This series aims at reporting new developments of a high mathematical standard and of current interest. Each volume in the series shall be devoted to mathematical analysis that has been applied, or potentially applicable to the solutions of scientific, engineering, and social problems. The first volume of WSSIAA contains 42 research articles on differential equations by leading mathematicians from all over the world. This volume has been dedicated to V Lakshmikantham on his 65th birthday for his significant contributions in the field of differential equations.