Partial Correlation Analysis Research Articles

Association between cognitive and autonomic dysfunctions in patients with de novo Parkinson’s disease

Cognitive decline is a common issue in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and significantly affects patients’ quality of life. This study explored the relationship between cognitive functions and dysautonomia in de novo PD. We reviewed records of newly diagnosed PD patients from July 2017 to September 2023 who underwent cognitive and autonomic assessments. Cognitive functions were measured using the Korean version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-K) and the Seoul Neuropsychological Screening Battery, while autonomic functions were evaluated with the SCOPA-AUT questionnaire. Among 155 patients, 82 with de novo PD were included. The mild cognitive impairment (MCI) group exhibited higher SCOPA-AUT scores, particularly in gastrointestinal dysfunction. Multivariable logistic regression identified total SCOPA-AUT scores as significant predictors of MCI, even after adjusting for demographic and clinical factors. Partial correlation analysis showed significant negative associations between SCOPA-AUT scores and cognitive functions, such as memory and executive function. This study highlights a strong link between autonomic dysfunction, including gastrointestinal issues, and cognitive impairment in de novo PD. Monitoring dysautonomia in early-stage PD may aid in identifying patients at risk of cognitive decline.

Estimating the Effects of Natural and Anthropogenic Activities on Vegetation Cover: Analysis of Zhejiang Province, China, from 2000 to 2022

Zhejiang Province, a pivotal economically developed region within China’s Yangtze River Delta, requires systematic investigation of spatiotemporal vegetation dynamics and their drivers to formulate targeted ecological protection policies and optimize vegetation restoration strategies. Utilizing the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform, this study applied the Kernel Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (kNDVI) to assess vegetation responses to climate variability and human activities in Zhejiang Province from 2000 to 2022. Analytical methods included simple linear regression, Theil Sen trend analysis (Sen), Mann Kendall test (MK), Hurst index, partial correlation analysis, and correlation analysis. The results show: (1) The kNDVI exhibited a significant upward trend (0.001/year), covering 61.5% of the province. The Hurst index analysis revealed that 69.1% of vegetation changes exhibited anti-sustainability characteristics, with future vegetation degradation areas (56.4%) projected to exceed improvement areas (28.1%). (2) Human activities (57.11%) contributed more to kNDVI changes than climate change (42.89%). (3) Against the backdrop of climate change, kNDVI demonstrated a positive partial correlation with temperature (coefficient: 0.44) but exhibited a negative correlation with precipitation (coefficient: −0.056), confirming temperature as the dominant climatic driver. Overall, vegetation dynamics in Zhejiang Province from 2000 to 2022 were jointly driven by climate change and human activities.

Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Forest Vegetation in Northern China and Their Responses to Climate Change

Forests play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle, climate regulation, and biodiversity conservation, making them essential for understanding ecosystem responses to environmental change. However, the spatiotemporal dynamics of forest vegetation and their responses to climate change have yet to be fully explored. This study assessed the spatiotemporal dynamics and adaptation of forest vegetation from Northern China by extracting changes in forest vegetation and phenological characteristics from 2001 to 2023 with the time-series MODIS Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data and analyzing the impact of climate variables on these changes. The linear regression analysis method and the four-parameter double logistic model were employed to assess forest vegetation changes and identify forest vegetation phenological phases, respectively. Partial correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship between forest vegetation and climate variables. The results of this study indicate that over the past two decades, the annual mean NDVI of forest vegetation has exhibited a slow increasing trend of approximately 0.002 yr−1, with a spatial distribution pattern that gradually decreases from south to north, showing a significant correlation with latitude. The magnitude of annual mean NDVI changes varies considerably among different forest vegetation types. However, except for evergreen broadleaf forests, the NDVI of all other forest types has shown a significant increasing trend. Additionally, central North China and southeastern Tibet exhibit higher NDVI values in both spring (>0.55) and autumn (>0.65) than other areas, while the NDVI values in Northeast China and North China are higher in summer (>0.8) compared to other areas. The study reveals substantial spatial heterogeneity in the average phenological phases and NDVI values of forest vegetation across different regions, influenced by latitude, altitude, and regional climatic conditions. The spatial distribution patterns of NDVI during the green-up and senescence phases remain relatively consistent, yet significant regional differences exist within the same phenological phase. Partial correlation analysis indicates that forest vegetation in different regions responds distinctly to meteorological factors. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the spatiotemporal dynamics of vegetation change and its complex interactions with climate change, offering valuable insights for forest ecosystem management and climate adaptation of forest vegetation.

