Existence of limit cycles in a multiply-connected region (Q1302277)

The author proves the following conjecture given by the referee in 1997: Conjecture. Let \(G\) be an \(n\) multiple-connected region with the outer boundary \(L_1\). Assume the inner boundaries \(L_2,L_3,\dots, L_n\) are all sources of a given vector field \(V\); \(\sigma_1\) and \(\nu_1\) are the numbers of inner and outer contacting points of \(V\) on \(L_1\), respectively. Assume moreover: (a) \(\sigma_1= \nu_1+ 2(n- 2)\), \(n= 3,4,\dots, \nu_1= 0,1,2,\dots\); (b) there is no critical point of \(V\) in \(G\) and on \(L_1\); (c) all inner contacting trajectories of \(L_1\) come from outside of \(L_1\). Then around each of \(L_i\) there exists a stable limit cycle for \(i= 1,2,3,\dots, n\).