Algebraic geometry of the center-focus problem for Abel differential equations (Q2805055)

This paper deals with centers of the Abel's equation \(y'=p(x)y^3+q(x)y^2\), with polynomial coefficients \(p\), \(q\), from an algebraic geometry point of view.NEWLINENEWLINEIn fact, by translating some previous results by the second author et al. [Compos. Math. 149, No. 4, 705--728 (2013; Zbl 1273.30024); Proc. Lond. Math. Soc. (3) 99, No. 3, 633--657 (2009; Zbl 1177.30046)] into the language of center equations, the authors show that the center conditions can be expressed in terms of the composition algebra, thus providing an extension of results by \textit{M. Briskin} et al. [Ann. Math. (2) 172, No. 1, 437--483 (2010; Zbl 1216.34025)].NEWLINENEWLINEFurther, this paper initiates the study of some second-order approximations of the center equations, called ``second Melnikov coefficients'', that along with the vanishing of the moments can be used to characterize centers.