How can we model subsurface stormflow at the catchment scale if we cannot measure it?

Subsurface stormflow (SSF) can be a dominant run‐off generation process in humid mountainous catchments (e.g., Bachmair & Weiler, 2011; Blume & van Meerveld, 2015; Chifflard, Didszun, & Zepp, 2008). Generally, SSF develops in structured soils where bedrock or a less permeable soil layer is overlaid by a more permeable soil layer and vertically percolating water is deflected, at least partially, in a lateral downslope direction due to the slope inclination. SSF can also occur when groundwater levels rise into more permeable soil layers and water flows laterally through the more permeable layers to the stream (“transmissivity feedback mechanism”; Bishop, Grip, & O'Neill, 1990). The different existing terms for SSF in the hydrological literature such as shallow subsurface run‐off, interflow, lateral flow, or soil water flow reflects the different underlying process concepts developed in various experimental studies in different environments by using different experimental approaches at different spatial and temporal scales (Weiler, McDonnell, Tromp‐van Meerveld, & Uchida, 2005). Intersite comparisons and the extraction of general rules for SSF generation and its controlling factors are still lacking, which hampers the development of appropriate approaches for modelling SSF. But appropriate prediction of SSF is essential due to its clear influence on run‐off generation at the catchment scale (e.g., Chifflard et al., 2010; Zillgens, Merz, Kirnbauer, & Tilch, 2005), on the formation of floods (e.g., Markart et al., 2013, 2015) and on the transport of nutrients or pollutants from the hillslopes into surface water bodies (Zhao, Tang, Zhao, Wang, & Tang, 2013). However, a precise simulation of SSF in models requires an accurate process understanding including, knowledge about water pathways, residence times, magnitude of water fluxes, or the spatial origin of SSF within a given catchment because such factors determine the transport of subsurface water and solutes to the stream. But due to its occurrence in the subsurface and its spatial and temporal variability, determining and quantifying the processes generating SSF is a challenging task as they cannot be observed directly. Therefore, it is logical to ask whether we can really model SSF correctly if we cannot measure it well enough on the scale of interest (Figure 1). This commentary reflects critically on whether current experimental concepts and modelling approaches are sufficient to predict the contribution of SSF to the run‐off at the catchment scale. This applies in particular to the underlying processes, controlling factors, modelling approaches, research gaps, and innovative strategies to trace SSF across different scales

The PAMINO-project: evaluating a primary care-based educational program to improve the quality of life of palliative patients

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The care of palliative patients challenges the health care system in both quantity and quality. Especially the role of primary care givers needs to be strengthened to provide them with the knowledge and the confidence of applying an appropriate end-of-life care to palliative patients. To improve health care services for palliative patients in primary care, interested physicians in and around Heidelberg, Germany, are enabled to participate in the community-based program 'Palliative Medical Initiative North Baden (PAMINO)' to improve their knowledge in dealing with palliative patients. The impact of this program on patients' health and quality of life remains to be evaluated.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>The evaluation of PAMINO is a non-randomized, controlled study. Out of the group of primary care physicians who took part in the PAMINO program, a sample of 45 physicians and their palliative patients will be compared to a sample of palliative patients of 45 physicians who did not take part in the program. Every four weeks for 6 months or until death, patients, physicians, and the patients' family caregivers in both groups answer questions to therapy strategies, quality of life (QLQ-C15-PAL, POS), pain (VAS), and burden for family caregivers (BSFC). The inclusion of physicians and patients in the study starts in March 2007.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>Although participating physicians value the increase in knowledge they receive from PAMINO, the effects on patients remain unclear. If the evaluation reveals a clear benefit for patients' quality of life, a larger-scale implementation of the program is considered. </p> <p><b>Trial registration</b>: The study was registered at ‘current controlled trials (CCT)’, registration number: ISRCTN78021852.</p

Financing local development in the decentralization process of the Philippines The case of Cebu

Die Studie untersucht die Effizienz der Finanzierung bei der Dezentralisierung der philippinischen Provinz Cebu, wo 1997 Feldforschungen und Interviews mit Politikern durchgefuehrt wurden. Ausgangspunkt ist die Feststellung, dass eine engere Zusammenarbeit zwischen Regierungsorganisationen und den Buergern zu einer hoeheren Partizipation bei politischen Entscheidungsprozessen fuehrt. Um die Dezentralisierung effizient zu gestalten, muessen Finanzierungsinstrumente angepasst und Kompetenzen neu geordnet werden. Als beste Loesung fuer die Durchfuehrung lokaler Projekte dieser Art wird der hier verantwortliche pluralistisch besetzte 'Local Development Council' eingeschaetzt. (pra)German title: Lokale Entwicklungsfinanzierung des Dezentralisierungsprozesses auf den Philippinen: der Fall CebuAvailable from UuStB Koeln(38)-980106271 / FIZ - Fachinformationszzentrum Karlsruhe / TIB - Technische InformationsbibliothekSIGLEDEGerman

Endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischaemic stroke with established large infarct: multicentre, open-label, randomised trial

International audienc