Effectiveness of self-directed learning in physiology-students’ perspective

Background: Self-directed learning (SDL) is an important adult learning educational approach where the learner makes all the effort to study on his own with or without the help of a facilitator. SDL gives the learner greater autonomy and freedom over his own learning process. Aim and Objectives: (1) To compare lecture-based and SDL methodologies using pre-test and post-test on 1st year MBBS students in physiology. (2) To know the effectiveness of SDL methodology sessions from a student’s perspective using questionnaires. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted among 1st year MBBS students in the Department of Physiology. After taking ethical clearance from the institutional ethical committee, total of 150 students were divided into two groups comprising 75 each. Each group attended two sessions of SDL and lecture where pre-test and post-test was given in the form of MCQs. Pre-test and post-test scores of each session were compared. Student’s perspectives about SDL were assessed via questionnaires. Data entry and analysis were carried out using Microsoft excel datasheet and SPSS software (Ver. 22). The test of significance for paired data was done using Wilcoxon Signed rank test. Results: In our study, it was found that the mean value of the post-test scores of SDL group were greater than that of the lecture session. Majority of students perceived the SDL sessions to be more effective. It helped them know their objectives and proactively establish their learning goal. Conclusion: SDL sessions are more effective than lecture sessions in teaching physiology to 1st year MBBS students. It ensures that the learner becomes more independent, which is a highly desirable trait for a medical graduate.

Clinical assessment of primary stability of endosseous implants placed in the incisor region, using resonance frequency analysis methodology: an in vivo study.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of immediate loading on the primary stability of endosseous implants placed in the anterior incisor region by mapping the stability, using resonance frequency analysis, over a period of time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of eight implants (Zimmer Screw-Vent) were placed in four patients. The Osstell resonance frequency analyzer was used to determine the primary stability at baseline (day 1), 15 th day, 30 th day, 60 th day, and 90 th day for each of the eight implants. Analysis of data was done using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science; version 4.0.1). RESULTS: All implants showed adequate initial stability at baseline with an ISQ > 50. Implant nos. 1, 3, 4, 7, and 8 showed a high initial stability at baseline (ISQ > 65), following which a decrease in the stability was recorded during the 15 th day, 30 th day, and 60 th day. By the 90 th day, the stability values were nearly equivalent to those obtained at baseline. The highest mean stability value was recorded on the day of implant placement. The lowest mean stability recording was obtained on the 30 th day after implant osteotomy. By the 90 th day, the mean stability value was nearly equivalent to that obtained at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that immediate loading of implants placed in the maxillary and mandibular incisor region does not seem to have an adverse effect on the osseointegration of implants, which achieved a high primary stability. The use of the resonance frequency analyzer as a tool to monitor the variation in the stability of the implants over a period of time has been validated.

Designing of a brain stimulator suitable for intracranial self-stimulation experiments for studying the brain-stimulation reward system.

A circuit design has been developed and described for fabricating and using in the intracranial self-stimulation experiments on rat to study the brain-stimulation reward behaviour, and to explore into the underlying mechanisms of drives and motivated behaviours. The stimulator can be fabricated with parts available in India. It has been continuously used and tested during the last four years in different research studies.