This paper concerns unitary invariants for $n$-tuples $T:=(T_1,\ldots, T_n)$ of (not necessarily commuting) bounded linear operators on Hilbert spaces. The author introduces a notion of joint numerical radius and works out its basic properties. Multivariable versions of Berger's dilation theorem, Berger-Kato-Stampfli mapping theorem, and Schwarz's lemma from complex analysis are obtained. The author studies the joint (spatial) numerical range of $T$ in connection with several unitary invariants for $n$-tuples of operators such as: right joint spectrum, joint numerical radius, euclidean operator radius, and joint spectral radius. He also proves an analogue of Toeplitz-Hausdorff theorem on the convexity of the spatial numerical range of an operator on a Hilbert space, for the joint numerical range of operators in the noncommutative analytic Toeplitz algebra $F_n^\infty$.

This is a collection of papers presented at a conference on multivariable operator theory. The articles contain contributions to a variety of areas and topics which may be viewed as forming an emerging new subject. This subject involves the study of geometric rather than topological invariants associated with the general theme of operator theory in several variables. This collection will spur further discussion among the different research groups.

Over the course of his distinguished career, Jörg Eschmeier made a number of fundamental contributions to the development of operator theory and related topics. The chapters in this volume, compiled in his memory, are written by distinguished mathematicians and pay tribute to his many significant and lasting achievements.

"Volume 205, number 964 (third of 5 numbers)."

Let $X$ be a locally compact Hausdorff space with $n$ proper continuous self maps $\sigma_i:X \to X$ for $1 \le i \le n$. To this the authors associate two conjugacy operator algebras which emerge as the natural candidates for the universal algebra of the system, the tensor algebra $\mathcal{A}(X,\tau)$ and the semicrossed product $\mathrm{C}_0(X)\times_\tau\mathbb{F}_n^+$. They develop the necessary dilation theory for both models. In particular, they exhibit an explicit family of boundary representations which determine the C*-envelope of the tensor algebra.|Let $X$ be a locally compact Hausdorff space with $n$ proper continuous self maps $\sigma_i:X \to X$ for $1 \le i \le n$. To this the authors associate two conjugacy operator algebras which emerge as the natural candidates for the universal algebra of the system, the tensor algebra $\mathcal{A}(X,\tau)$ and the semicrossed product $\mathrm{C}_0(X)\times_\tau\mathbb{F}_n^+$. They develop the necessary dilation theory for both models. In particular, they exhibit an explicit family of boundary representations which determine the C*-envelope of the tensor algebra.

This volume contains the proceedings of the eighteenth International Workshop on Operator Theory and Applications (IWOTA), hosted by the Unit for Business Mathematics and Informatics of North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa from July 3 to 6, 2007. The conference (as well as these proceedings) was dedicated to Professors Joseph A. Ball and Marinus M. Kaashoek on the occasion of their 60th and 70th birthdays, respectively. This conference had a particular focus on Von Neumann algebras at the interface of operator theory with functional analysis and on applications of operator theory to differential equations.