Lototsky-Schnabl operators on compact convex sets and their associated limit semigroups (Q1207663)

Let \(X\) be a metrizable compact convex set of some locally convex Hausdorff space and consider a positive projection \(T: {\mathcal C}(X,\mathbb{R})\to {\mathcal C}(X,\mathbb{R})\) whose range contains the space of all continuous affine real-valued functions on \(X\). Given a continuous function \(\lambda: X\to [0,1]\), we consider the sequence of the so-called Lototsky-Schnabl operators associated with \(T\) and \(\lambda\). These positive operators are particular cases of more general approximation processes which were first introduced by \textit{W. Schempp} [Manuscr. Math. 5, 199-211 (1971; Zbl 0217.441)] and, subsequently, studied by \textit{M. W. Grossman} [J. Math. Anal. Appl. 55, 525-530 (1976; Zbl 0334.41008)] and \textit{T. Nishishiraho} [Multivariate approximation theory II, Proc. Conf. Math. Res. Inst. Oberwolfach 1982; ISNM 61, 297- 311 (1982; Zbl 0498.41014) and Tôhoku Math. J., II. Ser. 40, No. 4, 617-632 (1988; Zbl 0688.41026)]. Continuing previous works, in this paper we carry out a systematic study of these operators in connection with possible existence of a positive contraction semigroup that can be represented in terms of their iterates. Under suitable and natural conditions, we show that such a semigroup always exists whenever \(\lambda\) is strictly positive. The semigroup strongly converges to \(T\) as \(t\to+\infty\) and its infinitesimal generator is determined in a core of its domain. When \(X\) is a subset of some Euclidean space, then we show that the generator is, in fact, an elliptic second order differential operator which degenerates on the Choquet boundary of the range of \(T\) and, in particular, on the set of the extreme points of \(X\). Finally, some examples and applications to initial value problems associated with degenerate diffusion equations are shortly sketched.