title: Midwives' experiences when working with third year midwifery students

authors: James, Elizabeth Margaret

subjects: midwives

abstract: Purpose: Midwifery students require appropriate and timely access to clinical learning opportunities during their education toward a Bachelor of Midwifery and the quality of this clinical experience influences the student’s learning and confidence. To achieve this they must be supported by practising midwives. However at times midwives decline to work with students, citing a variety of reasons. To ensure the required quality and quantity of clinical placements the midwifery schools need to understand the barriers and enablers to midwives working effectively with third year midwifery students. Method: Midwives on the midwifery school’s database who regularly work with midwifery students were invited to participate in the research. Data was gathered through two focus groups of midwives who have worked with third year midwifery students. The transcripts were then thematically analysed. Findings: The midwives described their experiences when working with students. The first theme describes the midwives’ work with students and includes: that confidence thing, it’s not just about clinical skills and learning to be professional. The second theme describes the implications for midwives’ practice when working with students and includes: we are responsible, what is expected of me and wanting a break. Issues arising in professionalism weave through these themes. Implications: Students with poor knowledge levels and unprofessional behaviour were regarded as problematic for the midwives working with them. The midwives were frustrated when students could not see the bigger picture and did not appear to understand the expected professional behaviours and boundaries. The midwives enjoyed regular contact with the midwifery school to support them when working with students particularly concerning assessment of students. They also enjoyed the learning they gained from working alongside students which they found beneficial to their own practice knowledge. At times there were tensions between the needs of women and students, and as the midwife moved between her role as teacher, supporter and assessor of the student. However most placements were a positive experience for the midwives and they took pleasure in the student’s progression through the programme.

text: Midwives' experiences when working with third year midwifery students Purpose: Midwifery students require appropriate and timely access to clinical learning opportunities during their education toward a Bachelor of Midwifery and the quality of this clinical experience influences the student’s learning and confidence. To achieve this they must be supported by practising midwives. However at times midwives decline to work with students, citing a variety of reasons. To ensure the required quality and quantity of clinical placements the midwifery schools need to understand the barriers and enablers to midwives working effectively with third year midwifery students. Method: Midwives on the midwifery school’s database who regularly work with midwifery students were invited to participate in the research. Data was gathered through two focus groups of midwives who have worked with third year midwifery students. The transcripts were then thematically analysed. Findings: The midwives described their experiences when working with students. The first theme describes the midwives’ work with students and includes: that confidence thing, it’s not just about clinical skills and learning to be professional. The second theme describes the implications for midwives’ practice when working with students and includes: we are responsible, what is expected of me and wanting a break. Issues arising in professionalism weave through these themes. Implications: Students with poor knowledge levels and unprofessional behaviour were regarded as problematic for the midwives working with them. The midwives were frustrated when students could not see the bigger picture and did not appear to understand the expected professional behaviours and boundaries. The midwives enjoyed regular contact with the midwifery school to support them when working with students particularly concerning assessment of students. They also enjoyed the learning they gained from working alongside students which they found beneficial to their own practice knowledge. At times there were tensions between the needs of women and students, and as the midwife moved between her role as teacher, supporter and assessor of the student. However most placements were a positive experience for the midwives and they took pleasure in the student’s progression through the programme.

year: 2010

title: Hydrodynamic modelling for mangrove afforestation at Haji Dorani, west coast peninsular Malaysia

