The fix-points and factorization of meromorphic functions have become two research topics that have attracted many complex analysts' attention throughout the world; notably in U.S., China, and Japan. The first two chapters reintroduce Nevanlinna's theory of meromorphic functions and Montel's normal families theory for entire functions. Based on these, several theorems on fix-points were derived. The last two chapters introduce the factorization theory and the relationships between the fix-points and factorization; many recent results in factorization theory were reported and related open questions were raised for further study. This book provides a timely introduction to some of the topics that are currently pursued by many complex analysts. For instance, the fix-points of itrates of functions is closely related to the fractal mathematics, which has just been realized to be useful in many branches of engineering and physics as well as in computer graphics.

The fix-points and factorization of meromorphic functions have become two research topics that have attracted many complex analysts' attention throughout the world; notably in U.S., China, and Japan. The first two chapters reintroduce Nevanlinna's theory of meromorphic functions and Montel's normal families theory for entire functions. Based on these, several theorems on fix-points were derived. The last two chapters introduce the factorization theory and the relationships between the fix-points and factorization; many recent results in factorization theory were reported and related open questions were raised for further study. This book provides a timely introduction to some of the topics that are currently pursued by many complex analysts. For instance, the fix-points of itrates of functions is closely related to the fractal mathematics, which has just been realized to be useful in many branches of engineering and physics as well as in computer graphics.

The series is devoted to the publication of monographs and high-level textbooks in mathematics, mathematical methods and their applications. Apart from covering important areas of current interest, a major aim is to make topics of an interdisciplinary nature accessible to the non-specialist. The works in this series are addressed to advanced students and researchers in mathematics and theoretical physics. In addition, it can serve as a guide for lectures and seminars on a graduate level. The series de Gruyter Studies in Mathematics was founded ca. 30 years ago by the late Professor Heinz Bauer and Professor Peter Gabriel with the aim to establish a series of monographs and textbooks of high standard, written by scholars with an international reputation presenting current fields of research in pure and applied mathematics. While the editorial board of the Studies has changed with the years, the aspirations of the Studies are unchanged. In times of rapid growth of mathematical knowledge carefully written monographs and textbooks written by experts are needed more than ever, not least to pave the way for the next generation of mathematicians. In this sense the editorial board and the publisher of the Studies are devoted to continue the Studies as a service to the mathematical community. Please submit any book proposals to Niels Jacob.

Let 8 be a Riemann surface of analytically finite type (9, n) with 29 2+n> O. Take two pointsP1, P2 E 8, and set 8,1>2= 8 \ {P1' P2}. Let PI Homeo+(8;P1,P2) be the group of all orientation preserving homeomor phismsw: 8 -+ 8 fixingP1, P2 and isotopic to the identity on 8. Denote byHomeot(8;Pb P2) the set of all elements ofHomeo+(8;P1, P2) iso topic to the identity on 8,P2' ThenHomeot(8;P1,P2) is a normal sub pl group ofHomeo+(8;P1,P2). We setIsot(8;P1,P2) =Homeo+(8;P1,P2)/ Homeot(8;p1, P2). The purpose of this note is to announce a result on the Nielsen Thurston-Bers type classification of an element [w] ofIsot+(8;P1,P2). We give a necessary and sufficient condition for thetypeto be hyperbolic. The condition is described in terms of properties of the pure braid [b] w induced by [w]. Proofs will appear elsewhere. The problem considered in this note and the form ofthe solution are suggested by Kra's beautiful theorem in [6], where he treats self-maps of Riemann surfaces with one specified point. 2 TheclassificationduetoBers Let us recall the classification of elements of the mapping class group due to Bers (see Bers [1]). LetT(R) be the Teichmiiller space of a Riemann surfaceR, andMod(R) be the Teichmtiller modular group of R. Note that an orientation preserving homeomorphism w: R -+ R induces canonically an element (w) EMod(R). Denote by & .r(R)(·, .) the Teichmiiller distance onT(R). For an elementXEMod(R), we define a(x)= inf & .r(R)(r, x(r)).

This proceedings volume covers the main fields of mathematics: analysis, algebra and number theory, geometry and topology, combinatorics and graphs, applied mathematics, numerical analysis and computer mathematics, probability and statistics, teaching and popularization of mathematics.

This book is dedicated to the memory of Israel Gohberg (1928–2009) – one of the great mathematicians of our time – who inspired innumerable fellow mathematicians and directed many students. The volume reflects the wide spectrum of Gohberg’s mathematical interests. It consists of more than 25 invited and peer-reviewed original research papers written by his former students, co-authors and friends. Included are contributions to single and multivariable operator theory, commutative and non-commutative Banach algebra theory, the theory of matrix polynomials and analytic vector-valued functions, several variable complex function theory, and the theory of structured matrices and operators. Also treated are canonical differential systems, interpolation, completion and extension problems, numerical linear algebra and mathematical systems theory.