A landscape persistence-based methodological framework for assessing ecological stability

Ecological stability is a critical factor in global sustainable development,yet its significance has been overlooked.Here we introduce a landscape-oriented framework to evaluate ecological stability in the Qingzang Plateau(QP).Our findings reveal a medium-high stability level in the QP,with minimal changes over recent years.The driving factors vary across landscape types,with climate and anthropogenic factors emerging as crucial determinants.While anthropogenic factors are strong but unstable due to policy changes and economic development,climatic factors exert a consistent influence.Based on our results,we propose site-specific ecological conservation and restoration measures.The ecological stability assessment framework provides a practical tool to understand the link between environmental conditions and ecosystems.

Correlates of long-term physical activity adherence in women

Background: Little is known about the factors that may influence women's adherence to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity(MVPA) using longitudinal data. The purpose of this study was to examine the correlates of long-term physical activity(PA) participation among women.Methods: Female data from Waves I, III, and IV(n = 5381) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health(Add Health) were used for the analysis. The outcome of PA adherence was operationalized as(1) consistently physically active(at least 5 instances during the week)in both Waves III and IV(during adulthood), and(2) consistently not physically active or only physically active in either Wave III or IV. Predictor variables from Wave I(during adolescence) included race/ethnicity, PA level, self-perception of being physically fit, general health status, attempt to change weight, parents' income level, parents' education, well-being, depression, access to PA resources, days of physical education(PE), and grade level. Crude and adjusted logistic regression models were utilized to estimate the adjusted odds ratio(a OR) and 95% confidence interval(95%CI) for the outcome variable.Results: PA levels during adolescence significantly predicted PA adherence(a OR = 1.67, 95%CI: 1.35–2.05). Additionally, wanting to lose weight(a OR = 1.49, 95%CI: 1.20–1.85), using fitness center in the neighborhood(a OR = 1.29, 95%CI: 1.05–1.58), and having 5 days of PE a week(a OR = 1.48, 95%CI: 1.09–2.02) were significant predictors. Women who did not perceive being physically fit(a OR = 0.65, 95%CI: 0.44–0.95)and Black, non-Hispanics(a OR = 0.60, 95%CI: 0.44–0.82) were less likely to adhere to PA.Conclusion: The findings suggested that physically active adolescents were more likely to become active adults. Future research should address interventions(e.g., PE program, community resources) that may promote lifetime PA in women, with the goal of decreasing morbidity and mortality.

Integrating ecological approaches to interrupt schistosomiasis transmission:opportunities and challenges

Background:The development of agenda for global schistosomiasis elimination as a public health problem generates enthusiasms among global health communities,motivating great interests in both research and practice.Recent China-Africa schistosomiasis control initiatives,aiming to enhance collaboration on disease control in African countries,reflect in part that momentum.Yet there is a pressing need to know whether the Chinese experiences can be translated and applied in African settings.Main body:China’s remarkable achievements in schistosomiasis control programme,associated experiences and lessons,have much to offer to those combating the disease.Central to the success of China’s control programmes is a strategy termed“integrated control”-integrating environmental approaches(e.g.improved sanitation,agricultural and hydrological development and management),which target different phases of the parasite transmission system,to chemical-based drug treatment and mollusciciding.Yet,despite significant measurable public health benefits,such integration is usually based on field experience and remains largely uncharacterized in an ecological context.This has limited our knowledge on relative contributions of varying components of the integrated control programme to the suppression of disease transmission,making it challenging to generalize the strategy elsewhere.In this opinion article,we have described and discussed these challenges,along with opportunities and research needs to move forward.Conclusions:There is an urgent need to formalize an ecological framework for the integrated control programme that would allow research towards improved mechanistic understanding,quantification,and prediction of the control efforts.