Groundwater is essential to life and to maintaining Earth's water cycle. In the face of growing threats to this invaluable resource, recent advances in research and analysis - notably in numerical simulation and data processing with computers - are bringing rapid changes in dynamic methodology for groundwater management and modeling. This book contains the latest updates from the field of groundwater science and engineering, organized around five major topics: Optimization of groundwater resources in basins, Groundwater pollution and remediation technologies, Underground development and groundwater technologies, Interaction between surface and subsurface water, and Reliability of numerical methods and scaling in geohydraulics. This collection of more than 80 papers by leading specialists provides a valuable source of information for researchers, engineers, and students in the field of groundwater resources and management.

The prevalence of diabetes is on the increase in the UK and worldwide, partly due to changes in lifestyle which predispose individuals to overweight and obesity. It is estimated that about 90% of the currently diagnosed adults have type 2 diabetes, and based on the World Health Organisation (WHO) report, about 422 million adults were living with diabetes in 2014 compared with 108 million in 1980; this condition caused about 1.5 million deaths in 2012. In the United States of America, it is estimated that about 30.3 million adults are living with diabetes, with a further 1.5 million new diabetes cases diagnosed every year, representing an increasing prevalence of this condition. Diabetes represents a major public health challenge, despite advances in technology and the pharmaceutical industry. These problems may be in the form of acute or long-term complications. Therefore, in order to attenuate the problems of diabetes, management strategies usually include lifestyle changes such as increased physical activity and dietary interventions. Studies which evaluate the role of nutrition in the management of type 2 diabetes often involve human and animal models as these approaches enable us to have a broader and more in-depth understanding of the condition. In some cases, diabetes may co-exist with other conditions, such as stroke, and these may present unique challenges with regard to nutritional interventions. This Special Issue aims to evaluate the risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes and the role of the diet in the management of people with this condition. This evidence is drawn from both human and animal studies.

This comprehensive guide offers a state-of-the-art overview of basic and clinical aspects of atopic dermatitis (AD). The name "atopic dermatitis" was first used in 1933, and Drs. Lewis Webb Hill and Marion B. Sulzberger presented their report "Evolution of atopic dermatitis" in 1935. Their observations accurately forecasted the contemporary issues in the management of the condition, such as the conclusions that should be drawn from our understanding of the pathogenesis of AD, and the use of steroids as the main treatment. Several aggravating factors have recently been identified, and these also need to be addressed. In this context, the expert contributors to this book describe and discuss the evolution of atopic dermatology from Sulzberger’s era to the present day, including clinical manifestations, etiopathology and treatment. In addition, it explores skin care intervention, the role of microbiom and GWAS studies, and presents unique, previously unpublished cohort studies. It provides insights into the dynamic changes in AD since Sulzberger introduced topical steroids for its treatment. It is a valuable resource for dermatologists, medical practitioners and researchers who are interested in atopic dermatology.

This book sheds light on a little-known aspect of the Imperial family of Japan: For three generations, members of the family have devoted themselves to biological research. Emperor Showa (Hirohito) was an expert on hydrozoans and slime molds. His son, Emperor Akihito, is an ichthyologist specializing in gobioid fishes, and his research is highly respected in the field. Prince Akishino, Emperor Akihito’s son, is known for his research on giant catfish and the domestication of fowl, while Prince Hitachi, Emperor Akihito’s brother, has conducted research on cancer in animals. The book shows how they became interested in biology, how seriously they were committed to their research, what their main scientific contributions are, and how their achievements are valued by experts at home and abroad. To commemorate the 60-year reign of Emperor Showa and his longtime devotion to biology, the International Prize for Biology was founded in 1985. The prize seeks to recognize and encourage researches in basic biology. A list of winners and a summary of their research are presented in the last part of the book. The author, an eminent biologist who has given lectures to the Imperial Family, explains their research and tells the fascinating story of biology and the Imperial Family of Japan. The book is a valuable resource, not only for biology students and researchers, but also for historians and anyone interested in science and the Royal and Imperial families.

Miniaturization and high precision are rapidly becoming a requirement for many industrial processes and products. As a result, there is greater interest in the use of laser microfabrication technology to achieve these goals. This book composed of 16 chapters covers all the topics of laser precision processing from fundamental aspects to industrial applications to both inorganic and biological materials. It reviews the sate of the art of research and technological development in the area of laser processing.