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Abstract: Agriculture is the highest consumer of water resources in Australia. Soil water models play a vital role in agriculture in terms of estimating water use, water allocation and current water status at a given scale. This paper reviews widely-used soil water models developed in Australia over the last three to four decades that have been used to simulate soil water status at various temporal and spatial scales. These models are categorised in terms of their complexity. This paper provides an overview of soil water models and the basic modelling techniques employed by each model. Considerable emphasis is given to matching existing data availability with input data requirements for each model to identify the limitations of model application in terms of data availability. A comprehensive review of the application of soil water models is also given, supported by assessments of individual model performance. The limitations and assumptions made under various approaches to soil water modelling are subsequently examined. Research and policy agencies are focusing more and more on incorporating temporal models into spatial modelling frameworks for natural resources and water management purposes. These are consequently being used much more in the process of policy development. Complex models, whose wide-range application is often hampered by a lack of specific data, should have their processes simplified in order to be accommodated into spatial frameworks where appropriate. Biophysical processes within simple models should consider new data sources and understanding so as to gain more accurate predictions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Telemedicine has the potential to help facilitate the delivery of health services to rural areas. In the right circumstances, telemedicine may also be useful for the delivery of education and teaching programmes and the facilitation of administrative meetings. In this paper reference is made to a variety of telemedicine applications in Australia and other countries including telepaediatrics, home telehealth, critical care telemedicine for new born babies, telemedicine in developing countries, health screening via e-mail, and teleradiology. These applications represent some of the broad range of telemedicine applications possible. An overriding imperative is to focus on the clinical problem first with careful consideration given to the significant organisational changes which are associated with the introduction of a new service or alternative method of service delivery. For telemedicine to be effective it is also important that all sites involved are adequately resourced in terms of staff, equipment, telecommunications, technical support and training. In addition, there are a number of logistical factors which are important when considering the development of a telemedicine service including site selection, clinician empowerment, telemedicine management, technological requirements, user training, telemedicine evaluation, and information sharing through publication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Optimal results from bariatric surgery are contingent on patient commitment to dietary and lifestyle changes and follow‐up care. The present study aimed to investigate the attitudes and use of mobile health (mHealth) smartphone applications (apps) as a potential tool for maintaining connectivity between dietitians and patients post‐bariatric surgery. Methods: A cross‐sectional online survey was developed and distributed to a purposeful sample of bariatric dietitians and bariatric patients in Australia. The survey questions explored technology penetration (smartphone and app use), communication preferences, nutrition monitoring methods, professional relationship expectations and reasons for loss to follow‐up. Results: Survey completion rate was 85% (n = 50/59) for dietitians and 80% (n = 39/49) for patients. Smartphone ownership was 98% and 95% for dietitians and patients, respectively. Common reasons given for losing patients to follow‐up suggest that a traditional in‐clinic practice setting could be a barrier for some. Most dietitians (n = 48; 91%) prefer to see patients face‐to‐face in their clinic, whereas patient preferences extended to e‐mail and mobile messaging. Sixty‐eight percent of bariatric patients were receptive to two‐way communication with dietitians via an app between clinic visits. Both cohorts recognised the potential for emerging technologies to be used in practice, although there was no single routinely recommended mHealth app. Conclusions: The present study provides the first insight into the use of mobile devices and apps by post‐bariatric patients and the dietitians who support them. A mixture of traditional methods and smartphone technology is desirable to both dietitians and patients. The utility and effectiveness of such technologies should be confirmed in future intervention studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]