Homological invariance for asymptotic invariants and systolic inequalities (Q1001482)

It is proved that certain asymptotic and systolic invariants of a connected, closed smooth manifold depend only on the image of the fundamental class under the classifying map of the universal covering. These invariants include the \textit{minimal volume entropy}, the \textit{spherical volume} and the \textit{systolic constant}. The systolic constant of a manifold with fundamental group of order two is computed, and an inequality between the minimal volume entropy and the systolic constant is derived.