Difficult Technical Challenges Research Articles

Examining the Significance of Communication in the Context of Future Engineers: A Comparative Analysis

The study looks at how engineering teams may use communication to innovate, emphasising how important it is to communicate throughout the project's ideation and implementation phases. It looks into how effective communication can encourage the exchange of ideas, spark creative thinking, and lead to the development of ground-breaking solutions for difficult technical challenges. The study also looks into how communication impacts project management practices, highlighting how crucial it is for setting clear objectives, monitoring due dates, and lowering risks. The research emphasises the critical relationship between communication skills and project performance in engineering pursuits by elucidating these connections. The ethical implications of communication in the engineering domain are also examined, with a focus on issues of honesty, integrity, and openness in interpersonal interactions. Through bringing these moral issues up in conversation, the study provides a thorough grasp of the function of communication in engineering practice and education. In order to cultivate a new generation of proficient communicators who will be able to foster innovation and growth in the sector, it also provides stakeholders in academia and industry with helpful ideas.

Machine Learning-Enabled Fully Automated Assessment of Left Ventricular Volume, Ejection Fraction and Strain: Experience in Pediatric and Young Adult Echocardiography.

Left ventricular (LV) volumes, ejection fraction (EF), and myocardial strain have been shown to be predictive of clinical and subclinical heart disease. Automation of LV functional assessment overcomes difficult technical challenges and complexities. We sought to assess whether a fully automated assessment of LV function could be reliably used in children and young adults. Fifty normal volunteers (22/28, female/male) were prospectively recruited for research echocardiography. LV volumes, EF, and strain were measured both manually and automatically. An experienced sonographer performed all the manual analysis and recorded the analysis timing. The fully automated analyses were accomplished by 5 groups of observers with different knowledge and medical background. AutoLV and AutoSTRAIN (TomTec) were employed for the fully automated LV analysis. The LV volumes, EF, strain, and analysis time were compared between manual and automated methods, and among the 5 groups of observers. Software-determined endocardial border detection was achievable in all subjects. The analysis times of the experienced sonographer were significantly shorter for AutoLV and AutoSTRAIN than manual analyses (both p < 0.001). Strong correlations were seen between conventional EF and AutoLV (r = 0.8373), and between conventional three view global longitudinal strain (GLS) and AutoSTRAIN (r = 0.9766). The volumes from AutoLV and three view GLS from AutoSTRAIN had strong correlations among different observers regardless of level of expertise. EF from AutoLV analysis had moderately strong correlations among different observers. Automated pediatric LV analysis is feasible in normal hearts. Machine learning-enabled image analysis saves time and produces results that are comparable to traditional methods.

Simulation of hydraulic fracturing and Darcy fluid flow in a porous medium using a coupled Discrete Element Method with fluid flow

Studying fluid penetration of the rock matrix during fracture propagation is one of the most difficult technical challenges of hydraulic fracture engineering. To deal with this issue, a coupled hydraulic-mechanical model was performed to simulate fracture propagation during hydraulic fracturing. For this purpose, a new discrete elements approach with a force-displacement law was used for simulating the fracturing process in a flow-coupled Discrete Element Method (DEM). A series of cases was simulated to evaluate the effect of different rates of injection and permeability. Good agreement was obtained between the numerical results of this study and the reported experimental results. The results of hydraulic fracture modeling indicated that a low fluid viscosity led to wider fluid penetration and simultaneous occurrence of failure phenomenon and penetration. In the case of high viscosity, the fracture is propagated beyond the fluid penetration zone, and higher fluid pressure for fracture creation was needed than was the case for a low viscosity fluid. The results of the simulations with different permeability and low viscosity of fluid revealed that when the permeability was high, the fluid penetration was faster relative to the case with low permeability. The growth pattern of fracture in low permeability is straight and branching, but in the case of high permeability, the fracture pathway was straight and thick. The pressurization rate affected the number of cracks and the geometry of the fracture in the hydraulic fracturing model. Finally, an increase in pressurization rate resulted in an increase in the number of tensile cracks.