authors: Awang, Nor Aslinda binti

subjects: Mangrove

abstract: Following the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster of 2004, which increased recognition of the importance of mangal for coastal protection, the Malaysian Government changed its‟ Policy in relation to mangrove and coastal vegetation. Since 2005, considerable effort had been made to establish mangroves in areas affected by the tsunami and rapid coastal development. Mangrove growth is affected by numerous coastal processes such as tides, waves, currents, the type of sediment, nutrient availability, and sediment erosion, transport and deposition. Therefore, a careful assessment of the multiple factors is necessary to facilitate successful replanting.
In this thesis, a study has been carried out to determine whether the tidal flats at Sungai Haji Dorani are suitable for mangrove afforestation. The specific objectives are to establish tidal current velocities and flow patterns from hydrodynamic modelling in order to identify the likely sediment transport pathways, and investigate wave shoaling and their role in sediment transport.
Sungai Haji Dorani is a low gradient muddy shoreline, consisting predominantly of silt and clay, over which occurs a fluid mud layer of about 0.3-0.5 m thick. There are three river sources of predominantly fine sediment, namely: Bernam, Haji Dorani and Selangor rivers. The existing mangal belt is very narrow (~20 m width) in the study area, and there is no natural mangrove regeneration to replace mangroves lost due to the tsunami and coastal development.
Simulations of tides, currents and waves were carried out using the 3DD hydraulic modelling suites. Results were calibrated and validated against measured conditions to facilitate an accurate representation of the study area, and provide a high level of confidence in the model outcomes. The calibrated models were used to simulate the impact of a proposed mangrove replanting project on waves, currents and sediment transport pathways.
Modelling results indicate that without mangroves, the average velocity over Haji Dorani is 0.14 ms-1 and peak velocities varied from 0.1-0.4 ms-1, which is high enough to transport fine sediments. The wave model predicted that at highest offshore spring tide and during storm conditions, waves of 0.2-2.0 m are transformed into 0.2-1.0 m high waves at the Haji Dorani shoreline, which will initiate fluidization of the bed sediment. These high waves, combined with tidal currents, can entrain the bed and transport sediment away.
Results from the POL3DD Particle Tracking Model indicate little sediment is deposited close to the Haji Dorani shore and any deposited would not permanently consolidate. High waves will erode the bed and re-suspend the sediment while strong tidal currents will transport it into deeper waters offshore.
Modelling of simulated mangrove replanting suggests a large reduction in current velocities and storm wave heights due to the increased friction provided by the mangrove roots and trunks. The particle tracking model shows that fine sediment from the Bernam and Haji Dorani rivers will accumulate along the adjacent coasts
in response to the reduced transport capability and reduced potential to re-suspend sediment. These sediments will be trapped by the mangal, which may result in the long term build-up of islands around the trees. Increased sedimentation will also provide habitat and nutrients for mangroves to reproduce and regenerate new trees naturally. At the same time, the mangrove trees will provide nutrients and shelter for marine life and terrestrial animals, as well as behave as a wave breaker, reducing incoming wave heights and tidal currents and thereby protecting the coast from high waves and storm surge.

text: Hydrodynamic modelling for mangrove afforestation at Haji Dorani, west coast peninsular Malaysia Following the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster of 2004, which increased recognition of the importance of mangal for coastal protection, the Malaysian Government changed its‟ Policy in relation to mangrove and coastal vegetation. Since 2005, considerable effort had been made to establish mangroves in areas affected by the tsunami and rapid coastal development. Mangrove growth is affected by numerous coastal processes such as tides, waves, currents, the type of sediment, nutrient availability, and sediment erosion, transport and deposition. Therefore, a careful assessment of the multiple factors is necessary to facilitate successful replanting.
In this thesis, a study has been carried out to determine whether the tidal flats at Sungai Haji Dorani are suitable for mangrove afforestation. The specific objectives are to establish tidal current velocities and flow patterns from hydrodynamic modelling in order to identify the likely sediment transport pathways, and investigate wave shoaling and their role in sediment transport.
Sungai Haji Dorani is a low gradient muddy shoreline, consisting predominantly of silt and clay, over which occurs a fluid mud layer of about 0.3-0.5 m thick. There are three river sources of predominantly fine sediment, namely: Bernam, Haji Dorani and Selangor rivers. The existing mangal belt is very narrow (~20 m width) in the study area, and there is no natural mangrove regeneration to replace mangroves lost due to the tsunami and coastal development.
Simulations of tides, currents and waves were carried out using the 3DD hydraulic modelling suites. Results were calibrated and validated against measured conditions to facilitate an accurate representation of the study area, and provide a high level of confidence in the model outcomes. The calibrated models were used to simulate the impact of a proposed mangrove replanting project on waves, currents and sediment transport pathways.
Modelling results indicate that without mangroves, the average velocity over Haji Dorani is 0.14 ms-1 and peak velocities varied from 0.1-0.4 ms-1, which is high enough to transport fine sediments. The wave model predicted that at highest offshore spring tide and during storm conditions, waves of 0.2-2.0 m are transformed into 0.2-1.0 m high waves at the Haji Dorani shoreline, which will initiate fluidization of the bed sediment. These high waves, combined with tidal currents, can entrain the bed and transport sediment away.
Results from the POL3DD Particle Tracking Model indicate little sediment is deposited close to the Haji Dorani shore and any deposited would not permanently consolidate. High waves will erode the bed and re-suspend the sediment while strong tidal currents will transport it into deeper waters offshore.
Modelling of simulated mangrove replanting suggests a large reduction in current velocities and storm wave heights due to the increased friction provided by the mangrove roots and trunks. The particle tracking model shows that fine sediment from the Bernam and Haji Dorani rivers will accumulate along the adjacent coasts
in response to the reduced transport capability and reduced potential to re-suspend sediment. These sediments will be trapped by the mangal, which may result in the long term build-up of islands around the trees. Increased sedimentation will also provide habitat and nutrients for mangroves to reproduce and regenerate new trees naturally. At the same time, the mangrove trees will provide nutrients and shelter for marine life and terrestrial animals, as well as behave as a wave breaker, reducing incoming wave heights and tidal currents and thereby protecting the coast from high waves and storm surge.

