This study presents the results of an integrated study of the petrophysical and lithological properties of Jurassic and Triassic rocks in the Morskoye field and the Ogayskoye block, within the Caspian Basin. The research aims to refine reservoir evaluation parameters through detailed laboratory analyses of core samples with geophysical well log interpretation. Core material from 23 wells (1980 samples) was analyzed using mineralogical, granulometric, and petrophysical methods, with additional verification from seismic data and well test results. Mineralogical studies based on X-ray diffraction confirmed the predominance of quartz, carbonates, and clay minerals, while granulometric analysis revealed the dominance of fine-grained and pelitic fractions, explaining the generally low filtration capacity of the studied reservoirs. The laboratory experiments established robust empirical relationships between porosity, permeability, and saturation parameters. Strong statistical reliability was achieved, particularly for the K1al-K1nc stratigraphic intervals, where reservoir properties demonstrated stability and consistency. A clear linear corre-lation between bulk density and porosity was identified, allowing accurate determination of the matrix density (2.69 g/cm3) used in quantitative well log interpretation. Special attention was given to the recognition of thin coal interbeds within Jurassic deposits. These intervals showed distinctive geophysical responses, including abnormally high neutron porosity and low bulk density, and were systematically excluded from reservoir classification to avoid misinterpretation. Phase permeability tests demonstrated the significant influence of residual oil and water saturations on multiphase flow behavior, offering insights into displacement efficiency and fluid mobility within pore networks. The study also determined lithology-and depth-specific threshold values of porosity and permeability, which enhance the accuracy of identifying and delineating productive intervals. The results provide a reliable methodological foundation for improving reservoir characterization, refining hydrocarbon reserve estimation, and supporting exploration and development strategies in geologically complex settings.
Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is a transition metal compound with a layered structure and unique physical and chemical properties, which has been widely explored as a catalyst for the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The crystal structure of MoS2 consists of an S-Mo-S layer, in which the edge sites are considered to be catalytically active. However, challenges are still faced regarding the defect control, stability, electrical conductivity, and large-scale synthesis of MoS2. This review summarizes the use of MoS2 in HER and explores its advantages as a catalyst for hydrogen generation, as well as outlines challenges and strategies to improve its catalytic efficiency. Particular focus has been given to summarizing various methods for the activation of edge sites to improve the electrocatalytic performance of MoS2. In addition, nanostructuring of MoS2, doping and heterostructures, phase transition control, surface modification, and advanced synthesis technologies to improve edge site activation and overall catalytic performance have been reviewed. Further, the potential of MoS2 in practical HER applications, future research directions, and comparison with other electrocatalytic reactions have been elaborated. Although MoS2 is widely regarded as a competitive electrocatalyst for hydrogen production, further research work is needed to harness its potential in the electrolyzes for hydrogen energy.
This study presents a sustainable approach for processing low-grade lithium-bearing aluminosilicate ores via carbothermic treatment with selective lithium stabilization in the slag phase. The proposed method is based on controlled phase transformations that suppress lithium volatilization and promote its retention in the condensed phases. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that lithium volatilization is unfavorable within a defined temperature window, enabling its stabilization in the slag. Experimental smelting, conducted at 1550-1600 degrees C with the addition of an iron-bearing component, resulted in the selective reduction of silicon and aluminum into a ferro silicon aluminum alloy, while lithium was efficiently concentrated in the slag phase. Lithium recovery to the slag reached up to 94%, with losses to the gas phase below 6%, demonstrating a significant reduction in volatilization compared to conventional high-temperature processes. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed that lithium is predominantly immobilized in the form of LiAlSiO4 (pseudo-eucryptite), which enhances the chemical reactivity of the slag. From a sustainability perspective, the proposed process enables efficient utilization of low-grade lithium resources, minimizes lithium losses, and eliminates the need for energy-intensive pre-treatment steps such as roasting or vacuum processing. The resulting lithium-bearing slag represents a reactive intermediate suitable for subsequent hydrometallurgical extraction, enabling an integrated and resource-efficient process route. The results demonstrate that phase-controlled carbothermic processing is a viable and sustainable strategy for lithium recovery from low-grade aluminosilicate ores.
Introduction Effective teacher education is critical for preparing educators who can respond to diverse classroom demands and translate educational theory into professional practice. Methods This scoping—conceptual review synthesised 103 sources on practice-oriented learning (POL), professional competence, and the methodological contribution of Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) in teacher education research. Searches were conducted across Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC, EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, and Crossref, with additional backward and forward citation tracing. Eligible sources were screened against explicit criteria and coded for POL design features, competence dimensions, mediating mechanisms, contextual moderators, methodological approach, and evidence quality. A formal quality-appraisal and evidence-weighting procedure informed the synthesis. Results The synthesis shows that POL is most strongly associated with competence development when authentic school-based experience, mentored enactment, systematic reflection, structured feedback, and competence-aligned assessment are integrated as mutually reinforcing components. Reflective practice, teaching self-efficacy, professional identity, and teaching readiness emerged as plausible mediating mechanisms. Mentor quality, institutional capacity, programme design, and national policy context influenced the transferability of POL outcomes across settings. Discussion The review positions SEM as a theory-testing approach for future POL research because it can examine latent competence constructs, mediation, moderation, and cross-context comparability. The article contributes an integrated conceptual, methodological, and evidence-appraised agenda for designing, evaluating, and modelling POL in teacher education.
In the context of power electronic interfaces in photovoltaic (PV), fuel cell, battery, and microgrid applications, the low output voltage of the DC source necessitates a voltage-boosting inverter. This paper proposes a single-source seven-level switched-capacitor boost inverter, particularly for low-voltage applications. The proposed inverter has the capability to produce seven different output voltage levels, i.e., intermediate boosted levels, with a total gain of three times the input voltage. The inverter has the advantage of a reduced number of power switches, diodes, and a switched-capacitor unit, which allows for single-stage operation without the need for a second DC-DC converter. The operating principle of the proposed inverter is explained in detail with a complete switching state analysis, conduction path analysis, and output voltage generation. The capacitor size is calculated using a charge balance-based equation. The self-balancing capability is validated for mismatched initial voltages with a bounded steady-state ripple. To evaluate the performance of the proposed inverter in a more realistic scenario, the effects of non-ideal device characteristics are considered, and the efficiency of the inverter is estimated using a loss model. A predictive current control technique is applied to control the output current under inductive load conditions. The simulation results obtained in MATLAB/Simulink software validate the proper seven-level operation of the inverter, the self-balancing capability of the capacitors, improved output waveform quality, and current control. The proposed inverter can be extended to grid-connected applications, where conventional output filters can be applied to meet the harmonic standards.