Piezoelectric-based damage-depth monitoring method for underwater energy-relief blasting technique

Owing to the complex geological conditions and strict excavation shaping and damage control requirements in some underwater engineering applications, the development of a suitable blasting excavation technique has become one of the most difficult technical challenges. The application of Energy-Relief Blasting (ERB) technology to underwater drilling and blasting was first proposed, and a new non-destructive damage assessment method for underwater blasting was also developed. To verify the feasibility of ERB in underwater blasting, two comparative underwater drilling blasting experiments at a depth of 40 m were performed in a water-medium explosion vessel. A pair of piezoelectric ceramic transducers as actuators and sensors to emit and receive the acoustic wave signals, respectively, and thus evaluate the blasting damage induced in concrete specimens. A damage index was defined based on the processed data. The experimental results demonstrated that the ERB technique can effectively control blasting-induced damage in the bedrock. For the specimen with conventional blasting, the depth of damage index greater than 92% is 16 cm, while that of energy-relief technique is only 12 cm, which is 25% less than that of conventional blasting. The experimental results also showed that the active sensing method based on piezoelectric transducers combined with the signal processing method based on the transmitted energy can be used to monitor and quantify the damage induced in the rock mass by underwater drilling blasting.

The influence of deviatoric and horizontal differential stress and pore pressure on hydraulic fracture opening by fully coupled 3D cohesive elements method

Estimation of hydraulic fracture opening is one of the most difficult technical challenges in hydraulic fracturing treatment of vertical or horizontal oil wells since proppant transport as well as any possible premature screen out are considerably affected by hydraulic fracture opening (or width). In this study, the influences of deviatoric and horizontal differential stress as well as pore pressure regimes on hydraulic fracture opening in vertical and horizontal oil wells with normal fault regime are investigated. Novel three-dimensional cohesive elements with traction-separation law (XFEM-based cohesive law) are used for simulating the fracture initiation and propagation in a fluid-solid coupling finite element model. The stress intensity factor is verified for both XFEM-based cohesive law and analytical solution to show the validation of cohesive law in fracture modeling, where the compared results are in a very good agreement with less than 1% error. Moreover, the propagation of the hydraulic fracture by cohesive elements approach was also validated by KGD M-vertex solutions with negligible error about 1.6%. The results showed that, generally, by increasing deviatoric and horizontal differential stress, the fracture opening has been strongly affected for both vertical and horizontal oil wells. Additionally, increasing pore pressure from under-pressure regime to over-pressure state of formation pressure has made a considerable rise on fracture opening.

Right pneumonectomy

Right pneumonectomy is performed for central tumors, often in the setting of regional nodal involvement, and is sometimes indicated for benign disease. Assessment of cardiopulmonary reserve is critical in patient selection and ensuring a good physiologic outcome. An intraoperative assessment is performed before proceeding to ensure an R0 resection is feasible. This often includes a mediastinal nodal dissection and frozen section analysis if the outcome will affect decision making. A “veins first” approach is generally used. Intrapericardial dissection is performed if access to the pulmonary vessels is difficult due to the proximity of tumor or to changes from induction therapy. There are a variety of methods available for bronchial closure and division; selection depends on the proximity of the tumor to the takeoff of the right main bronchus and on the surgeon’s personal preference. Reinforcement of the bronchial stump with vascularized tissues is often appropriate, particularly in the setting of induction therapy. Separation of the bronchial stump from the hilar vessels is recommended in all cases. Use of a pleural drainage tube is not generally agreed upon. If a tube is placed, it should not be put on suction. The tube generally is clamped and left in place only until the surgeon is confident that there is no longer a need for the tube, typically no more than 24 hours. Good perioperative pain control is essential in achieving a smooth postoperative recovery. Some tips and tricks for managing difficult technical challenges are provided.

