Schützenberger groups of some even degree polynomials in S(R) (Q916791)

Let S(R) denote the semigroup, under composition, of all continuous selfmaps of the space R of real numbers. For P in S(R), let \(\Gamma\) (P) denote the Schützenberger group of the \({\mathcal H}\)-class of P in S(R), and let N(P) denote the number of distinct y-coordinates of local extrema of P. Call P right forcing if \(P\circ h=P\) implies that h is a unit. Let P be an even degree polynomial. If P is right forcing, it is proved that \(P\circ h=P\) implies that h is the identity. Some intricate conditions on N(P) are obtained which are equivalent to P being right forcing. It is proved that, when P is right forcing, \(\Gamma\) (P) is isomorphic to the direct product of N(P) copies of F, the group of flows. In an earlier paper by \textit{K. D. Magill} jun. and \textit{S. Subbiah} [Semigroup Forum 11, 49-78 (1975; Zbl 0299.20040)], the group \(\Gamma\) (P) was described for an odd degree polynomial in S(R).