Identification of priority areas for territorial space ecological restoration in arid area of Northwest China: A case study of Zhangye City in Heihe River basin.

Determining priority areas for territorial ecological restoration in the arid region of Northwest China based on the holistic protection and systematic governance is an important measure to build solid national ecological security barrier and promote the construction of territorial ecological civilization. Taking Zhangye City, a typical arid area city in Northwest China, as an example, we constructed the research framework of "ecological network-ecological sensitivities-ecological degradation" from two aspects of internal defects and external threats of ecological networks by using circuit theory and assessment methods of ecological service function importance, ecological sensitivity, and ecological degradation. We then identified the priority areas of territorial ecological restoration in northwest arid region and put forward the restoration strategies.

The Effects of Tai Chi on Lung Function, Exercise Capacity and Health Related Quality of Life for Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Pilot Study.

Background: Although several studies have assessed the effect of Tai Chi in management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), these studies have a wide sample variation and convey inconclusive results. This study aims to determine if a 3-month Tai Chi program improves lung function, exercise capacity, and health related quality of life (HRQoL) in people with COPD.

Methods: A randomised controlled, single blind trial was undertaken.