Pituitary MRI features in identifying idiopathic short stature from growth hormone deficiency in children with short stature.

This study examined the diagnostic performance of the prediction models using baseline characteristics, biochemical indicators, and adenohypophysis MRI features for differentiating idiopathic short stature (ISS) from growth hormone deficiency (GHD). A total of 96 patients with short stature underwent hypophysial CUBE T1-weighted imaging on 3.0-T scanner and GH stimulation testing between February 2021 and February 2024 and were classified into ISS and GHD groups according to GH stimulation testing results. Two-independent-sample T-test was tested for the differences between groups. The partial correlation analysis was conducted after controlling for demographic data. The prediction models were established using stepwise binary logistic regression method. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the models. ISS group (29 boys and 29 girls) and GHD group (21 boys and 17 girls) showed significant differences in pituitary height (aPH) and pituitary volume (aPV), GHmax, LHmax and cortisol but no difference in demographic data (gender, age, height, weight and BMI). After controlling for those demographic data, aPH, aPV, FSHmax and LHmax showed positive correlation with GHmax. Using binary logistic regression, three prediction models were built; Model 1 had the highest AUC value (0.862) followed by Model 3 with AUC value of 0.858 and Model 2 with the lowest AUC value (0.725). A useful prediction model using adenohypophysis MRI features, age, and BMI had great potential in differentiation between GHD and ISS. Question Distinguishing growth hormone deficiency (GHD) from idiopathic short stature (ISS) among prepubescent children is important but difficult, time-consuming, and costly with growth hormone stimulation testing. Findings The proposed model using clinical and radiomics features offered sufficient diagnostic performance on differentiating GHD and ISS. Clinical relevance We propose a low-cost, time-saving, and non-invasive model based on adenohypophysis MRI features and baseline characteristics to differentiate GHD and ISS.

Satellite-Observed Arid Vegetation Greening and Terrestrial Water Storage Decline in the Hexi Corridor, Northwest China

The interplay between terrestrial water storage and vegetation dynamics in arid regions is critical for understanding ecohydrological responses to climate change and human activities. This study examines the coupling between total water storage anomaly (TWSA) and vegetation greenness changes in the Hexi Corridor, an arid region in northwestern China consisting of three inland river basins—Shule, Heihe, and Shiyang—from 2002 to 2022. Utilizing TWSA data from GRACE/GRACE-FO satellites and MODIS Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) data, we applied a trend analysis and partial correlation statistical techniques to assess spatiotemporal patterns and their drivers across varying aridity gradients and land cover types. The results reveal a significant decline in TWSA across the Hexi Corridor (−0.10 cm/year, p < 0.01), despite a modest increase in precipitation (1.69 mm/year, p = 0.114). The spatial analysis shows that TWSA deficits are most pronounced in the northern Shiyang Basin (−600 to −300 cm cumulative TWSA), while the southern Qilian Mountain regions exhibit accumulation (0 to 800 cm). Vegetation greening is strongest in irrigated croplands, particularly in arid and hyper-arid regions of the study area. The partial correlation analysis highlights distinct drivers: in the wetter semi-humid and semi-arid regions, precipitation plays a dominant role in driving TWSA trends. Such a rainfall dominance gives way to temperature- and human-dominated vegetation greening in the arid and hyper-arid regions. The decoupling of TWSA and precipitation highlights the importance of human irrigation activities and the warming-induced atmospheric water demand in co-driving the TWSA dynamics in arid regions. These findings suggest that while irrigation expansion cause satellite-observed greening, it exacerbates water stress through increased evapotranspiration and groundwater depletion, particularly in most water-limited arid zones. This study reveals the complex ecohydrological dynamics in drylands, emphasizing the need for a holistic view of dryland greening in the context of global warming, the escalating human demand of freshwater resources, and the efforts in achieving sustainable development.

