No label defined (Q4801308)

Let \((M,g_0)\) be a compact Riemannian manifold of dimension two. The reviewed paper deals with the following problem: Given a continuous function \(R\) on \(M\), can \(R\) be the scalar curvature of some metric \(g\) which is conformal to the original metric \(g_0\). This problem is equivalent to the solvability of some PDE and if \((M,g_0)\) is the standard 2-sphere the problem is called the Nirenberg problem. The author strengthens the Kazdan-Warner necessary condition so as to be the necessary and sufficient for the Nirenberg problem. Studying the existence problem of solutions of the considered PDE and basing on the above condition he establishes a degree theory which improves some important known results and gives some new results. For the entire collection see [Zbl 1007.00074].