The interrogative model of inquiry and inquiry learning

Hakkarainen and Sintonen (2002) praise the descriptive adequacy of Hintikka's Interrogative Model of Inquiry (imi) to describe children's practices in an inquiry-based learning context. They further propose to use the imi as a starting point for developing new pedagogical methods and designing new didactic tools. We assess this proposal in the light of the formal results that in the imi characterize interrogative learning strategies. We nd that these results actually reveal a deep methodological issue for inquiry-based learning, namely that educators cannot guarantee that learners will successfully acquire a content, without limiting learner's autonomy, and that a trade-off between success and autonomy is unavoidable. As a by-product of our argument, we obtain a logical characterization of serendipity

Endometriosis and Isthmocele: Common or Rare?

Higher cesarean section rates and better ultrasound diagnostics have led to a more frequent diagnosis of isthmocele, a cesarean scar defect. Sometimes, endometriosis is found in the isthmocele, but simultaneous extrauterine endometriosis and endometriosis in the isthmocele have not yet been reported. Additionally, the surgical technique to repair the isthmocele is the subject of ongoing controversy. The aim of this study is to analyze a possible correlation between uterine scar (isthmocele) endometriosis and extrauterine endometriosis and to investigate the outcome of laparoscopic isthmocele resection in the rendezvous technique. In this single-center retrospective study, we included 83 women of reproductive age with symptomatic isthmocele undergoing laparoscopic isthmocele repair in rendezvous technique from 2004 to 2020 at the University of Bern. We collected data on patient and surgical characteristics as well as on postoperative outcomes (symptoms, further pregnancy, and pregnancy outcomes) retrospectively. We analyzed and compared these data for patients with and without endometriosis. Endometriosis was diagnosed during surgery in 22 out of 83 operated patients (26.5%). Diagnosis of isthmocele endometriosis (n = 9, 11%) was significantly higher in patients with extrauterine endometriosis (n = 6, p = 0.004). While the duration of surgery was significantly longer for patients with endometriosis (p = 0.006), the groups did not differ with regard to blood loss or complications. In addition, both groups showed similar indications for isthmocele repair (infertility, abnormal uterine bleeding, or dysmenorrhea). Surgery significantly improved abnormal uterine bleeding (χ2 p < 0.001), dysmenorrhea (χ2, p = 0.03), and infertility (χ2, p < 0.001). Regardless of the presence of endometriosis, 25 of 40 (63%) infertile patients became pregnant after surgery. In one out of eight pregnancies, however, we observed scar complications during pregnancy such as uterine scar pregnancy (n = 3), uterine scar dehiscence (n = 3), and placenta previa (n = 1). Endometriosis is a non-negligible intraoperative finding in patients with symptomatic isthmocele. The laparoscopic approach in the rendezvous technique is safe and effective. Therefore, this method should be recommended, especially in women with secondary infertility, and preoperatively simultaneous endometriosis resection should be discussed with the patient. In follow-up, postoperative pregnancies have to be monitored with care

Technology-assisted learning: A longitudinal field study of knowledge category, learning effectiveness and satisfaction in language learning

A field experiment compares the effectiveness and satisfaction associated with technology-assisted learning with that of face-to-face learning. The empirical evidence suggests that technology-assisted learning effectiveness depends on the target knowledge category. Building on Kolb\u27s experiential learning model, we show that technology-assisted learning improves students\u27 acquisition of knowledge that demands abstract conceptualization and reflective observation but adversely affects their ability to obtain knowledge that requires concrete experience. Technology-assisted learning better supports vocabulary learning than face-to-face learning but is comparatively less effective in developing listening comprehension skills. In addition, according to empirical tests, perceived ease of learning and learning community support significantly predict both perceived learning effectiveness and learning satisfaction. Overall, the results support our hypotheses and research model and suggest instructors should consider the target knowledge when considering technology-assisted learning options or designing a Web-based course. In addition, a supportive learning community can make technology-assisted learning easier for students and increase their learning satisfaction. © 2007 Blackwell Publishing Ltd