PRT 차량의 무선급전 시스템 설계 및 구현

최근 들어, 보다 효율적이고 경제성을 갖춘 전기자동차 기술이 등장함에 따라 철도의 전통적인 기술적 패러다임이 변화하고 있다. 오래전에 제안되었지만 이상적인 개념으로 평가받던 수요응답형 순환교통(PRT) 시스템의 경우에도 전기자동차 플랫폼의 활용을 통해서 실현 가능성을 높여가고 있다. 특히, 배터리에 의해 구동되는 차량의 경우 안정적이고 효율적인 운영의 측면에서 기술적인 어려움에 직면하고 있다. 그렇지만, 무선 급전에 의한 급속충전 기술과 고에너지 밀도의 슈퍼커패시터 적용은 이러한 기술적인 난제를 극복하고 도시 미관의 향상을 통해서 전기 에너지를 기반으로 한 신교통수단의 보급을 증대하는데 기여할 것으로 생각된다. 본 논문에서는 한국형 PRT 차량의 전력공급 시스템의 설계, 에너지 소모량 및 장치의 성능 해석과 하드웨어 제작 및 시험에 이르는 일련의 개발과정에 대해서 논한다. 그 결과, 테스트베드에서의 전력공급 모듈의 시험평가 결과가 요구하는 성능에 부합하는 것으로 확인되었다. Recently, the traditional paradigm in railroad technology is changing as more efficient and cost-effective electric vehicle (EV) technologies have emerged. The original concept of PRT (Personal Rapid Transit) proposed in the past has come to be regarded as unrealistic, but its feasibility is improving through the utilization of an EV platform. In particular, battery-powered vehicles pose difficult technical challenges in attempts to achieve reliable and efficient operation. However, based on the inductive power transfer (IPT) technology, the fast charging of supercapacitors with high energy density can contribute to overcoming this technical challenge and promote the transition to electric-powered ground transportation by improving the appearance of cities. This study discusses the development process of a power supply system for PRT, including concept design, numerical analysis, and device manufacturing, along with performance predictions and evaluations. In terms of results, the system was found to meet the performance requirements for power supply modules on a test-bed.

A new geomechanical approach to investigate the role of in-situ stresses and pore pressure on hydraulic fracture pressure profile in vertical and horizontal oil wells

Estimation of fracture initiation pressure is one of the most difficult technical challenges in hydraulic fracturing treatment of vertical or horizontal oil wells. In this study, the influence of in-situ stresses and pore pressure values on fracture initiation pressure and its profile in vertical and horizontal oil wells in a normal stress regime have been investigated. Cohesive elements with traction-separation law (XFEM-based cohesive law) are used for simulating the fracturing process in a fluid-solid coupling finite element model. The maximum nominal stress criterion is selected for initiation of damage in the cohesive elements. The stress intensity factors are verified for both XFEM-based cohesive law and analytical solution to show the validation of the cohesive law in fracture modeling where the compared results are in a very good agreement with less than 1% error. The results showed that, generally by increasing the difference between the maximum and minimum horizontal stress, the fracture pressure and its profile has been strongly changed in the vertical wells. Also, it\'s been clearly observed that in a horizontal well drilled in the direction of minimum horizontal stress, the values of fracture pressure have been significantly affected by the difference between overburden pressure and maximum horizontal stress. Additionally, increasing pore pressure from under-pressure regime to over-pressure state has made a considerable fall on fracture pressure in both vertical and horizontal oil wells.

Balloon-Armed Mechanical Counter Traction and Double-Armed Bar Suturing Systems for Pure Endoscopic Full-Thickness Resection

ndoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) is a gastric Efull-thickness partial resection. As tumor enucleation surgery, EFTR may be less invasive than laparoscopic partial resection. However, EFTR has many difficult technical challenges, such as visualizing a clear operative field under a collapsed stomach and endoscopic suturing device. Regarding suturing devices, the only commercially available device is the Over-the-Scope Clip (Ovesco Endoscopy GmbH, Tuebingen, Germany), a clip-based suturing device that is easy to use. The recent development of the Overstitch System (Apollo Endosurgery, Austin, TX) enabled full-thickness suturing with a suturing thread. To obtain the operative field, the lifting method or the mechanical counter traction device have been reported; however, it was very difficult to obtain sufficiently the operative field at certain areas of the stomach, such as in the retroflexed view. We report a newly developed countertraction and full-thickness suturing device for the flexible endoscope.

