A classification of 2-complexes with nontrivial self-covers (Q2498034)

This neatly written paper extends the former results of \textit{M. Timm} [Topology Appl. 111, No. 3, 355--363 (2001; Zbl 0989.57004)]. Theorem 4.2 states that `a finite regular connected 2-complex nontrivially covers itself iff it has a special type of decomposition into finitely many annuli'. Some interesting consequences follow, e.g., such a 2-complex is aspherical, its first homology group contains a \(\mathbb{Z}\) summand, its fundamental group has a finite-index subgroup that is isomorphic to \(\mathbb{Z}\times F\), where \(F\) is a finitely generated free group.