year: 2010

title: Lake Rotokawau: Water quality and sediment study

authors: Pearson, Lisa Kyle

abstract: Lake Rotokawau is a small (0.52 km2), deep (74 m), oligotrophic lake in the Rotorua Lakes District, located approximately 4.1 km east of Lake Rotorua. The lake is privately owned and managed by the local iwi, Ngati Rangiteaorere. During a site visit carried out on the 25 July 2010, surface and bottom water samples and a sediment core were collected, together with a water column profile (CTD) of temperature, dissolved oxygen, fluorescence, conductivity and depth. The CTD cast showed an anoxic hypolimnion and that the lake likely had not mixed during at the time of sampling, in mid-winter. This observation is highly unusual amongst the Te Arawa lakes and suggests that the lake may remain stratified for multiple years. The lack of mixing could be due to several factors including: presence of higher-salinity bottom waters, high water depth to area ratio, and sheltered aspect. The sediment core collected in the central basin revealed the presence of Ruapehu ash (1995-6 eruption) preserved in the upper 5 cm of the sediment record and the Tarawera Tephra (1886 eruption) located at 13 cm below the sediment water interface. The Ruapehu Ash layer is not preserved in sediment from any other Rotorua lakes and has likely been preserved due to the lack of seasonal mixing. The sediment and pore water chemistry are similar to that of the other lakes in the Rotorua region but however multiple sediment cores are necessary to fully assess variability across the whole lake area.
It is recommended that a routine monitoring programme be established so that any improvement or degradation in water quality can be detected and the mixing frequency of the lake determined. The water quality monitoring should include water column profiles of temperature, dissolved oxygen, fluorescence, conductivity and depth, nutrient analysis (ammonium, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, silicon, total nitrogen and total phosphorus) of surface and bottom waters and water clarity readings (e.g. Secchi disk and light attenuation). Our observations point to the highly unusual nature of Lake Rotokawau in terms of mixing status and indicate a strong need to preserve significant biological and landscape features of this lake which has not been subject to problems with invasive species that characterise several other lakes in this region.

text: Lake Rotokawau: Water quality and sediment study Lake Rotokawau is a small (0.52 km2), deep (74 m), oligotrophic lake in the Rotorua Lakes District, located approximately 4.1 km east of Lake Rotorua. The lake is privately owned and managed by the local iwi, Ngati Rangiteaorere. During a site visit carried out on the 25 July 2010, surface and bottom water samples and a sediment core were collected, together with a water column profile (CTD) of temperature, dissolved oxygen, fluorescence, conductivity and depth. The CTD cast showed an anoxic hypolimnion and that the lake likely had not mixed during at the time of sampling, in mid-winter. This observation is highly unusual amongst the Te Arawa lakes and suggests that the lake may remain stratified for multiple years. The lack of mixing could be due to several factors including: presence of higher-salinity bottom waters, high water depth to area ratio, and sheltered aspect. The sediment core collected in the central basin revealed the presence of Ruapehu ash (1995-6 eruption) preserved in the upper 5 cm of the sediment record and the Tarawera Tephra (1886 eruption) located at 13 cm below the sediment water interface. The Ruapehu Ash layer is not preserved in sediment from any other Rotorua lakes and has likely been preserved due to the lack of seasonal mixing. The sediment and pore water chemistry are similar to that of the other lakes in the Rotorua region but however multiple sediment cores are necessary to fully assess variability across the whole lake area.
It is recommended that a routine monitoring programme be established so that any improvement or degradation in water quality can be detected and the mixing frequency of the lake determined. The water quality monitoring should include water column profiles of temperature, dissolved oxygen, fluorescence, conductivity and depth, nutrient analysis (ammonium, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, silicon, total nitrogen and total phosphorus) of surface and bottom waters and water clarity readings (e.g. Secchi disk and light attenuation). Our observations point to the highly unusual nature of Lake Rotokawau in terms of mixing status and indicate a strong need to preserve significant biological and landscape features of this lake which has not been subject to problems with invasive species that characterise several other lakes in this region.

year: 2011-07