The WYK algorithm for maps of aspherical figure-eight type finite polyhedra (Q714117)

The Nielsen number is a key invariant in Nielsen fixed point theory, but its computation is very difficult. The author of the paper under review obtains a complete algorithm for computing the Nielsen numbers of all self-maps on an aspherical figure-eight type polyhedron \(X\). By definition, the fundamental group of \(X\) is the free group of rank two. His algorithm shows us that the Nielsen number of a self-map \(f: X\to X\) can be computed from the induced homomorphism of \(f\) on this free group. This approach began with the idea of \textit{J. Wagner} in [Trans. Am. Math. Soc. 351, No. 1, 41--62 (1999; Zbl 0910.55001)], where an algorithm to compute Nielsen numbers of self-maps on compact surfaces with boundary was given. But, some conditions are needed. The main achievement of the present paper is the study of the various cases which the existing algorithms did not cover. Hence, all extra assumptions are dropped in this setting: the underlying space \(X\) is an aspherical figure-eight type polyhedron. Of course, the presentation of this paper is very technical.