PRT 차량의 보조 전력공급을 위한 유연소재 태양전지의 적용 가능성 연구

최근의 신 교통시스템 개발 동향은 주로 지속가능하고 친환경적인 교통수단을 제공하는데 초점이 맞춰져 있다. 그 중에서도, 수요응답형 순환교통(PRT: Personal Rapid Transit) 시스템은 그 가능성 때문에 주목을 받고 있으며, 첨단 전기 자동차(EV) 개발 기술과의 융합을 통해서 경쟁력은 보다 향상되고 있다. 하지만 전기 배터리에 의해 구동되는 차량의 경우 안정적이고 효율적인 운영의 측면에서 기술적인 어려움에 직면하고 있다. 본 논문에서는, 기술적인 난제를 극복하고 전기에너지를 기반으로 한 교통수단의 보급을 증대하기 위하여 태양전지에 의한 보조 전력 공급을 위한 설계적 접근방법에 대해서 모형실험을 통해서 논한다. 그 결과, 실제 차량에 적용했을 시 보조 전원 공급장치로서 일부 서비스 기기에 소요되는 전력량의 대략 11% 정도를 감당할 수 있을 것으로 예측되었다. 특히, 유연소재 태양전지의 장점은 저렴하고 가벼우며 디자인 의도를 최대한 살릴 수 있다는 데 있다. 무엇보다도 유연함과 용이한 부착성은 다양한 분야에서의 확대 적용 가능성을 보여준다. Recently, trends in new transportation system development have been primarily focused on sustainable and ecofriendly mobility solutions. The personal rapid transit (PRT) system has been considered a promising candidate in this category; its competitiveness is being improved through convergence with cutting-edge electric vehicle (EV) technologies. However, battery-powered vehicles pose difficult technical challenges in attempts to achieve reliable and efficient operation. In this study, a design approach for a solar-power assisted PRT system is presented with small-scale demonstrations aimed at circumventing challenges facing its adoption, as well as helping speed the transition to electric-powered ground transportation. From the results, it is expected that flexible photovoltaic (PV) cells will be able to supply 11% of the power required by the service equipment installed in a prototype vehicle. In particular, flexible photovoltaic (PV) cells are advantageous in terms of cost, weight, and design considerations. Most importantly, the cells' flexibility and attach-ability are expected to give them great potential for extended application in various areas.

Solving aggregation problems of Greek cultural and educational repositories in the framework of Europeana

The paper describes a set of software tools and methodologies followed by the Hellenic Aggregator and Greek cultural, educational and scientific institutions in order to contribute their content to Europeana. The software tools are presented and their impact on the publishing, aggregation and dissemination process of Greek content to Europeana is described. The work of the Hellenic Aggregator, the methodologies developed and the new software tools, which were created, improved the publishing process of Greek institutions and promoted their content to Europeana. During this process, difficult technical challenges were overcome and a clear path has been created for Greek content providers who would like to publish their content to Europeana. Without these software and methodologies, harvesting Greek digital content from Europeana would not be possible. The present study outlines also the work on supporting Europeana Semantic Elements ESE metadata schema.

CFD simulation for charge–discharge cycle of cryo-adsorptive hydrogen storage on activated carbon

The hydrogen storage technology is one of the most difficult technical challenges for realizing the hydrogen power fuel cell vehicle scale application. In recent years, the activated carbon with high surface area reveals a good capability in hydrogen storage, and becomes the central issue of the hydrogen storage research. In addition, the activated carbon adsorption can be significantly enhanced at cryogenic temperatures. In this study, the charge–discharge cycle of hydrogen storage adsorption on activated carbon at cryogenic temperature is simulated. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model based on the mass, momentum and energy conservation equations of the hydrogen storage system, is applied to simulate the processes of charging, discharging and dormancies in the case of the liquid nitrogen. Dynamic thermal boundary condition is proposed for better description of moving liquid–gaseous interface of nitrogen. The linear driving force (LDF) model is successfully applied to describe kinetics of cryo-adsorption. The adsorbed phase hydrogen makes contribution to effective heat capacity of cryo-adsorption system. The computational fluid dynamics model is well validated by cryo-adsorption experiments. The comparisons show that the mass balance of hydrogen in gaseous and adsorbed phases is verified, the simulated pressure agree well with experimental, and there are identical trends between the simulated temperatures and experimental. The model is applicable for optimizing the cryo-adsorptive hydrogen storage system.

