Preface Constructing nonlinear parameter-dependent mathematical models is essential in modeling in many scientific research fields. The investigation of branching (bifurcating) solutions of such equations is one of the most important aspects in the analysis of such models. The foundations of the theory of bifurca- tions for the functional equations were laid in the well known publications by AM. Lyapunov (1906) [1, vol. 4] (on equilibrium forms of rotating liq- uids) and E. Schmidt (1908) [1]. The approach proposed by them has been throughly developed and is presently known as the Lyapunov-Schmidt method (see M.M. Vainberg and V.A Trenogin [1, 2]). A valuable part in the founda- tions of the bifurcation theory belongs to A. Poincares ideas [1]. Later, to the end of proving the theorems on existence of bifurcation points, infinite-dimensional generalizations of topological and variational methods were proposed by M.A Krasnoselsky [1], M.M. Vainberg [1] and others. A great contribution to the development and applications of the bifurcation theory has been made by a number of famous 20th century pure and applied mathe- maticians (for example, see the bibliography in E. Zeidler [1]).

This volume provides a comprehensive introduction to the modern theory of differential-operator and kinetic models including Vlasov-Maxwell, Fredholm, Lyapunov-Schmidt branching equations to name a few. This book will bridge the gap in the considerable body of existing academic literature on the analytical methods used in studies of complex behavior of differential-operator equations and kinetic models. This monograph will be of interest to mathematicians, physicists and engineers interested in the theory of such non-standard systems.

Preface Constructing nonlinear parameter-dependent mathematical models is essential in modeling in many scientific research fields. The investigation of branching (bifurcating) solutions of such equations is one of the most important aspects in the analysis of such models. The foundations of the theory of bifurca- tions for the functional equations were laid in the well known publications by AM. Lyapunov (1906) [1, vol. 4] (on equilibrium forms of rotating liq- uids) and E. Schmidt (1908) [1]. The approach proposed by them has been throughly developed and is presently known as the Lyapunov-Schmidt method (see M.M. Vainberg and V.A Trenogin [1, 2]). A valuable part in the founda- tions of the bifurcation theory belongs to A. Poincares ideas [1]. Later, to the end of proving the theorems on existence of bifurcation points, infinite-dimensional generalizations of topological and variational methods were proposed by M.A Krasnoselsky [1], M.M. Vainberg [1] and others. A great contribution to the development and applications of the bifurcation theory has been made by a number of famous 20th century pure and applied mathe- maticians (for example, see the bibliography in E. Zeidler [1]).