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It is shown that the action of the bosonic sector of D=11 supergravity may be obtained by means of a suitable scaling of the originally dimensionless fields of a generalized Chern-Simons action. This follows from the eleven-form CS-potential of the most general linear combination of closed, gauge invariant twelve-forms involving the sp(32)-valued two-form curvatures supplemented by a three-form field. In this construction, the role of the skewsymmetric four-index auxiliary function needed for the first order formulation of $D=11$ supergravity is played by the gauge field associated with the five Lorentz indices generator of the bosonic sp(32) subalgebra of osp(1|32)., Comment: Misprints corrected, to appear in NPB plain latex, no figures, 25 pages

We present D=3 and D=4 models for massive particles moving in a new type of enlarged spacetime, with D-1 additional vector coordinates, which after quantization lead to the towers of massive higher spin (HS) free fields. Two classically equivalent formulations are presented: one with a hybrid spacetime/bispinor geometry and a second described by a free two-twistor dynamics with constraints. After quantization in the D=3 and D=4 cases, the wave functions are given as functions on the SL(2,R) and SL(2,C) group manifolds respectively, and describe arbitrary on-shell momenta and spin degrees of freedom. Finally, the D=6 case and possible supersymmetric extensions are mentioned., Comment: 37 pages, plain latex, v2. Text in Secs. 1 nd 4 enlarged, references added. Version to appear in JHEP

We show that the first-order D=4, N=1 pure supergravity lagrangian four-form can be obtained geometrically as a quadratic expression in the curvatures of the Maxwell superalgebra. This is achieved by noticing that the relative coefficient between the two terms of the Lagrangian that makes the action locally supersymmetric also determines trivial field equations for the gauge fields associated with the extra generators of the Maxwell superalgebra. Along the way, a convenient geometric procedure to check the local supersymmetry of a class of lagrangians is developed., Comment: Plain latex, 14 pages. Two misprints corrected, one reference added

Two types of higher order Lie $\ell$-ple systems are introduced in this paper. They are defined by brackets with $\ell > 3$ arguments satisfying certain conditions, and generalize the well known Lie triple systems. One of the generalizations uses a construction that allows us to associate a $(2n-3)$-Leibniz algebra $\fL$ with a metric $n$-Leibniz algebra $\tilde{\fL}$ by using a $2(n-1)$-linear Kasymov trace form for $\tilde{\fL}$. Some specific types of $k$-Leibniz algebras, relevant in the construction, are introduced as well. Both higher order Lie $\ell$-ple generalizations reduce to the standard Lie triple systems for $\ell=3$., Comment: 22 pages, no figures

The Lie algebras expansion method is used to show that the Maxwell (super)algebras and some of their generalizations can be derived in a simple way as particular expansions of o(3,2) and osp(N|4)., Comment: Discussion slightly expanded; published version

The Maxwell algebra is the result of enlarging the Poincar\'{e} algebra by six additional tensorial Abelian generators that make the fourmomenta non-commutative. We present a local gauge theory based on the Maxwell algebra with vierbein, spin connection and six additional geometric Abelian gauge fields. We apply this geometric framework to the construction of Maxwell gravity, which is described by the Einstein action plus a generalized cosmological term. We mention a Friedman-Robertson-Walker cosmological approximation to the Maxwell gravity field equations, with two scalar fields obtained from the additional gauge fields. Finally, we outline further developments of the Maxwell symmetries framework., Comment: 8pages. Presented at the XV-th International Conf. on 'Symmetry Methods in Physics' (Dubna, July 2011) and at the '3rd Galileo-Xu Guangqi meeting' (Beijing, October 2011), to appear in IJMPD

We describe the basic properties of two n-ary algebras, the Generalized Lie Algebras (GLAs) and, particularly, the Filippov (or n-Lie) algebras (FAs), and comment on their n-ary Poisson counterparts, the Generalized Poisson (GP) and Nambu-Poisson (N-P) structures. We describe the Filippov algebra cohomology relevant for the central extensions and infinitesimal deformations of FAs. It is seen that semisimple FAs do not admit central extensions and, moreover, that they are rigid. This extends the familiar Whitehead's lemma to all $n\geq 2$ FAs, n=2 being the standard Lie algebra case. When the n-bracket of the FAs is no longer required to be fully skewsymmetric one is led to the n-Leibniz (or Loday's) algebra structure. Using that FAs are a particular case of n-Leibniz algebras, those with an anticommutative n-bracket, we study the class of n-Leibniz deformations of simple FAs that retain the skewsymmetry for the first n-1 entires of the n-Leibniz bracket., Comment: 11 pages