Cooperative adaptive sampling of random fields with partially known covariance

SUMMARYThis paper considers autonomous robotic sensor networks taking measurements of a physical process for predictive purposes. The physical process is modeled as a spatiotemporal random field. The network objective is to take samples at locations that maximize the information content of the data. The combination of information‐based optimization and distributed control presents difficult technical challenges as standard measures of information are not distributed in nature. Moreover, the lack of prior knowledge on the statistical structure of the field can make the problem arbitrarily difficult. Assuming the mean of the field is an unknown linear combination of known functions and its covariance structure is determined by a function known up to an unknown parameter, we provide a novel distributed method for performing sequential optimal design by a network comprised static and mobile devices. We characterize the correctness of the proposed algorithm and examine in detail the time, communication, and space complexities required for its implementation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Code Reuse in Open Source Software Development: Quantitative Evidence, Drivers, and Impediments

The focus of existing open source software (OSS) research has been on how and why individuals and firms add to the commons of public OSS code—that is, on the “giving” side of this open innovation process. In contrast, research on the corresponding “receiving” side of the innovation process is scarce. We address this gap, studying how existing OSS code is reused and serves as an input to further OSS development. Our findings are based on a survey with 686 responses from OSS developers. As the most interesting results, our multivariate analyses of developers’ code reuse behavior point out that developers with larger personal networks within the OSS community and those who have experience in a greater number of OSS projects reuse more, presumably because both network size and a broad project experience facilitate local search for reusable artifacts. Moreover, we find that a development paradigm that calls for releasing an initial functioning version of the software early—as the “credible promise” in OSS—leads to increased reuse. Finally, we identify developers’ interest in tackling difficult technical challenges as detrimental to efficient reuse-based innovation. Beyond OSS, we discuss the relevance of our findings for companies developing software and for the receiving side of open innovation processes, in general.

Three-dimensional finite element simulation and parametric study for horizontal well hydraulic fracture

Estimation or determination of fracture geometry has been one of the most difficult technical challenges in hydraulic fracturing treatment. A three-dimensional non-linear fluid–solid coupling finite element model was established based on the finite element software ABAQUS. The staged fracturing process of a horizontal well in Daqing Oilfield, China was simulated with the model, in which perforation, wellbore, cement casing, one pay zone, two barriers, micro-annulus fracture and transverse fracture are included. The field data of Daqing Oilfield were used in numerical computation. Micro-annulus fracture and transverse fracture generate simultaneously and a typical T-shaped fracture occurs at the early stage of treatment history, then the micro-annulus disappears and only the transverse fracture remains and propagates. The pore pressure distribution in the formation and the fracture configuration during the treatment history are obtained. The evolution of bottomhole pressure as the direct output of simulation is well coincident with the corresponding data from the field measurements. The validation of the model is approved. The effects of several parameters on fracture characteristic are studied with the model. The parameters include in-situ stress contrast, modulus contrast, tensile strength contrast and viscosity of fracturing fluid.

The Case for Open Access Networks

Efforts to keep the broadband Internet a free and open public utility are much in the news. In the context of the Network Society, the authors examine some of the publicly stated arguments and positions being taken in the articulation of “net neutrality” and “open source” practices and principles. The article explores the difficult technical challenges present in maintaining “open access” telecommunications networks using proprietary technologies. From a global perspective, industry groups have strong incentives to work together to adopt universal technical standards. With more open technical standards, open source applications and products can be accelerated and made more pervasive. Collaboration among businesses, national governments, and public sectors are seen as key to implementing policies that lead to public participation in economic and social development both locally and globally. The principal means by which all these approaches can be sustained is to keep the Internet accessible, free and open for all.

Network centric military communications [Special section introduction

Communications networks continue to play an increasingly important role in global military operations. Among allied forces, improved network centric capabilities have been met with enthusiastic support as they are rolled out into the field. However, as military operations become more and more dependent on networks, it is clear that a host of difficult technical challenges remain. These challenges span all layers of the communications protocol stack and in many cases are representative of the complex nature of large-scale communications networks. This feature topic includes four articles that touch on important challenge areas ranging from network security to mobile ad hoc network design.

Post-genomics studies and their application to non-invasive prenatal diagnosis

Non-invasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD) offers the opportunity to eliminate completely the risky procedures of amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling. The development of NIPD tests has largely centred around the isolation and analysis of fetal cells in the maternal circulation and the analysis of free fetal DNA in maternal plasma. Both of these techniques offer difficult technical challenges, and at the current moment in time the use of free fetal DNA is the simplest and most effective method of defining paternally inherited fetal genes for diagnosis. Post-genomics technologies that explore the proteins (proteomics) and transcripts (transcriptomics) released by the placenta into the maternal circulation offer new opportunities to identify genes and their protein products that are key diagnostic markers of disease (in particular Down syndrome), and might replace the current screening markers in use for prediction of risk of Down syndrome. In the ideal situation, these markers are sufficiently diagnostic not to require invasive sampling of fetal genetic material. Post-genomics techniques might also offer better opportunities for defining fetal cell-specific markers that might enhance their isolation from maternal blood samples. This review describes progress in these studies, particularly those funded by the Special Non-invasive Advances in Fetal and Neonatal Evaluation (SAFE) Network of Excellence.

