Characterization of compact geodesic spaces (Q2512670)

This paper deals with a characterization of compact geodesic spaces using the fixed point property for continuous mappings. The authors give a counterpart of a result due to \textit{V. L. Klee jun.} [Trans. Am. Math. Soc. 78, 30--45 (1955; Zbl 0064.10505)] in a nonlinear setting by imposing a lower curvature bound on the space. The main result of the paper is the following: Theorem 10. Let \(X\) be a complete uniquely geodesic space with curvature bounded below which satisfies property (P) and has convex balls. Then the following are equivalent:{\parindent=6mm \begin{itemize} \item[(a)] \(X\) is compact; \item[(b)] \(X\) does not contain any closed topological ray; \item[(c)] \(X\) has the fixed point property for continuous mappings. \end{itemize}} The paper also includes an example that points out the importance of the lower curvature bound in the above result and indicates an open question in this direction.