We study the problem of the infinitesimal deformations of all real, simple, finite-dimensional Filippov (or n-Lie) algebras, considered as a class of n-Leibniz algebras characterized by having an n-bracket skewsymmetric in its n-1 first arguments. We prove that all n>3 simple finite-dimensional Filippov algebras are rigid as n-Leibniz algebras of this class. This rigidity also holds for the Leibniz deformations of the semisimple n=2 Filippov (i.e., Lie) algebras. The n=3 simple FAs, however, admit a non-trivial one-parameter infinitesimal 3-Leibniz algebra deformation. We also show that the $n\geq 3$ simple Filippov algebras do not admit non-trivial central extensions as n-Leibniz algebras of the above class., Comment: 19 pages, 30 refs., no figures. Some text rearrangements for better clarity, misprints corrected. To appear in J. Math. Phys

We introduce in this paper the contractions $\mathfrak{G}_c$ of $n$-Lie (or Filippov) algebras $\mathfrak{G}$ and show that they have a semidirect structure as their $n=2$ Lie algebra counterparts. As an example, we compute the non-trivial contractions of the simple $A_{n+1}$ Filippov algebras. By using the \.In\"on\"u-Wigner and the generalized Weimar-Woods contractions of ordinary Lie algebras, we compare (in the $\mathfrak{G}=A_{n+1}$ simple case) the Lie algebras Lie$\,\mathfrak{G}_c$ (the Lie algebra of inner endomorphisms of $\mathfrak{G}_c$) with certain contractions $(\mathrm{Lie}\,\mathfrak{G})_{IW}$ and $(\mathrm{Lie}\,\mathfrak{G})_{W-W}$ of the Lie algebra Lie$\,\mathfrak{G}$ associated with $\mathfrak{G}$., Comment: plain latex, 36 pages. A few misprints corrected. This v3 is actually v2 (v1 had been replaced by itself by error). To appear in J. Math. Phys

We consider the non-relativistic c -> \infty contraction limit of the (N=2k)- extended D=4 superconformal algebra su(2,2;N), introducing in this way the non-relativistic (N=2k)-extended Galilean superconformal algebra. Such a Galilean superconformal algebra has the same number of generators as su(2,2|2k). The usp(2k) algebra describes the non-relativistic internal symmetries, and the generators from the coset u(2k)/usp(2k) become central charges after contraction., Comment: 15 pages; v3:2 reference added, misprints corrected. Version to appear in PLB

We consider a D=4 two-twistor lagrangian for a massive particle that incorporates the mass-shell condition in an algebraic way, and extend it to a two-supertwistor model with N=2 supersymmetry and central charge identified with the mass. In the purely supertwistorial picture the two D=4 supertwistors are coupled through a Wess-Zumino term in their fermionic sector. We demonstrate how the kappa-gauge symmetry appears in the purely supertwistorial formulation and reduces by half the fermionic degrees of freedom of the two supertwistors; a formulation of the model in terms of kappa-invariant degrees of freedom is also obtained. We show that the kappa-invariant supertwistor coordinates can be obtained by dimensional (D=6 -> D=4) reduction from a D=6 supertwistor. We derive as well by 6 -> 4 reduction the N=2, D=4 massive superparticle model with Wess-Zumino term introduced in 1982. Finally, we comment on general superparticle models constructed with more than two supertwistors., Comment: Shorter version, to appear in JHEP, with emphasis on the D=6 quaternionic structure

After reviewing the three well-known methods to obtain Lie algebras and superalgebras from given ones, namely, contractions, deformations and extensions, we describe a fourth method recently introduced, the expansion of Lie (super)algebras. Expanded (super)algebras have, in general, larger dimensions than the original algebra, but also include the Inonu-Wigner and generalized IW contractions as a particular case. As an example of a physical application of expansions, we discuss the relation between the possible underlying gauge symmetry of eleven-dimensional supergravity and the superalgebra osp(1|32)., Comment: Invited lecture delivered at the 'Deformations and Contractions in Mathematics and Physics Workshop', 15-21 January 2006, Mathematisches Forschungsinstitut Oberwolfach, Germany