Socioeconomic factors behind the relationship between urban expansion and ecosystem services: a multiscale study in China

ContextA deeper understanding of the relationship between urban expansion and ecosystem services (RUE&ESs) is closely linked to achieving sustainable development goals and enhancing human well-being. Socioeconomic factors play an important role in the relationship, but how they have an impact at different spatial scales remains unclear.ObjectivesThe objectives of our study are to clarify the influence of socioeconomic factors on the RUE&ESs and identify key influencing factors at different scales.MethodsWe constructed a multiscale analytical framework, and by combining the correlation analysis, partial correlation analysis, and Geodetector model, we quantified the differences in the effects of socioeconomic factors on the relationship at three scales of province, urban agglomeration, and county in China.ResultsThe results indicate that the influence of socioeconomic factors on RUE&ESs can be either enhancing or weakening, depending on the ES types. Moreover, the key socioeconomic factor at different scales also varies. The interaction of socioeconomic factors with urban expansion considerably increases their explanatory power for ESs compared to single factors, suggesting that socioeconomic factors mainly acted on ESs changes indirectly through urban expansion. Moreover, clear administrative boundaries can affect the relationship between socioeconomic development, urban expansion, and ESs.ConclusionsThe findings highlight that linking socioeconomic, urban expansion, and ES changes at multiple scales can provide multi-level guidance for landscape management and planning-related sustainable development decisions.

A cross-sectional study on the relationship between interoceptive sensitivity and somatic symptoms in young bipolar disorder patients

BackgroundBipolar disorder (BD) with somatic symptoms is a prevalent and refractory clinical syndrome in young patients. Interoception is an important mechanism for coordinating internal physiological and mood states to maintain individual homeostasis, and its mediating physiological systems and brain network dynamics undergo significant development from adolescence to young adulthood. It remains unclear whether interoception is altered and how it relates to somatic and mood symptoms in youths with BD.MethodsThis study recruited 71 youths (aged 14–25) with BD during maintenance status and 111 age-matched controls. Demographic characteristics, interoceptive sensitivity, somatic symptoms, and symptoms of depression and anxiety were assessed. Mann-Whitney U tests, Kruskal-Wallis H test, partial correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression were used to explore the alteration of interoception in BD patients and its association with somatic and mood symptoms.ResultsBD patients showed lower interoception sensitivity and higher somatic and mood symptoms than controls (p < 0.001). Those with somatic symptoms had the highest depression and anxiety (p < 0.001) but the lowest scores in not-distracting, not-worrying, self-regulation, and trust (p < 0.05). Interoceptive indicators correlated with mood and somatic symptoms (p < 0.05). Not-distracting was the sole predictor of somatic and mood issues, maintaining significance after controlling for mood symptoms (p < 0.05), highlighting attentional focus as a key factor in BD youths.ConclusionBD youths exhibit deficits in interoception sensitivity, somatic symptoms, and mood issues. The not-distracting aspect of interoception significantly correlates with mood and somatic symptoms in youths with BD, providing insights and targeted strategies for managing psychosomatic symptoms in this demographic.LimitationsThis study has several limitations. First, the control group’s inclusion and exclusion criteria lacking clinical validation. Second, assessment for mood and somatic symptoms relied on screening tools rather than validated questionnaires, and structured clinical evaluations for BD were not conducted. Third, medication effects were not considered. Fourth, some psychiatric conditions (e.g., borderline personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, etc.) comorbid were not considered. Finally, causal relationships cannot be inferred, highlighting the need for longitudinal studies.