Q&amp;A with DeAnn Craig

Editor's Note: In recognition of SPE's 50th anniversary in 2007, JPT is conducting interviews with several Society luminaries about their careers, their relationship with SPE, and the changes they have seen in the oil and gas industry and the Society over the past several decades. As SPE's first female President, were there any special obstacles you had to overcome or challenges you faced? When I first started in this industry, I was working on an offshore exploration project, and an engineer in my position needed to go offshore during well testing. But I was not allowed because there were no accommodations for women. When I was President of SPE, there were a few facilities I could not enter because I was a female. How has the role of women in the oil and gas industry changed since you were SPE President in 1998? There are so many women in the industry now in all positions. And the attitude now is that it is the norm to have women in the industry. Sure, it would be nice to have more, but it is such a change from when I used to be in meetings and there were no other women in the room. I cannot recall a single meeting that I have been in lately where there have not been several women in the room. I mean things have definitely changed. What advice would you give women just entering or considering a career in the industry? Build a diverse network of career coaches—other women, men, people in higher positions, peers in similar positions, and professionals within your company and in other companies. You will need a sounding board on a variety of topics. Advice is usually better when it includes a diversity of opinions. How do you see SPE evolving or changing over the next decade? SPE is truly international now. It was in the process of becoming more inter-national when I was President. In the future, I see SPE diversifying into more energy areas—doing more on liquefied natural gas, more on carbon capture, and more on unconventional oil and gas production. I also believe that usage of the Internet for information dissemination will continue to increase. And the use of volunteers' time will have to adjust—more of the work of SPE will have to shift to the SPE staff. How do you see the industry evolving or changing over the next decade? Demand for oil and gas will continue to rise over the next decade. To meet that demand, the industry will face more difficult technical challenges. As a result of limited access, there will be continued consolidation within the industry. When I was just starting my career, it was pretty obvious to me that it was the financial end that was the real problem in the industry. I think the industry has now switched; everybody understands that they have a handle on the financial side now. But the main issues now are technology and geopolitics.

VIDEO CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY

VIDEO CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY The first rigid endoscope that allowed inspection of the upper gastrointestinal tract under a general anaesthetic was introduced by Bruening in 1907. Forty years later, the first flexible fiber optic instrument allowed procedure to be done under light sedation. A major advance occurred in 1998 when capsule endoscopy was developed in Europe and introduced into clinical practice, which enabled complete visualization of the small intestine. The U.S Food and Drug administration (FDA) approved its use in August 2001. Since then, more than 50000 capsules have been used in more than 50 countries. Historically, the small intestine was considered technically difficult to examine because of its length, location, and tortuosity. Esophago-gastro-duodeuoscopy allows for direct inspection of the duodenum, similarly, incubating the ileocecal valve at colonoscopy or so called terminal ileoscopy can access the very distal portion of the small intestine. Evaluating the more than 20 feet of small bowel that lie beyond the reaches of these instruments has been impeded by difficult technical challenges. Yet, examination of this segment is especially important in evaluating patients with various disorders including gastrointestinal bleeding from an obscure source. Previously the small intestine could be partly assessed by a push enteroscope, which is longer (about 2 meters) than a standard gastroscope and therefore allows examination of up to 80-120 cm beyond the ligament of Treitz, while intraoperative enteroscopy required a general anasethetic and laparotomy where the enteroscope is manually fed though the small intestine and gradually pulled back to allow for close inspection of the mucosa. Barium follow though and enteroclysis allow indirect examination of the small Bowel but have a low diagnosis rate1, relatively insensitive for flat diminutive, infiltrative or inflammatory lesions. Given the limitation of these tests, there has been a surge in investigations on the practical diagnostic ability and clinical utility of capsule endoscopy that allows for direct visualization of the entire small intestine lining2,3. T Bas J Surg, March, 12, 2006