After introducing the notion of BPS preons as the basic constituents of M-theory, we discuss the recent negative results in the search for solutions of the D=10 and D=11 supergravity equations preserving 31/32 supersymmetries i.e., of preonic solutions. The absence of these supergravity preonic solutions may point out to a pure quantum nature of BPS preons, manifesting itself in the need of incorporating quantum (stringy/M-theoretic) corrections to the supergravity equations., Comment: plain latex, 10 pages. Talk delivered at the Workshop of the RTN network "Constituents, fundamental forces and Symmetries of the Universe", Napoli October 9-13, 2006

The structure and the dynamics of massless higher spin fields in various dimensions are reviewed with an emphasis on conformally invariant higher spin fields. We show that in D=3,4,6 and 10 dimensional space-time the conformal higher spin fields constitute the quantum spectrum of a twistor-like particle propagating in tensorial spaces of corresponding dimensions. We give a detailed analysis of the field equations of the model and establish their relation with known formulations of free higher spin field theory., Comment: JHEP3 style, 40 pages; v2 typos corrected, comments and references added; v3 published version

It is known that, for zero fermionic sector, the bosonic equations of Cremmer-Julia-Scherk eleven-dimensional supergravity can be collected in a compact expression which is a condition on the curvature of the generalized connection. Here we peresent the equation which collects all the bosonic equations of D=11 supergravity when the gravitino is nonvanishing., Comment: 8 pages, plain latex. A few numerical factors corrected. To appear in Phys. Lett. B

The underlying gauge group structure of D=11 supergravity is revisited (see paper for detailed abstract)., Comment: 16 pages, no figures

After briefly reviewing the methods that allow us to derive consistently new Lie (super)algebras from given ones, we consider enlarged superspaces and superalgebras, their relevance and some possible applications., Comment: 9 pages. Invited talk delivered at the EU RTN Workshop, Copenhagen, Sep. 15-19 and at the Argonne Workshop on Branes and Generalized Dynamics, Oct. 20-24, 2003. Only change: wrong number of a reference corrected

We develop the BPS preon conjecture to analyze the supersymmetric solutions of D=11 supergravity. By relating the notions of Killing spinors and BPS preons, we develop a moving G-frame method (G=GL(32,R), SL(32,R) or Sp(32,R)) to analyze their associated generalized holonomies. As a first application we derive here the equations determining the generalized holonomies of k/32 supersymmetric solutions and, in particular, those solving the necessary conditions for the existence of BPS preonic (31/32) solutions of the standard D=11 supergravity. We also show that there exist elementary preonic solutions, i.e. solutions preserving 31 out of 32 supersymmetries in a Chern--Simons type supergravity. We present as well a family of worldvolume actions describing the motion of pointlike and extended BPS preons in the background of a D'Auria-Fre type OSp(1|32)-related supergravity model. We discuss the possible implications for M-theory., Comment: 11 pages, RevTeX Typos corrected, a short note and references added

A supersymmetric string model in the D=11 superspace maximally extended by antisymmetric tensor bosonic coordinates, $\Sigma^{(528|32)}$, is proposed. It possesses 30 $\kappa$-symmetries and 32 target space supersymmetries. The usual preserved supersymmetry-$\kappa$-symmetry correspondence suggests that it describes the excitations of a BPS state preserving all but two supersymmetries. The model can also be formulated in any $\Sigma^{({n(n+1)\over 2}|n)}$ superspace, n=32 corresponding to D=11. It may also be treated as a `higher--spin generalization' of the usual Green--Schwarz superstring. Although the global symmetry of the model is a generalization of the super--Poincar\'e group, ${\Sigma}^{({n(n+1)\over 2}|n)}\times\supset Sp(n)$, it may be formulated in terms of constrained OSp(2n|1) orthosymplectic supertwistors. We work out this supertwistor realization and its Hamiltonian dynamics. We also give the supersymmetric p-brane generalization of the model. In particular, the $\Sigma^{(528|32)}$ supersymmetric membrane model describes excitations of a 30/32 BPS state, as the $\Sigma^{(528|32)}$ supersymmetric string does, while the supersymmetric 3-brane and 5-brane correspond, respectively, to 28/32 and 24/32 BPS states., Comment: 23 pages, RevTex4. V2: minor corrections in title and terminology, some references and comments added

