Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1995. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 181-188). / Microfiche. / xvii, 188 leaves, bound ill. 29 cm

The development of a new N-Line model, which provides a practical tool for simulating regional beach changes induced by short and long-term processes, is described in this thesis. The new N-Line model consists of four main modules that together describe the hydrodynamic and morphological responses. The four constituent modules have been integrated based on a wide range of research including the utility and function of commercial or freeware models. They are RCPWAVE wave module, time-averaged and depth-integrated current module, sediment transport module based on Bailard (1981) and contour change morphological module. Two different time-scales and two staggered grid systems for hydrodynamic and morphological simulations were adopted alternatively. For short-term 2D profile changes, new N-Line model applicability has been examined using data from the laboratory to the field. For ideal beaches, new N-Line can simulate an offshore storm bar generation or an onshore accretion due to high or low energy waves. For SUPERTANK large-scale flume data, the predicted profile matched the measured profile well, especially the bar height and position. For beach profile data from the Gold Coast, storm-induced variations of barred profiles were reasonably modelled. The new N-Line model compared well with other commonly used cross-shore models such as SBEACH and UNIBEST. A new schematisation for a non-monotonic profile and DUNED inclusion were introduced. Sensitivity tests on cross-shore sediment coefficient (Kq), smoothing parameter (??s) and water level fluctuations were performed. For long-term 3D beach changes, the new N-Line model applicability has been tested with various boundary conditions using idealized and real field data. Two periods, 17 and 16 months, of beach changes before and after a major bypass plant commenced operation in 2001 at Letitia Spit were simulated. The profile and shoreline changes were predicted reasonably well. Empirical model parameters were determined after a range of sensitivity and calibration testing. The new N-Line model showed its better performance compared to one-line models. It can handle various boundary conditions, especially bypass conditions. The N-Line model is not only capable of modelling planform variations but also cross-shore profile changes.

The aim of this study was to investigate the factors that contribute to midwives in one Area Health Service in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, staying in midwifery. The study was set in the Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health Service (NSCCAHS), Australia. A descriptive design underpinned the research. The study was conducted over two phases. Phase One involved focus groups to assess the suitability of a questionnaire for the Australian setting. The questionnaire was previously used in similar research in England. Phase Two was the distribution of the questionnaire and analysis of the data obtained. Both qualitative and quantitative data were obtained in the research, though most data were quantitative in nature. The quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics while content analysis was used on the qualitative data. The study sample consisted of midwives working within NSCCAHS who were employed full-time, part-time or on a casual basis. A total of 392 midwives were surveyed with a response rate of 53% (n=209). The results provided information on the factors which contribute to midwives staying in midwifery. The top three factors identified for midwives staying in midwifery were: relationships with women, professional identity as a midwife and the practice of midwifery. This study has implications for Area Health Services and Health Departments in Australia. If midwifery workforce shortages are to be improved Area Health Services and Health Departments must examine the way in which care is organised and ensure support systems are in place to support advantageous models of care and the midwives who work within them.

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