Enumeration of almost polynomial rational functions with given critical values (Q2472841)

A rational function \(f: \mathbb{C}\to \mathbb{C}\) is said to be simple if every critical value has exactly one critical preimage; it is said to be almost polynomial if the sum of the orders of its poles is smaller than the degree of each critical point. The authors find the number of simple almost polynomial rational functions with fixed orders of poles and fixed critical values of fixed degrees. This problem was first considered by \textit{V. I. Arnold} [Funct. Anal. Appl. 30, No. 1, 1--14 (1996); translation from Funkts. Anal. Prilozh. 30, No. 1, 1--17 (1996; Zbl 0898.32019)].