usage (aOR = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.45–0.84; p = 0.003).ConclusionAwareness and use of ChatGPT are widespread among university students in Zambia, with more than four out of five students reporting prior use. Perceived usefulness and social influence were positively associated with adoption, whereas perceived risks were linked to lower attitudes and reduced use. These findings highlight the need for higher education institutions to develop clear policies and integrate AI literacy into curricula to promote responsible and effective use of generative AI technologies in academic environments.