On the computation of the relative Nielsen number (Q5948949)

Relative Nielsen theory deals with fixed points of self-maps of pairs, \(f:(X,A) \to (X,A)\). This paper presents an algebraic formulation of the relative Reidemeister number and some applications are given. For example, when the spaces are Jiang spaces (or even Jiang-type), results are obtained that are similar to the absolute case. Namely, the Lefschetz number being zero implies Nielsen number zero, or Lefschetz number non-zero implies that the Nielsen number is equal to the Reidemeister number. This includes situations where \((X,A)\) is a compact polyhedral pair of the homotopy-type of a nilmanifold pair. Throughout the paper, several examples are computed. The basic technique used is the study of liftings of \(f\) to the universal covering of \(X\).