Grothendieck–Verdier duality patterns in quantum algebra

After a brief survey of the basic definitions of the Grothendieck--Verdier categories and dualities, I consider in this context introduced earlier dualities in the categories of quadratic algebras and operads, largely motivated by the theory of quantum groups. Finally, I argue that Dubrovin's "almost duality" in the theory of Frobenius manifolds and quantum cohomology also must fit a (possibly extended) version of Grothendieck--Verdier duality.Comment: 13 pages, accepted for publication in Izvestiya: Mathematic

Volume distortion in homotopy groups

Given a finite metric CW complex $X$ and an element $\alpha \in \pi_n(X)$, what are the properties of a geometrically optimal representative of $\alpha$? We study the optimal volume of $k\alpha$ as a function of $k$. Asymptotically, this function, whose inverse, for reasons of tradition, we call the volume distortion, turns out to be an invariant with respect to the rational homotopy of $X$. We provide a number of examples and techniques for studying this invariant, with a special focus on spaces with few rational homotopy groups. Our main theorem characterizes those $X$ in which all non-torsion homotopy classes are undistorted, that is, their distortion functions are linear.Comment: 49 pages, 4 figures. Accepted for publication in Geometric and Functional Analysis (GAFA

BU Libraries self-care "Take a coloring break" posters

These posters were created to encourage self-care and healthy habits during exam periods at BU