Global bifurcation for generalized \(k\)-set contractions (Q2483384)

Let \(E\) be a real Banach space, \(L: E\to E\) be a continuous linear operator and \(H: E\to E\) be a continuous nonlinear mapping such that \(H(u)= o(\| u\|)\) at \(u= 0\). Global bifurcation theorems were proved by P. Rabinowitz for \(L\) and \(H\) compact in a series of celebrated papers and then extended by C. Stuart to \(k\)-set contractions. A further extension is given in this article to countably \(k\)-set contractions. The main tools for the proofs are Whyburn's theorem for continua, an extended degree theory and the corresponding index formula. Theorem 3.1 gives a necessary condition for bifurcation at a characteristic value and Theorem 3.2 provides the global bifurcation result. No application is given, but there are some hints.