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The present study explores the intricate relationship between the geotechnical and mineralogical properties of lithomargic clays in the Uttara Kannada region of south India. Lithomargic clays, characterized by their unique composition of clay minerals and calcareous content, play a crucial role in the geotechnical behavior of soils. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between the mineralogical composition and engineering characteristics of lithomargic clays, shedding light on their suitability for various construction and infrastructure projects. The research methodology involves a systematic analysis of lithomargic clay samples collected from different locations in the Uttara Kannada region. Geotechnical investigations, including particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), California bearing ratio (CBR) and triaxial tests, are conducted to assess the engineering properties of the clays. Concurrently, mineralogical analyses, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), are employed to identify and quantify the clay mineral constituents within the samples. The findings of this study reveal correlations between specific mineralogical features and geotechnical behaviors of lithomargic clays. Understanding these relationships is crucial for predicting the response of these clays to different engineering applications, including slope stability, foundation design and embankment construction. The research contributes valuable insights to the scientific and engineering communities, aiding in the informed utilization of lithomargic clays in geotechnical projects in the Uttara Kannada region and beyond. The outcomes of this investigation, such as the correlation of geotechnical properties with the variation in minerals in various sample locations, enhance our understanding of the complex nature of lithomargic clays, providing a foundation for more sustainable and effective engineering practices in the geologically diverse landscapes of south India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engineering profession for students and diverse students for Engineering Campuses (ECs) is the prestige to have for both. Worldwide higher education has been impacted by COVID-19 pandemic, but particularly pulling padlocked doors of Indian engineering campuses (ECs) down. Students' attitudes regarding choice, liking, and preferences were also affected. Knowing how tough 'college choice' was before the pandemic, one can guess how difficult it will be today. The objective of this study was to explore students' perceptions of choice characteristics related to ECs and diverse students enabling choice decisions under the COVID-19 situation, and to discover any possible relationships among them. Research questions were qualitatively examined with the statistical confirmation of related hypothesizes by utilizing ANOVA and Regression analysis. A self-reported quantitative survey composed of a closed-ended structured questionnaire was administered on the students of first-year engineering who had recently enrolled in ECs of North Maharashtra Region of India, after pandemic hitting India. According to the study, ECs have several characteristics impacting students' selection of ECs under pandemic. The influence of proximity, image and reputation, educational quality, and curriculum delivery was significant in contributing sustainability of ECs. This influence was significant across students' psychological and behavioural biases on likes, choices, and preferences. Furthermore, multiple relationships were noted within the sub-groups of demographic, geographic, socioeconomic, academic performance, and psychological and behavioural traits due to the impact of ECs' characteristics on sustainability. The study has provided a framework for policymakers and administrators to strengthen repositioning towards sustainability while capturing potentially diverse enrolments. Even if we have to coexist with pandemic forever or with more similar pandemics, the findings of this study may undergo a fundamental transformation for ECs (existing and forthcoming). On the other hand, by understanding the importance and relations of choice characteristics may smoothen the complex nature of "college choice" for prospective students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Green gram is a popular pulse crop in India (with 2.02 MT production over a cultivated area of 4.26 Mha) and Odisha (20.8 lakh ha area with a yield of 10.60 lakh tonnes). The information on the engineering properties and its behavioural changes with moisture content is vital for handling and designing of different agricultural processing equipment. Methods: This work mainly focused on studying green gram variety's (Sujata) engineering properties at five different moisture levels (within a moisture range of 10.58 to 45.45% (d.b.). Standard methods and procedures were followed in the study and the output results were compared with previous research work to justify the variation or anomaly in some cases. The curve estimation method (regression analysis) was followed to find the best-fit curve and equation for the parameters studied. Result: The geometric mean diameter (GMD) of grain increased from 3.75 to 4.12 mm within the moisture content (MC) range and the variation was statistically significant (p<0.05). Sphericity and surface area varied significantly from 0.83 to 0.82 and 44.13 to 53.45 mm2, respectively, within the range of moisture contents studied with a high correlation among the data. Mass of thousand grains augmented (44.13 to 53.45 g) with a rise in MC and the data followed logarithmic and inverse curves. Bulk and true densities of green gram declined significantly from 860 to 670 kg m-3 and 1330 to 1240 kg m-3 with an increase in the moisture content. The porosity of green gram increased significantly from 35.75% to 46.38% and the terminal velocity raised from 9.20 m s-1 to 11.10 m s-1 with an increase in MC. The dynamic angle of repose increased significantly from 30.95 to 46.57° with MC. A significant variation in the coefficient of internal friction (0.78 to 0.90) was observed for the grains. The coefficient of static friction of grain increased significantly for different surfaces (MS, SS, Plywood and GI) with a rise in MC. The MS surface produced the highest coefficient of static friction and SS had the least. The results confirmed significant effect of MC on all engineering properties of green gram. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]