Equivariant means (Q6921110)

An \(n\)-mean (topological social choice rule) on a topological space \(X\) is a continuous function \(p: X^n \to X\) satisfying (M1) \(p(x, \ldots, x) = x\) for every \(x\in X\); and (M2) \(p(x_1, \ldots, x_n) = p(x_{\sigma(1)}, \ldots, x_{\sigma(n)})\) for each \((x_1, \ldots, x_n)\in X^n\) and every permutation \(\sigma\) of \(\{1, \ldots, n\}\). This paper concerns an equivariant version of \(n\)-mean.\N\NIn this paper, the authors studies conditions on a \(G\)-space \(X\) under which the existence of an equivariant \(n\)-mean guarantees that \(X\) is a \(G\)-AR. This paper is a continuation of the work initiated by \textit{H. Juárez-Anguiano} [Topology Appl. 279, Article ID 107246, 7 p. (2020; Zbl 1443.91133)], who posed the question: Let \(G\) be a compact group and let \(X\) be a compact and connected metrizable \(G\)-space that is a \(G\)-ANR. If there exists an equivariant \(n\)-mean \(p: X^n \to X\) for some \(n\geq 2\), then is \(X\) a \(G\)-AR?\N\NIn this paper, the authors consider the case when \(G\) is finite and give a partial answer to the above question by Juárez-Anguiano. The main results state as follows:\N\begin{itemize}\N\item[(1)] Let \(X\) be a metrizable \(G\)-space where \(G\) is finite. Assume that for each subgroup \(H \leq G\), the set \(X^H\) is an AR. If there exists an equivariant \(m\)-mean for some multiple \(m\) of \(|G|\), then \(X\) is a \(G\)-AR.\N\item[(2)] Let \(G\) be a finite group and let \(X\) be a connected \(G\)-ANR with finitely generated homology groups such that almost all vanish. If there exists an equivariant \(n\)-mean \(p: X^n \to X\) for some multiple \(n\) of \(|G|\), then \(X\) is a \(G\)-AR.\N\end{itemize}\NThey also introduce the notion of contractive \(n\)-quasi-mean and prove the following statement for every complete metric space \(X\): If there exists a contractive \(n\)-quasi-mean \(p: X^n\to X\) for some \(n\in{\mathbb N}\), then \(X\) is contractible. If, in addition, \(X\) is a \(G\)-space such that \(X^G\) is non-empty and \(p\) is equivariant, then \(X\) is \(G\)-contractible. Moreover, if \(X\) is a \(G\)-ANR, then it is a \(G\)-AR.