On the LS-category of homomorphisms of groups with torsion (Q6561519)

The Lusternik-Schnirelmann category \(\mbox{cat}(\pi )\) of a (discrete) group \(\pi \) is defined as \(\mbox{cat}(B\pi )\), where \(B\pi =K(\pi ,1)\) is the Eilenberg-MacLane space associated with the group \(\pi .\) \textit{S. Eilenberg} and \textit{T. Ganea} [Ann. Math. (2) 65, 517--518 (1957; Zbl 0079.25401)] proved that \(\mbox{cat}(\pi )\) is precisely \(\mbox{cd}(\pi)\), the cohomological dimension of the group \(\pi.\)\N\NSimilarly, the Lusternik-Schnirelmann category \(\mbox{cat}(\phi )\) of a group homomorphism \(\phi :\Gamma \to \pi\) is defined as \(\mbox{cat}(f)\), where the map \(f:B\Gamma \to B\pi \) induces the homomorphism \(\phi \) on fundamental groups. Therefore, the conjecture \(\mbox{cat}(\phi )=\mbox{cd}(\phi )\) naturally arises, where \(\mbox{cd}(\phi )\) represents the cohomological dimension of \(\phi \), introduced by \textit{M. Grant} [\url{https://mathoverflow.net/questions/89178/cohomological-dimension-of-a-homomorphism}].\N\NSeveral studies have been conducted in this direction. \textit{J. Scott} [Topology Appl. 314, Article ID 108094, 25 p. (2022; Zbl 1494.55005)] addressed this problem for geometrically finite groups and proved the conjecture for arbitrary monomorphisms, as well as for homomorphisms of free and free abelian groups. \textit{T. Goodwillie} provided a counterexample in [\url{https://mathoverflow.net/questions/89178/cohomological-dimension-of-a-homomorphism}], disproving the conjecture. Another counterexample was given by the author of this paper along with \textit{A. Dranishnikov} [Math. Z. 305, No. 1, Paper No. 14, 12 p. (2023; Zbl 1527.55003)]. They also provided a positive result for the conjecture in the case of epimorphisms between finitely generated, torsion-free nilpotent groups.\N\NIn the paper under review, the author presents a positive result for the conjecture in the context of homomorphisms between finitely generated abelian groups. Moreover, in this case, the author successfully provides an explicit computation. Finally, the author proves that the Lusternik-Schnirelmann category and the cohomological dimension of any non-zero homomorphism \(\phi :G\to H,\) where \(G\) is a torsion group, cannot be finite.