title: Proton acceleration in analytic reconnecting current sheets

authors: Heerikhuisen, Jacob

subjects: acceleration of particles—MHD—Sun

abstract: Particle acceleration provides an important signature for the magnetic collapse that accompanies a solar flare. Most particle acceleration studies, however, invoke magnetic and electric field models that are analytically convenient rather than solutions of the governing magnetohydrodynamic equations. In this paper a self-consistent magnetic reconnection solution is employed to investigate proton orbits, energy gains, and acceleration timescales for proton acceleration in solar flares. The magnetic field configuration is derived from the analytic reconnection solution of Craig and Henton. For the physically realistic case in which magnetic pressure of the current sheet is limited at small resistivities, the model contains a single free parameter that specifies the shear of the velocity field. It is shown that in the absence of losses, the field produces particle acceleration spectra characteristic of magnetic X-points. Specifically, the energy distribution approximates a power law ~ξ-3/2  nonrelativistically, but steepens slightly at the higher energies. Using realistic values of the “effective” resistivity, we obtain energies and acceleration times that fall within the range of observational data for proton acceleration in the solar corona.

text: Proton acceleration in analytic reconnecting current sheets Particle acceleration provides an important signature for the magnetic collapse that accompanies a solar flare. Most particle acceleration studies, however, invoke magnetic and electric field models that are analytically convenient rather than solutions of the governing magnetohydrodynamic equations. In this paper a self-consistent magnetic reconnection solution is employed to investigate proton orbits, energy gains, and acceleration timescales for proton acceleration in solar flares. The magnetic field configuration is derived from the analytic reconnection solution of Craig and Henton. For the physically realistic case in which magnetic pressure of the current sheet is limited at small resistivities, the model contains a single free parameter that specifies the shear of the velocity field. It is shown that in the absence of losses, the field produces particle acceleration spectra characteristic of magnetic X-points. Specifically, the energy distribution approximates a power law ~ξ-3/2  nonrelativistically, but steepens slightly at the higher energies. Using realistic values of the “effective” resistivity, we obtain energies and acceleration times that fall within the range of observational data for proton acceleration in the solar corona.

year: 2002-02

title: When things go wrong: An exploration of the effectiveness of Te Whatu Ora – Waikato ‘Patient-at- Risk’ service, from the perspective of healthcare professionals

authors: Harrison , Rangi Marie

subjects: Patient at Risk

abstract: Abstract:

Background: Within an acute hospital, critically ill patients are not always located in the intensive care or high dependency unit. Most often, deteriorating patients are managed in the emergency department or wards (Jevon et al., 2012). Signs of decompensation are subtle, but often occur prior to deterioration or an acute event. Therefore, early recognition and timely management improve patient outcomes and reduce admission into critical care services (Jevon et al., 2012). Internationally, acute care teams have been developed to improve patient outcomes through early identification and escalation. The Waikato Hospital Patient-at-Risk (PaR) team is a wraparound service that act as a safety net to support staff during this time. Conflicting evidence is found in the literature that debates the effectiveness of acute care teams, part of this is due to the composition of acute care teams that differ worldwide, and this study sought to explore the value of the Waikato service.

Objective: To explore the perceived value of the Waikato Hospital Patient-at-Risk service from the perspectives of those who utilise this service and those who provide the service. Furthermore, the study seeks to identify the characteristics of patients treated by the PaR service.
Participants: Interviews were held with a total of 13 participants (Ward Registered Nurses = 7; PaR service Registered Nurses = 5; Medical doctors = 1). Medical notes for 1,212 PaR patients were analysed.

Methods: A mixed method research over two phases. Phase one involved matching medical notes with routinely collected hospital data to explore the correlation between PaR patient characteristics and outcomes. Phase two involved 13 semi-structured interviews with staff from the PaR team and in the wards. Findings from phase one, informed the questions in phase two and interviews underwent a thematic analysis employing a general inductive method of inquiry.

Results: This study identified that patients who are seen by the Waikato hospital Patient-at-risk service experience greater complexities contributing to increased length- of-stay. In addition, this service contributes to increased feelings of safety for staff.

Conclusion: This study identified that there was significant value of the PaR service in relation to teaching and training of junior nurses as well as reassurance of ward staff when patients began to deteriorate.

text: When things go wrong: An exploration of the effectiveness of Te Whatu Ora – Waikato ‘Patient-at- Risk’ service, from the perspective of healthcare professionals Abstract:

Background: Within an acute hospital, critically ill patients are not always located in the intensive care or high dependency unit. Most often, deteriorating patients are managed in the emergency department or wards (Jevon et al., 2012). Signs of decompensation are subtle, but often occur prior to deterioration or an acute event. Therefore, early recognition and timely management improve patient outcomes and reduce admission into critical care services (Jevon et al., 2012). Internationally, acute care teams have been developed to improve patient outcomes through early identification and escalation. The Waikato Hospital Patient-at-Risk (PaR) team is a wraparound service that act as a safety net to support staff during this time. Conflicting evidence is found in the literature that debates the effectiveness of acute care teams, part of this is due to the composition of acute care teams that differ worldwide, and this study sought to explore the value of the Waikato service.

