Pro-groups and generalizations of a theorem of Bing (Q2293001)

A matchbox manifold is a continuum with a transversally totally disconnected lamination by manifolds. For a closed manifold \(M\), a continuum is called \(M\)-like if for every \(\epsilon>0\) it admits a continuous surjection to \(M\) with each fiber of diameter smaller \(\epsilon\). By earlier work of the authors [Proc. Am. Math. Soc. 147, No. 8, 3579--3594 (2019; Zbl 1421.57033)], each \(M\)-like matchbox manifold is a weak solenoid, that is, the inverse limit of a sequence of nontrivial covering maps \(p_{i+1}\colon M_{i+1}\to M_i\) between connected, closed manifolds. One naturally wonders, whether one can actually choose all \(M_i\) to be equal to \(M\). In the present paper, the authors prove this under the assumption that \(M\) is aspherical and satisfies the Borel conjecture. The authors use this to prove that the definition of the pro-fundamental group (as defined by Mardešić-Segal, cf. [\textit{S. Mardešić} and \textit{J. Segal}, Shape theory. The inverse system approach. North-Holland Mathematical Library, Vol. 26. Amsterdam - New York - Oxford: North-Holland Publishing Company. XV, 378 p. (1982; Zbl 0495.55001)]) of the \(M\)-like matchbox manifold does not depend on the choice of base point and is the pro-group defined by the induced maps \((p_{i+1})_*\colon\pi_1M\to\pi_1M\), similarly for the higher pro-homotopy groups. The paper concludes with a number of examples, which support the theme that the \(M\)-like hypothesis on a solenoid is a shape version of the non co-Hopfian property for manifolds, which means an isomorphism between the fundamental group and some finite index, proper subgroup.