We present here a cohomological analysis of the new spacetime superalgebras that arise in the context of superbrane theory. They lead to enlarged superspaces that allow us to write D-brane actions in terms of fields associated with the additional superspace variables. This suggests that there is an extended superspace/worldvolume fields democracy for superbranes., Comment: 12 pages, LATEX. Invited lecture delivered at the XXXVII Karpacz Winter School on "New Developments in Fundamental Interaction Theories" (6-15 February, 2001, Karpacz, Poland). To be published in the Proceedings

We discuss the appearance of additional, hidden supersymmetries for simple 0+1 $Ad(G)$-invariant supersymmetric models and analyse some geometrical mechanisms that lead to them. It is shown that their existence depends crucially on the availability of odd order invariant skewsymmetric tensors on the (generic) compact Lie algebra $\cal G$, and hence on the cohomology properties of the Lie algebra considered., Comment: Misprints corrected, two refs. added. To appear in NPB

This paper attempts to provide a comprehensive compilation of results, many new here, involving the invariant totally antisymmetric tensors (Omega tensors) which define the Lie algebra cohomology cocycles of $su(n)$, and that play an essential role in the optimal definition of Racah-Casimir operators of $su(n)$. Since the Omega tensors occur naturally within the algebra of totally antisymmetrised products of $\lambda$-matrices of $su(n)$, relations within this algebra are studied in detail, and then employed to provide a powerful means of deriving important Omega tensor/cocycle identities. The results include formulas for the squares of all the Omega tensors of $su(n)$. Various key derivations are given to illustrate the methods employed., Comment: Latex file (run thrice). Misprints corrected, Refs. updated. Published in IJMPA 16, 1377-1405 (2001)

This paper deals with the striking fact that there is an essentially canonical path from the $i$-th Lie algebra cohomology cocycle, $i=1,2,... l$, of a simple compact Lie algebra $\g$ of rank $l$ to the definition of its primitive Casimir operators $C^{(i)}$ of order $m_i$. Thus one obtains a complete set of Racah-Casimir operators $C^{(i)}$ for each $\g$ and nothing else. The paper then goes on to develop a general formula for the eigenvalue $c^{(i)}$ of each $C^{(i)}$ valid for any representation of $\g$, and thereby to relate $c^{(i)}$ to a suitably defined generalised Dynkin index. The form of the formula for $c^{(i)}$ for $su(n)$ is known sufficiently explicitly to make clear some interesting and important features. For the purposes of illustration, detailed results are displayed for some classes of representation of $su(n)$, including all the fundamental ones and the adjoint representation., Comment: Latex, 16 pages

We study the representation ${\cal D}$ of a simple compact Lie algebra $\g$ of rank l constructed with the aid of the hermitian Dirac matrices of a (${\rm dim} \g$)-dimensional euclidean space. The irreducible representations of $\g$ contained in ${\cal D}$ are found by providing a general construction on suitable fermionic Fock spaces. We give full details not only for the simplest odd and even cases, namely su(2) and su(3), but also for the next (${dim} \g$)-even case of su(5). Our results are far reaching: they apply to any $\g$-invariant quantum mechanical system containing ${\rm dim} \g$ fermions. Another reason for undertaking this study is to examine the role of the $\g$-invariant fermionic operators that naturally arise. These are given in terms of products of an odd number of gamma matrices, and include, besides a cubic operator, (l-1) fermionic scalars of higher order. The latter are constructed from the Lie algebra cohomology cocycles, and must be considered to be of theoretical significance similar to the cubic operator. In the (${\rm dim} \g$)-even case, the product of all l operators turns out to be the chirality operator $\gamma_q, q=({{\rm dim} \g+1})$., Comment: Plain latex file, 17 p

We argue that a description of supersymmetric extended objects from a unified geometric point of view requires an enlargement of superspace. To this aim we study in a systematic way how superspace groups and algebras arise from Grassmann spinors when these are assumed to be the only primary entities. In the process, we recover generalized spacetime superalgebras and extensions of supersymmetry found earlier. The enlargement of ordinary superspace with new parameters gives rise to extended superspace groups, on which manifestly supersymmetric actions may be constructed for various types of p-branes, including D-branes (given by Chevalley-Eilenberg cocycles) with their Born-Infeld fields. This results in a field/extended superspace democracy for superbranes: all brane fields appear as pull-backs from a suitable target superspace. Our approach also clarifies some facts concerning the origin of the central charges for the different p-branes., Comment: Latex file, 31 pgs. Version to appear in NPB

