An Educational Module Explaining the Utilization of the IPACK Block Technique to Decrease Postoperative Pain and Opioid Consumption in Total Knee Arthroplasty Patients: A Quality Improvement Project

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common surgery performed in the United States. It is effective in treating end-stage arthritis and improving quality of life; however, it is associated with significant postoperative pain. Adequate pain management in the postoperative period can be challenging for anesthesia providers. Recently, the infiltration of local anesthetic into the interspace between the popliteal artery and the capsule of the knee, known as the IPACK block, has gained increasing popularity as a promising peripheral nerve block (PNB) for TKA patients. Despite evidence of the efficacy of the IPACK block in TKA patients, it is not widely utilized among anesthesia providers. This quality improvement project assessed whether anesthesia providers would benefit from an educational module on the utilization of the IPACK block technique to decrease postoperative pain and opioid consumption in TKA patients. After receiving consent, eight anesthesia providers participated in this project. Participation involved a pretest, an online educational module, and a posttest. Results suggested that the educational module increased provider knowledge regarding the TKA patient population, regional techniques for TKA, how to perform the IPACK block, and the benefits of utilizing the IPACK block in TKA patients

A comparison of global agricultural monitoring systems and current gaps

Global and regional scale agricultural monitoring systems aim to provide up-to-date information regarding food production to different actors and decision makers in support of global and national food security. To help reduce price volatility of the kind experienced between 2007 and 2011, a global system of agricultural monitoring systems is needed to ensure the coordinated flow of information in a timely manner for early warning purposes. A number of systems now exist that fill this role. This paper provides an overview of the eight main global and regional scale agricultural monitoring systems currently in operation and compares them based on the input data and models used, the outputs produced and other characteristics such as the role of the analyst, their interaction with other systems and the geographical scale at which they operate. Despite improvements in access to high resolution satellite imagery over the last decade and the use of numerous remote-sensing based products by the different systems, there are still fundamental gaps. Based on a questionnaire, discussions with the system experts and the literature, we present the main gaps in the data and in the methods. Finally, we propose some recommendations for addressing these gaps through ongoing improvements in remote sensing, harnessing new and innovative data streams and the continued sharing of more and more data

A Multi-Site Analysis of the Prevalence of Food Insecurity in the United States, before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic profoundly affected food systems including food security. Understanding how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted food security is important to provide support and identify long-term impacts and needs. Objective: The National Food Access and COVID research Team (NFACT) was formed to assess food security over different US study sites throughout the pandemic, using common instruments and measurements. This study presents results from 18 study sites across 15 states and nationally over the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A validated survey instrument was developed and implemented in whole or part through an online survey of adults across the sites throughout the first year of the pandemic, representing 22 separate surveys. Sampling methods for each study site were convenience, representative, or high-risk targeted. Food security was measured using the USDA 6-item module. Food security prevalence was analyzed using ANOVA by sampling method to assess statistically significant differences. Results: Respondents (n = 27,168) indicate higher prevalence of food insecurity (low or very low food security) since the COVID-19 pandemic, compared with before the pandemic. In nearly all study sites, there is a higher prevalence of food insecurity among Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), households with children, and those with job disruptions. The findings demonstrate lingering food insecurity, with high prevalence over time in sites with repeat cross-sectional surveys. There are no statistically significant differences between convenience and representative surveys, but a statistically higher prevalence of food insecurity among high-risk compared with convenience surveys. Conclusions: This comprehensive study demonstrates a higher prevalence of food insecurity in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. These impacts were prevalent for certain demographic groups, and most pronounced for surveys targeting high-risk populations. Results especially document the continued high levels of food insecurity, as well as the variability in estimates due to the survey implementation method

A marketing plan For Envirosax through exclusive Philippine distributor

Green products have been in the market since the 1960s. Manufacturers and other multinational companies have included the environmental aspect of marketing in doing their businesses. Today, more consumers are becoming more aware of the different environmental issues, and this affects their purchasing behavior. Coupled by the increased efforts of the local government to preserve the environment, this behavior of the consumers creates a perfect timing and opportunity for green products to flourish in the market. Envirosax is an Australian brand of fashionable reusable bags which provides an eco-friendly alternative to disposable shopping bags. Envirosax bags are compact, lightweight and highly durable. It is tested to carry 20 kilos of weight. Distinct to the other non woven reusable bags sold in the supermarkets, Envirosax bags are proven to contain a minimal amount of lead which makes it safe for food storage. Female young professionals are the primary target market for this marketing plan, since the brand\u27s personality is geared towards this group of individuals. This marketing plan aims to increase brand awareness, product usage and unit sales. Most of the marketing efforts are directed on online advertising and public relations. It intends to make consumers remember the brand and build affinity with it. A re-launch event will be held to mark the start of a renewed brand image. It also aims to reach out to corporate clients that will help increase its forecasted sales. The plan requires an investment of Php 1,000,000 for the first year which includes all the marketing efforts. These marketing efforts are composed of advertising, promotions and public relations. For the year 2013, a profit of Php 1,409,732.80 and a net profit margin of 9.89% will be earned given the proposed marketing efforts, while a 6.34% net profit margin will be earned if there are no proposed marketing efforts at all.Â