When is a vector field injective? (Q1265575)

Let \(M\) be a smooth manifold with Riemannian metric \(g\) and \(U\) an open and \(g\)-convex subset of \(M\). A vector field \(X:U\to TM\) is called \(g\)-injective if, after parallel transport along the unique geodesic in \(U\) joining \(x,y\in U\), \(X_x\neq X_y\) for \(x\neq y\). The main result of the paper is that a sufficient condition for this is the definiteness of the covariant derivative of \(X\) (a section of the endomorphism bundle of \(TU\)). The authors show by examples that these notions depend on the metric, even in a given conformal class. They study the relation to the same question asked on \(TM\) equipped with the complete lift of the metric on \(M\).