Quantitative Identification of Impact of Climate Change and Anthropogenic Activities on the Ecological Quality of Vegetation in the Shiyang River Basin over Past 20 Years

Climate change and a series of anthropogenic activities have caused significant changes in vegetation. Quantitative identification of the relative contributions of climate change and anthropogenic activities to the interannual changes in vegetation ecological quality in the Shiyang River Basin is of great value for coping with future climatic challenges and implementing ecological protection measures in the Shiyang River Basin. Based on vegetation ecological quality （EQI）, combined with multi-source remote sensing data, this study utilized slope trend analysis, partial correlation analysis, and residual analysis to analyze the spatial and temporal patterns of vegetation ecological quality change and the partial correlation relationship with climate factors in the Shiyang River Basin and explored the relative contribution of climate change and anthropogenic activities to EQI trend change. The results showed that： ① EQI in the Shiyang River Basin increased steadily from 2002 to 2021, and the growth rate of EQI in the mountain area and oasis was significantly higher than that in the desert area. From southwest to northeast, the distribution pattern increased first and then decreased, and the regions with a faster increase in EQI were distributed around the oasis edge. ② Both temperature and precipitation in the Shiyang River Basin increased during the recent 20 years, and the positive effect of precipitation factor on vegetation greening was greater than that of temperature. ③ Climate change and anthropogenic activities contributed 33% and 67%, respectively, to the increase of EQI in the Shiyang River Basin in the past 20 years, and the positive impact of anthropogenic activities on vegetation ecological quality was continuously strengthened. The research results provide important reference for the formulation of vegetation ecological protection and management policies in the Shiyang River basin.

Spatiotemporal Dynamics and Drivers of Vegetation Carbon Sinks in Zhejiang Province: A Case Study in Rapidly Urbanizing Subtropical Ecosystems.

As a national ecological civilization pilot, Zhejiang's growing vegetation carbon sink capacity is important for both regional ecological security and China's carbon neutrality goals, but current studies lack a comprehensive assessment of multi-factor interactions. This study employed an improved Carnegie-Ames-Stanford Approach (CASA) and soil respiration empirical equation to estimate Net Ecosystem Productivity (NEP) in Zhejiang Province, and trend analysis, partial correlation analysis, and the GeoDetector model based on optimal parameters (OPGD) were utilized to investigate the spatiotemporal variations and driving factors of vegetation NEP. The results showed that the multi-year average NEP and carbon sink capacity in Zhejiang Province were 387.67 g C m-2 a-1 and 38.84 Tg C a-1, exhibiting an increasing trend at an average rate of 2.15 g C m-2 a-1 and 0.23 Tg C a-1, respectively. Spatially, NEP was higher in the western and southern mountainous regions and lower in the eastern coastal and northern plains. NEP in Zhejiang Province was driven by both natural and anthropogenic factors, with NDVI (q = 0.502) and elevation (q = 0.373) being the primary natural drivers, and nighttime light intensity (q = 0.327) and impervious surface dynamics (q = 0.295) being the main anthropogenic drivers. Moreover, the interactions among these factors all exhibited synergistic enhancement effects. Overall, Zhejiang Province functioned predominantly as a carbon sink, with its sequestration capacity gradually strengthening over time. The combined effects of natural and anthropogenic factors drove the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of vegetation NEP. These findings highlight the importance of coordinated ecosystem management strategies that consider both natural and anthropogenic-induced impacts to enhance the achievement of regional carbon sink goals.

Abnormal resting-state neural activities of language and non-language cognitive function impairments in stroke patients with aphasia: A cross-sectional study.

Abnormal resting-state neural activities of language and non-language cognitive function impairments in stroke patients with aphasia: A cross-sectional study.

