H. Kita – författare

Although capsule endoscopy can provide an endoscopic image from the entire small intestine, neither biopsy nor endoscopic treatment can be performed with it. Double-balloon endoscopy, which enables endoscopic observation of the entire small intestine, represents such a new system.

Endoscopic access to the small intestine has for a long time presented a challenge to physicians. Although capsule endoscopy can provide an endoscopic image from the entire small intestine, neither biopsy nor endoscopic treatment can be performed with it. In order to make more definitive diagnoses of abnormal findings detected by capsule endoscopy, a new system incorporating greater insertability and maneuverability is required. Double-balloon endoscopy, which enables endoscopic observation of the entire small intestine, represents such a new system. The chapters of this book describe the principles, insertion technique, and clinical applications of double-balloon endoscopy, which will become the gold standard of enteroscopy and may well eliminate the need for intraoperative enteroscopy in many patients. As such, this book will provide an invaluable source of reference for all practitioners working in the field.

Agent-Based Modeling/Simulation (ABM/ABS) is an emerging field that enables bottom-up and experimental analysis in social sciences such as economics, management, sociology and politics. The chapters of this book are the selected papers from those presented the Third International Workshop on Agent-Based Approaches in Economic and Social Complex Systems held in Tokyo, Japan in 2005. Articles in this book covers methodological issues, computational model/software, combination with gaming simulation, and real-world applications to economic, management/organizational and social issues.