Terrigenous plant wax inputs to the Arabian Sea : implications for the reconstruction of winds associated with the Indian Monsoon

Author Posting. © The Authors, 2005. This is the author's version of the work. It is posted here by permission of Elsevier B. V. for personal use, not for redistribution. The definitive version was published in Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 69 (2005): 2547-2558, doi:10.1016/j.gca.2005.01.001.We have determined the accumulation rates and carbon isotopic compositions (δ13C) of long-chain (C24–C32) terrigenous plant wax fatty acids in 19 surface sediment samples geographically distributed throughout the Arabian Sea in order to assess the relationship between plant wax inputs and the surrounding monsoon wind systems. Both the accumulation rate data and the δ13C data show that there are three primary eolian sources of plant waxes to the Arabian Sea: Africa, Asia, and the Arabian Peninsula. These sources correspond to the three major wind systems in this region: the summer (Southwest) monsoon, the winter (Northeast) monsoon, and the summer northwesterlies that blow over the Arabian Peninsula. In addition, plant waxes are fluvially supplied to the Gulf of Oman and the Eastern African margin by nearby rivers. Plant wax δ13C values reflect the vegetation types of the continental source regions. Greater than 75% of the waxes from Africa and Asia are derived from C4 plants. Waxes delivered by northwesterly winds reflect a greater influence (25–40%) of C3 vegetation, likely derived from the Mesopotamian region. These data agree well with previously published studies of eolian dust deposition, particularly of dolomite derived from the Arabian Peninsula and the Mesopotamian region, in surface sediments of the Arabian Sea. The west-to-east gradient of plant wax δ13C and dolomite accumulation rates are separately useful indicators of the relationship between the northwesterly winds and the winds of the Southwest monsoon. Combined, however, these two proxies could provide a powerful tool for the reconstruction of both southwest monsoon strength as well as Mesopotamian aridity.This work was supported by a SGER grant from the National Science Foundation to D.O. and a Schlanger Ocean Drilling Fellowship to K.D

A comparison of biomarker records of northeast African vegetation from lacustrine and marine sediments (ca. 3.40 Ma)

Author Posting. © Elsevier B.V., 2007. This is the author's version of the work. It is posted here by permission of Elsevier B.V. for personal use, not for redistribution. The definitive version was published in Organic Geochemistry 38 (2007): 1607-1624, doi:10.1016/j.orggeochem.2007.06.008.Integrated terrestrial and marine records of northeast African vegetation are needed to provide long, high resolution records of environmental variability with established links to specific terrestrial environments. In this study, we compare records of terrestrial vegetation preserved in marine sediments in the Gulf of Aden (DSDP Site 231) and an outcrop of lacustrine sediments in the Turkana Basin, Kenya, part of the East African Rift System. We analyzed higher plant biomarkers in sediments from both deposits of known equivalent age, corresponding to a ca. 50 – 100 ka humid interval prior to the β-Tulu Bor eruption ca. 3.40 Ma, when the Lokochot Lake occupied part of the Turkana Basin. Molecular abundance distributions indicate that long chain n-alkanoic acids in marine sediments are the most reliable proxy for terrestrial vegetation (Carbon Preference Index, CPI, = 4.5), with more cautious interpretation needed for n-alkanes and lacustrine archives. Marine sediments record carbon isotopic variability in terrestrial biomarkers of 2 – 3‰, roughly equivalent to 20% variability in the C3/C4 vegetation contribution. The proportion of C4 vegetation apparently increased at times of low terrigenous dust input. Terrestrial sediments reveal much larger (2 – 10‰) shifts in n-alkanoic acid δ13C values. However, molecular abundance and isotopic composition suggest that microbial sources may also contribute fatty acids, contaminating the lacustrine sedimentary record of terrestrial vegetation.Funding was provided by the U.S. National Science Foundation HOMINID Grant 0218511