Acoustic biomarkers for schizophrenia spectrum disorders and their associations with symptoms and cognitive functioning.

Acoustic biomarkers for schizophrenia spectrum disorders and their associations with symptoms and cognitive functioning.

TMT-labelled quantitative proteomics reveals the mechanism of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa on proteolysis of dry-cured ham: Structural protein degradation, amino acid release and taste improvement.

TMT-labelled quantitative proteomics reveals the mechanism of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa on proteolysis of dry-cured ham: Structural protein degradation, amino acid release and taste improvement.

Demographic Factor Analysis on the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice Status of Nurses in Preventing Device-Related Pressure Injuries: A Multicentric Cross-sectional Study.

To evaluate the current status of the Device-Related Pressure Injuries Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (DRPI-KAP) survey among nurses and explore its demographic factors. The demographic questionnaire and appropriative DRPI-KAP scale were used to investigate 1,368 nurses from eight representative hospitals in Mianyang City, China. A total of 1,344 valid questionnaires were collected, yielding an effective response rate of 98.2% (1,344/1,368). The scores (score rates) of the knowledge, attitude, and practice dimensions and overall DRPI-KAP scale were 49.5 ± 12.1 (65.9%), 38.3 ± 5.6 (85.1%), 56.7 ± 10.0 (81.0%), and 144.4 ± 22.6 (76.0%), respectively. The Pearson and partial correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between scores on the DRPI knowledge, attitude, and practice dimensions. After adjusting for the confounding effects of the three DPRI-KAP dimensions, the multiple linear stepwise regression analysis revealed that multiple demographic factors independently influenced the knowledge (eg, department, work years, received DRPI training, wound/stoma specialist nurse), attitude (eg, technical title, department), and practice (eg, position, technical title, wound/stoma specialist nurse, received DRPI training). Of them, the proactive DRPI attitude of pediatric nurses and the effective DRPI practices of frontline nurses were identified as innovative findings. There is an urgent need for improvement in the knowledge of DRPI prevention among representative hospital nurses. Enhancing the knowledge training and management system is anticipated to cultivate professional attitude and practice, thereby elevating the DRPI nursing quality.

Abnormal intrinsic functional network connectivity in adolescent major depressive disorder related to severity of insomnia.

Abnormal intrinsic functional network connectivity in adolescent major depressive disorder related to severity of insomnia.

Analysing Deep Percolation Dynamics: A Lysimeter‐Based Study in a Cold Environment

ABSTRACTUnderstanding deep percolation dynamics is crucial for effective groundwater management. This is particularly important in cold regions significantly affected by soil freezing and snow. The scarcity of direct measurements and the insufficient focus on cold regions has limited previous research. This study addresses these gaps by measuring deep percolation by placing four drainage lysimeters inside three large experimental plots in Québec, Canada. The study classified the 67 measured percolation events into two categories: those starting in the cold (36) and warm (31) seasons. Cold‐season events were shorter but had considerably higher peak and average intensities than warm‐season events. Cold‐season events were mostly triggered by rain‐on‐snow and significantly influenced by soil freezing. The study conducts partial correlation analyses to examine the effects of four variables on the volume of percolation events. The variables included the volume and intensity of input water (rainfall and snowmelt), antecedent soil moisture, and soil temperature. The results demonstrate that input water, influenced predominantly by seasonal precipitation and snowmelt, is the principal driver of variations in percolation volumes, with partial correlation coefficients (rp) of 0.90 and 0.59 concerning the warm‐season and cold‐season events, respectively. The results also show that the volume of warm‐season percolation events was negatively correlated to rainfall intensity, with rp = −0.52. The findings have important implications for improving hydrological modelling and water management in cold regions. They emphasise the need to consider the dominant roles of rainfall characteristics (volume and intensity) and snowmelt in driving the variation in deep percolation, particularly in the face of changing climatic patterns.

