An analysis on the study habits among undergraduate medical students

Introduction: Study habits is one important factor which influences the academic performance of students. The learning strategies of high achievers are likely to be more effective. The study was aimed to analyse the study habits among undergraduate medical students and compare the study habits of high, average and low achieving undergraduate medical students. Application of effective learning strategies may be helpful in achieving better academic outcomes. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted as a cross sectional, observational study with 118 Final year MBBS students as study participants using Dennis Congos Study Skills Inventory Questionnaire consisting of 51 study habits questions classified according to domains of Text Book reading, Notes taking, Memory, Test Preparation, Concentration, Time management. Results: The percentage of students scoring above the cut off levels in each domain were: Memory: 61/118 (51.69%), Concentration: 67/118 (56.77%), Notes taking: 7/118 (5.93%), Time management: 17/118 (14.40%), Test preparation: 31/118 (26.27%), Text book reading: 35/118 (29.66%). The only Study habit that showed significant difference across the high, medium and low achievers was: Ability to pay attention in the class (p: 0.006). Conclusion: Though the students are talented and fare better in Memory and Concentration skills, there is glaring lack of attitudinal skills like Notes taking, Time management, Test preparation and Textbook reading skills. Paying attention in the class seems to be one most important distinguishing learning strategy determining the academic performance. Teaching– Learning methodologies need to be made more interesting so as to actively engage the attention of low achievers also.

Studies on nest construction and nest microclimate of the Baya weaver, Ploceus philippinus (Linn.).

The nest construction pattern at different stages of nest and variations in the nest microclimate, i.e., temperature and light intensity were assessed in different nests of Baya weaver (Ploceus philippinus) between November 2002 and March 2003 in Nagapattinam and Tiruvarur District of Tamil Nadu, India. The Baya weaver constructed nests in palm (Borassus flabellifer), coconut (Cocos nucifera) and date palm trees (Phoneix psuilla) and majority of the nests were found in the solitary palm. The male bird only involved in the construction and took 18 days to construct a single nest. The birds spent different amount of working hours (in terms of days) for completing various stages of nests viz., wad, ring and helmet stage and in which the 'helmet stage took a maximum of eight days. Furthermore, totally eight active nests were selected and once in a week the variations in the nest microclimate was investigated with reference to atmospheric temperature and light intensity (two active nests) across day throughout the study period. The mean temperature of the nests ranged from 25 degrees C to 29 degrees C and light intensity varied between 25 Lux and 625 Lux. The analysis of variance (ANOVA and ANCOVA) indicated that the nest microclimate varied among the nests in different hr of a day

Effect of oil pulling on Streptococcus mutans count in plaque and saliva using Dentocult SM Strip mutans test: a randomized, controlled, triple-blind study.

BACKGROUND: Oil pulling has been used extensively for many years, without scientific evidence or proof, as a traditional Indian folk remedy to prevent teeth decay, oral malodor, bleeding gums, dryness of throat and cracked lips, and for strengthening the teeth, gums, and jaws. AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oil pulling with sesame oil on the count of Streptococcus mutans in plaque and saliva of children, using the Dentocult SM Strip mutans test, and to compare its efficacy with that of chlorhexidine mouthwash. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty age-matched adolescent boys were selected based on information obtained through a questionnaire. They were divided randomly into two groups: the control or chlorhexidine group (group I) and the study or oil pulling group (group II); there were ten subjects in each group. Plaque and saliva samples were collected from all the 20 subjects on the strips from the Dentocult SM kit and, after incubation, the presence of S. mutans was evaluated using the manufacturers' chart. The study group practiced oil pulling with sesame oil and the control group used chlorhexidine mouthwash for 10 min every day in the morning before brushing. Samples were collected from both groups after 24 h, 48 h, 1 week, and 2 weeks and the efficacy of oil pulling was compared with that of chlorhexidine mouthwash. RESULTS: There was a reduction in the S. mutans count in the plaque and saliva samples of both the study and the control groups. The reduction in the S. mutans count in the plaque of the study group was statistically significant after 1 and 2 weeks (P=0.01 and P=0.008, respectively); the control group showed significant reduction at all the four time points (P=0.01, P=0.04, P=0.005, and P=0.005, respectively, at 24 h, 48 h, 1 week, and 2 weeks). In the saliva samples, significant reduction in S. mutans count was seen in the control group at 48 h, 1 week, and 2 weeks (P=0.02, P=0.02, P=0.008, respectively). CONCLUSION: Oil pulling can be used as an effective preventive adjunct in maintaining and improving oral health.

Noonan syndrome: a case report.

Noonan syndrome is a developmental disorder characterized by facial dysmorphia, short stature, cardiac defects and skeletal malformations. It may be sporadic or inherited as an autosomal dominant or recessive trait and occurs, one in 1,000-2,500 children. This is a case report of a 13 year-old girl who was referred by a general dental practitioner to a pediatric dentist for management. Full mouth dental rehabilitation was done and the child was brought to a dental institution for correction of orofacial and occlusal defects. Multidisciplinary treatment is the key to success in managing children with Noonan syndrome and the pediatric dentists play an important position to lead the health team.

Crown dilaceration of maxillary right permanent central Incisor - A case report.

Dilaceration of teeth can occur as a result of trauma to its primary predecessors. Root dilaceration is more common than dilaceration of the crown. A rare case of crown dilaceration of maxillary permanent central incisor has been reported in this article.

Studies on Merops orientalis Latham 1801 with special reference to its population in Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu.

Role of habitat-structure and climatic factors in the population dynamics of the small green bee-eater Merops orientalis was evaluated in three habitats viz., agricultural lands, river banks and human habitations during 1991-1993. The river banks supported relatively high population of bee-eaters (157/Km2) followed by the agricultural lands (101/Km2) and human habitations (58/Km2). Bee-eater populations showed year-wise variations in river banks and human habitations having high values during 1992 (123/Km2) and 1993 (43/Km2) respectively. Agricultural lands showed a significantly low mean density in 1991 than other years. Seasonal variations in the bee-eater densities among the habitats were also recorded. Vegetation structure, food (insects) availability, climatic conditions and human disturbance were the casual factors for variations in bee-eater populations.