Objective: To explore the perceived value of the Waikato Hospital Patient-at-Risk service from the perspectives of those who utilise this service and those who provide the service. Furthermore, the study seeks to identify the characteristics of patients treated by the PaR service.
Participants: Interviews were held with a total of 13 participants (Ward Registered Nurses = 7; PaR service Registered Nurses = 5; Medical doctors = 1). Medical notes for 1,212 PaR patients were analysed.

Methods: A mixed method research over two phases. Phase one involved matching medical notes with routinely collected hospital data to explore the correlation between PaR patient characteristics and outcomes. Phase two involved 13 semi-structured interviews with staff from the PaR team and in the wards. Findings from phase one, informed the questions in phase two and interviews underwent a thematic analysis employing a general inductive method of inquiry.

Results: This study identified that patients who are seen by the Waikato hospital Patient-at-risk service experience greater complexities contributing to increased length- of-stay. In addition, this service contributes to increased feelings of safety for staff.

Conclusion: This study identified that there was significant value of the PaR service in relation to teaching and training of junior nurses as well as reassurance of ward staff when patients began to deteriorate.

year: 2022

title: Evaluation of Rongo Atea: Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Centre for Adolescents

authors: Paki, Helen Mary

subjects: Alcohol

abstract: Abstract Rongo Ātea is a residential abstinence-based Kaupapa Māori alcohol and other drug programme accommodating youth between the ages of 13 and 17. This evaluation investigates the role that staff play at Rongo Ātea along with a number of other factors including the physical environment; stages of change; programme implementation and aftercare. As a Kaupapa Māori programme, the role of how culture and identity can influence positive change is also explored along with the development of a youth-focused approach. I utilised a three phase framework borrowed from the work of Mason Durie (2008) to organise themes. These three phases, which Durie (2008) based on marae encounters, include Whakapiri (Engagement); Whakamarama (Enlightenment); and Whakamana (Empowerment) as they aptly reflect a three phase intervention approach: detoxification and early programme engagement; learning and development through ongoing programme commitment; and post treatment outcomes and aftercare. The data collection phase of this evaluation took place in 2006 and was initiated by the manager of Rongo Ātea who requested an evaluation to identify programme strengths and limitations from the perspectives of staff and students, and to make recommendations to Rongo Ātea that would assist with further programme developments. I utilised a collaborative and participatory approach (Bishop, 1996; Patton, 1990). Kaupapa Māori research principles were reflected in the use of ‘kanohi kitea’— face to face contact (Smith, 1999). With appropriate training and management support, staff could have a greater influence on programme outcomes. Evaluation findings suggest that drug and alcohol intervention and treatment for young people in New Zealand is significantly under-resourced, particularly in the areas of detoxification and aftercare. To be effective, residential treatment programmes should consist of a three stage programme covering detoxification; treatment; and aftercare incorporating an integrated approach. A greater emphasis on working with whānau alongside the young person is recommended.

text: Evaluation of Rongo Atea: Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Centre for Adolescents Abstract Rongo Ātea is a residential abstinence-based Kaupapa Māori alcohol and other drug programme accommodating youth between the ages of 13 and 17. This evaluation investigates the role that staff play at Rongo Ātea along with a number of other factors including the physical environment; stages of change; programme implementation and aftercare. As a Kaupapa Māori programme, the role of how culture and identity can influence positive change is also explored along with the development of a youth-focused approach. I utilised a three phase framework borrowed from the work of Mason Durie (2008) to organise themes. These three phases, which Durie (2008) based on marae encounters, include Whakapiri (Engagement); Whakamarama (Enlightenment); and Whakamana (Empowerment) as they aptly reflect a three phase intervention approach: detoxification and early programme engagement; learning and development through ongoing programme commitment; and post treatment outcomes and aftercare. The data collection phase of this evaluation took place in 2006 and was initiated by the manager of Rongo Ātea who requested an evaluation to identify programme strengths and limitations from the perspectives of staff and students, and to make recommendations to Rongo Ātea that would assist with further programme developments. I utilised a collaborative and participatory approach (Bishop, 1996; Patton, 1990). Kaupapa Māori research principles were reflected in the use of ‘kanohi kitea’— face to face contact (Smith, 1999). With appropriate training and management support, staff could have a greater influence on programme outcomes. Evaluation findings suggest that drug and alcohol intervention and treatment for young people in New Zealand is significantly under-resourced, particularly in the areas of detoxification and aftercare. To be effective, residential treatment programmes should consist of a three stage programme covering detoxification; treatment; and aftercare incorporating an integrated approach. A greater emphasis on working with whānau alongside the young person is recommended.

year: 2010