High tunnels, or unheated plastic greenhouses, are becoming increasingly popular among organic vegetable growers across the United States. However, the intensive production typical of these systems presents soil health challenges, including salinization due to high fertilizer or compost inputs coupled with lack of rainfall to leach salts. Legume cover crops may improve soil health in high tunnels by reducing the need for external inputs, while adding organic matter. We tested the soil health effects of a winter hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) cover crop used to replace fertilizer N in an organic tomato cropping system in high tunnels. Studies were replicated across three sites differing in climate and soil type (Kansas, Kentucky, and Minnesota) over three years. We measured vetch cover crop effects on a suite of soil health indicators, including potentially mineralizable nitrogen (PMN), permanganate oxidizable carbon, and microbial biomass. Preliminary results suggest that vetch effects on PMN were highly variable. Soil mineral N, meanwhile, was often lower in the vetch treatment than in a fertilized control, both in spring and in fall. While further work on vetch effects on crop yields is needed, our results suggest that even legume cover crops such as vetch have the potential to reduce nitrate leaching.
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Mercury, arsenic, cadmium and lead, were measured in sediment samples of river and marine environmental of Basra governorate in southern of Iraq. Sixteen sites of sediment were selected and distributed along Shatt Al-Arab River and the Iraqi marine environment. The samples were distributed among one station on Euphrates River before its confluence with Tigris River and Shatt Al-Arab formation, seven stations along Shatt Al-Arab River and eight stations were selected from the Iraqi marine region. All samples were collected from surface sediment in low tide time. ICP technique was used for the determination of mercury and arsenic for all samples, while cadmium and lead were measured for the same samples by using Atomic Absorption Spectrosc
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Abstract
The study aims to know the degree of secondary school managers' practice of servant leadership in Gaza from their teachers’ perspective. It further aims to examine whether there are any statistically significant differences at (α 0.05≥) between the means of the study sample’s members attributed to variables such as (gender, educational qualification, and years of experience). To achieve the objectives of the study, the study adopted the descriptive survey method, using a questionnaire consisting of (30) items distributed to four domains: (workers service, ethical dealing, motivation & influence, and building an organized, integrated society). Then, the questionnaire was distributed to t
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This research explores the intricate relationship between environmental sustainability and urban design in Al-Jumhuriya Neighborhood, Baghdad, reflecting urban development challenges and opportunities. It highlights the need to balance growth, functionality, and quality of life with environmental responsibility in urban areas worldwide. The research includes a literature review on environmental sustainability in urban design and the utilization of multifunctional land in contemporary cities. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Survey results show a diverse range of perspectives, indicating concerns about air quality and local regulations but also positive views on co
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Chitinase-3-like 1 protein (YKL-40) is a glycoprotein primarily produced in the arthritic joint and plays a crucial role in inflammatory processes. The aim of the study is to establish the role of YKL-40 as a biomarker for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared to proinflammatory biomarkers and disease activity. The study included 58 patients and 18 control. Diseases activity score (DAS-28) and clinical disease activity index (CDAI) were measured. Serum level of YKL-40, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1B (IL-1β), erythrocyte sedimentation (ESR), rheumatoid factor (RF), C-reactive protein (CRP), and anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) were assessed. The results showed that the median serum YKL-40 level which was 5.42
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The study aims to set an image to the mechanisms of the skills of the 21st century in the educational competencies of the basic education stage. To achieve this aim, a qualitative research design has been adopted in its analytical content analysis way. The study has arrived to the following conclusions: the availability of: the communicative and team work skills with a percentage of 25.9%, linguistic competency with a percentage of 24.6%, the skills of local and global citizenship, creativity, and problem solving with a percentage of 13.6%, critical thinking with a percentage of 10.38%, technological culture with a percentage of 5.8%, pioneerism and initiativeness with a percentage of 10.38%, technological culture with a percentage of
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BACKGROUND: Clavicle fractures are common injuries in young active individuals, the mid third of the clavicle is most commonly fractured part(80% of clavicle fracture) OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of operative and non operative management of displaced and or comminuted closed fracture of the mid third of clavicle in young adults PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective observational study of 24 patients of fracture of the mid third of the clavicle was conducted in Alkindy teaching hospital from July 2015 to January 2017 and divided into two groups; one managed by operative treatment with plate and screws and the other by non operative sling immobilization after taking the consent and the patients were seen at 2, 4, 6 weeks,3, 6, and 9 m
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