This means that semigroup theory may be applied directly to the study of the equation I'!.f = h on M. In [45] Yau proves that, for h ~ 0, there are no nonconstant, nonnegative solutions f in [j' for 1

This book gives a gentle but up-to-date introduction into the theory of operator semigroups (or linear dynamical systems), which can be used with great success to describe the dynamics of complicated phenomena arising in many applications. Positivity is a property which naturally appears in physical, chemical, biological or economic processes. It adds a beautiful and far reaching mathematical structure to the dynamical systems and operators describing these processes. In the first part, the finite dimensional theory in a coordinate-free way is developed, which is difficult to find in literature. This is a good opportunity to present the main ideas of the Perron-Frobenius theory in a way which can be used in the infinite dimensional situation. Applications to graph matrices, age structured population models and economic models are discussed. The infinite dimensional theory of positive operator semigroups with their spectral and asymptotic theory is developed in the second part. Recent applications illustrate the theory, like population equations, neutron transport theory, delay equations or flows in networks. Each chapter is accompanied by a large set of exercises. An up-to-date bibliography and a detailed subject index help the interested reader. The book is intended primarily for graduate and master students. The finite dimensional part, however, can be followed by an advanced bachelor with a solid knowledge of linear algebra and calculus.

The book offers a direct and up-to-date introduction to the theory of one-parameter semigroups of linear operators on Banach spaces. The book is intended for students and researchers who want to become acquainted with the concept of semigroups.

This research monograph gives a detailed account of a theory which is mainly concerned with certain classes of degenerate differential operators, Markov semigroups and approximation processes. These mathematical objects are generated by arbitrary Markov operators acting on spaces of continuous functions defined on compact convex sets; the study of the interrelations between them constitutes one of the distinguishing features of the book. Among other things, this theory provides useful tools for studying large classes of initial-boundary value evolution problems, the main aim being to obtain a constructive approximation to the associated positive C0-semigroups by means of iterates of suitable positive approximating operators. As a consequence, a qualitative analysis of the solutions to the evolution problems can be efficiently developed. The book is mainly addressed to research mathematicians interested in modern approximation theory by positive linear operators and/or in the theory of positive C0-semigroups of operators and evolution equations. It could also serve as a textbook for a graduate level course.