Impact of Solar Proton Events on the Stratospheric Polar Vortex in the Northern Hemisphere: A Quantitative Analysis

AbstractThe stratospheric polar vortex (SPV) profoundly affects northern hemisphere weather and climate, with its dynamics influenced by terrestrial and solar factors. Despite established terrestrial influences, the quantitative effects of solar energetic particles have not yet been fully understood. This study presents a quantitative analysis of 27 intense solar proton events (SPEs) from 1986 to 2020, revealing a significant correlation between the integrated flux of SPEs and enhanced SPV wind speeds across altitudes. Notably, the wind speed enhancements, ranging from 1.8 m/s (15.1%) at 100 hPa to 3.0 m/s (7.3%) at 1 hPa, demonstrate an altitude‐dependent pattern, with the greatest impacts of 5.8 m/s (19.1%) at 5 hPa. A partial correlation analysis identifies SPEs as the dominant driver of SPV enhancement in the middle and lower stratosphere, while ultraviolet radiation dominates at the stratopause. We propose a mechanism involving the amplification of the meridional temperature gradient due to differential ozone responses, thereby linking solar activity to the modulation of the SPV. These findings enhance our understanding of solar‐terrestrial interactions and their implications for climate modeling.

Predicting Depressive Symptoms and Psychological Distress by Circulating Inflammatory Mediators: A 16-Month Prospective Study in Japanese White-Collar Employees.

Although increasing evidence suggests that depression/distress involves inflammatory processes, its potential sex differences and the temporal directions for this association remain elusive. We examined the temporal association between serum inflammatory mediators and depression/distress as measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6), in nondepressed working men and women (n = 61 and 43, respectively) by a 16-month prospective design. Fully adjusted partial correlation analyses revealed that, in men, a lower IFN-γ predicted subsequent increases in CES-D and K6 scores, whereas a higher TNF-α predicted increased K6 scores. In women, a higher IFN-γ predicted a subsequent increase in the CES-D score. CES-D and K6 scores did not predict inflammatory mediators at follow-up. The finding suggests that inflammatory activation precedes depression/distress with distinct sex differences.

Spatiotemporal Trend and Influencing Factors of Surface Soil Moisture in Eurasian Drylands over the Past Four Decades

Eurasian drylands are vital for the global climate and ecological balance. Quantifying spatiotemporal variations in surface soil moisture (SSM) is essential for monitoring water, energy, and carbon cycles. The suitability of recent global-scale surface soil moisture datasets for Eurasian arid and semi-arid regions has not been comprehensively evaluated. This study investigates spatiotemporal trends of five SSM products—MERRA-2, ESACCI, GLEAM, GLDAS, and ERA5—from 1980 to 2023. The performance of these products was evaluated using in situ station data and the three-cornered hat (TCH) method, followed by partial correlation analysis to assess the influence of environmental factors, including mean annual temperature (MAT), mean annual precipitation (MAP), potential evapotranspiration (PET), vapor pressure deficit (VPD), and leaf area index (LAI), on SSM from 1981 to 2018. The results showed consistent SSM patterns: higher values in India, the North China Plain, and Russia, and lower values in the Arabian Peninsula, the Iranian Plateau, and Central Asia. Regionally, MAT, PET, VPD, and LAI increased significantly (0.04 °C yr−1, 1.66 mm yr−1, 0.004 kPa yr−1, and 0.003 m2 m−2 yr−1, respectively; p &lt; 0.05), while MAP rose non-significantly (0.29 mm yr−1). ERA5 exhibited the strongest correlation with in situ station data (R2 = 0.42), followed by GLEAM (0.37), ESACCI (0.28), MERRA2 (0.19), and GLDAS (0.17). Additionally, ERA5 showed the highest correlation (correlation = 0.72), while GLEAM had the lowest bias (0.03 m3 m−3) and ESACCI exhibited the lowest ubRMSE (0.03 m3 m−3). The three-cornered hat method identified ERA5 and GLDAS as having the lowest uncertainties (&lt;0.03 m3 m−3), with ESACCI exceeding 0.05 m3 m−3 in northern regions. Across land cover types, cropland had the lowest uncertainty among the five SSM products, while forest had the highest. Partial correlation and dominant factor analysis identified MAP as the primary driver of SSM. This study comprehensively evaluated SSM products, highlighting their strengths and limitations. It underscored MAP’s crucial role in SSM dynamics and provided insights for improving SSM datasets and water resource management in drylands, with broader implications for understanding the hydrological impacts of climate change.

