Connectivity and almost continuous images of \(I^{m}\) (Q2493889)

A function \(f:X\rightarrow Y\) between topological spaces is called a connectivity if for each connected subset \(C\subset X\), the graph of \(f| C\) is connected. One says that \(f\) is extendable if there is a connectivity \(F:X\times I\rightarrow Y\) so that \(F(x,0)=f(x)\) for all \(x\in X\). Finally, \(f\) is almost continuous provided that for every open subset \(U\subset X\times Y\) containing the graph of \(f\), there is a continuous \(g:X\rightarrow Y\) whose graph is contained in \(U\). In the work of \textit{J. L. Cornette} [Fundam. Math. 58, 183--192 (1966; Zbl 0139.40604)] it was shown, among other things, that every connected metrizable space is the connectivity image of \(I=[0,1]\). The author states that Sam Nadler has asked if the cone on the Cantor set is the connectivity image of \(I^2\) and whether there is a continuum that is not the connectivity image of \(I^2\). These questions are answered affirmatively in this paper. Here are some of the results: Theorem 1: Let \(m\geq 2\). The following conditions are equivalent for a metrizable space \(Y\): (a) \(Y\) is separable and has a dense arc component; (b) \(Y\) is a connectivity image of \(I^m\); (c) \(Y\) is an extendable image of \(I^{m-1}\). Corollary 4: The cone over the Cantor set is the connectivity image of \(I^m\) for all \(m\geq 1\). Corollary 5: There is a continuum \(Y\) that is not a connectivity image of \(I^m\) for all \(m\geq 2\). Corollary 6: When \(m\geq 2\), every connectivity image of \(I^m\) is an almost continuous image of \(I^m\).