Satellite-Derived Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Vegetation Cover and Its Driving Factors in the Three-River Headwaters Region from 2001 to 2022

To preserve ecological integrity and promote sustainable progress in the Three-River Headwaters Region (TRHR), it is vital to understand the vegetation alteration patterns and the sensitivity of these patterns to climatic and anthropogenic influences. In this study, we retrieved the fractional vegetation cover (FVC) through the dimidiate pixel model, driven by MODIS reflectance data from 2001 to 2022, and analyzed its spatiotemporal variations and responses to climate variation and human activities via partial correlation and residual analyses. The results indicated that the FVC retrieval accuracy reached 84.2%. From 2001 to 2022, the growing season FVC displayed a fluctuating yet overall increasing trend, with an average growth rate of 0.23% per year (p &lt; 0.01). The vegetation significantly improved in 50.72% of the TRHR, with the Yellow River source area exhibiting the most notable improvement. However, 67.42% of the TRHR experienced a transition from improvement to degradation in vegetation, indicating a pessimistic outlook for future changes. Partial correlation analysis revealed that temperature had a pronounced influence on the southwestern Yellow River Basin and the southern Yangtze River Basin, whereas precipitation had a substantial effect on the southwestern and northeastern sections of the Yellow River Basin. Additionally, residual analysis revealed that climate change served as the predominant factor behind the changes in the FVC, whereas the anthropogenic intervention contributed substantially to vegetation improvements in the northeastern and western portions of the Yellow River Basin. Our study provides scientific support for the construction of ecological security barriers and the harmonious development of humans and nature in the TRHR.

Effects of changes in non-photosynthetic vegetation cover and grazing amount on rainfall erosion in grasslands on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

&lt;p&gt;Rainfall erosion is a complex environmental problem involving multiple influences, both natural and human. To explore effective strategies to suppress the erosive power of rainfall on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, researchers considered the complexity of regional geographic features. This paper also accounted for the variability of livestock carrying capacity across different grasslands. Based on the raster data of changes in non-photosynthetic vegetation cover and livestock carrying capacity on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau from 2000 to 2019, this study employs partial correlation analysis and multiple residual regression. These methods are used to verify the correlation between precipitation erosive power and changes in non-photosynthetic vegetation cover. Additionally, the study assesses the contribution of these changes from the image metric perspective. The results showed that: (1) the erosive power of rainfall on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau has experienced ‘N’-shaped fluctuations, and its spatial distribution shows an increasing trend from northwest to southeast. (2) Non-photosynthetic vegetation cover was positively correlated with rainfall erosivity in the central part of the Plateau. However, it was negatively correlated in the southern and northeastern parts. The positive and negative correlation zones of grassland carrying capacity were staggered. (3) Non-photosynthetic vegetation cover and grassland livestock carrying capacity together affected 17.66% of the image area with increased rainfall erosivity. In contrast, only 3.07% of the image area experienced reduced rainfall erosivity. This imbalance raises the risk of overall rainfall erosivity. (4) The contribution of livestock carrying capacity to the increase of rainfall erosivity was 26.99%, which is higher than the 17.38% contribution of non-photosynthetic vegetation cover. Non-photosynthetic vegetation cover, however, played a more significant role in reducing rainfall erosivity. In order to provide a scientific basis for the land conservation and sustainable development of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, this study aims to offer valuable insights and recommendations. &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;