The OSp(2|2)-invariant planar dynamics of a D=4 superparticle near the horizon of a large mass extreme black hole is described by an N=2 superconformal mechanics, with the SO(2) charge being the superparticle's angular momentum. The {\it non-manifest} superconformal invariance of the superpotential term is shown to lead to a shift in the SO(2) charge by the value of its coefficient, which we identify as the orbital angular momentum. The full SU(1,1|2)-invariant dynamics is found from an extension to N=4 superconformal mechanics., Comment: 19 pages, plain latex file. Slightly shortened version, two references added

After defining cohomologically higher order BRST and anti-BRST operators for a compact simple algebra {\cal G}, the associated higher order Laplacians are introduced and the corresponding supersymmetry algebra $\Sigma$ is analysed. These operators act on the states generated by a set of fermionic ghost fields transforming under the adjoint representation. In contrast with the standard case, for which the Laplacian is given by the quadratic Casimir, the higher order Laplacians $W$ are not in general given completely in terms of the Casimir-Racah operators, and may involve the ghost number operator. The higher order version of the Hodge decomposition is exhibited. The example of su(3) is worked out in detail, including the expression of its higher order Laplacian W., Comment: 31 pages, two figures, latex2e file. Replacement (May 14, 1999): a comment and references added. To appear in JMP

After a self-contained introduction to Lie algebra cohomology, we present some recent applications in mathematics and in physics. Contents: 1. Preliminaries: L_X, i_X, d 2. Elementary differential geometry on Lie groups 3. Lie algebra cohomology: a brief introduction 4. Symmetric polynomials and higher order cocycles 5. Higher order simple and SH Lie algebras 6. Higher order generalized Poisson structures 7. Relative cohomology, coset spaces and effective WZW actions, Comment: 28 pages; latex2e file. To appear in the Proceedings of the VI Fall Workshop on Geometry and physics (Salamanca, September 1997)

The problem of gauging a closed form is considered. When the target manifold is a simple Lie group G, it is seen that there is no obstruction to the gauging of a subgroup H\subset G if we may construct from the form a cocycle for the relative Lie algebra cohomology (or for the equivariant cohomology), and an explicit general expression for these cocycles is given. The common geometrical structure of the gauged closed forms and the D'Hoker and Weinberg effective actions of WZW type, as well as the obstructions for their existence, is also exhibited and explained., Comment: Some changes. 23 pages; latex2e file. To appear in Nucl. Phys. B

The explicit expression of all the WZW effective actions for a simple group G broken down to a subgroup H is established in a simple and direct way, and the formal similarity of these actions to the Chern-Simons forms is explained. Applications are also discussed., Comment: 11 pages. Latex2e file. Published version

The forms of the invariant primitive tensors for the simple Lie algebras A_l, B_l, C_l and D_l are investigated. A new family of symmetric invariant tensors is introduced using the non-trivial cocycles for the Lie algebra cohomology. For the A_l algebra it is explicitly shown that the generic forms of these tensors become zero except for the l primitive ones and that they give rise to the l primitive Casimir operators. Some recurrence and duality relations are given for the Lie algebra cocycles. Tables for the 3- and 5-cocycles for su(3) and su(4) are also provided. Finally, new relations involving the d and f su(n) tensors are given., Comment: Latex file. 34 pages. (Trivial) misprints corrected. To appear in Nucl. Phys. B

The characterization of the Nambu-Poisson n-tensors as a subfamily of the Generalized-Poisson ones recently introduced (and here extended to the odd order case) is discussed. The homology and cohomology complexes of both structures are compared, and some physical considerations are made., Comment: Latex file. 12 pages. Trivial changes, a misprint (subindices) corrected. To appear in J. Phys. A (letters)

We analyze the h-deformations of the Lorentz group and their associated spacetimes. We prove that they have a twisted character and give explicitly the twisting matrices. After studying the representations of one of the deformed spacetime algebras, we discuss the Klein-Gordon operator. It is found that the h-deformed d'Alembertian has plane wave solutions of the same form as the standard ones. We also give explicit expressions for the h-gamma matrices defining the associated Dirac equations., Comment: 22 pages, plain-LaTex file

The super or Z_2-graded Schouten-Nijenhuis bracket is introduced. Using it, new generalized super-Poisson structures are found which are given in terms of certain graded-skew-symmetric contravariant tensors \Lambda of even order. The corresponding super `Jacobi identities' are expressed by stating that these tensors have zero super Schouten-Nijenhuis bracket with themselves [\Lambda,\Lambda]=0. As a particular case, we provide the linear generalized super-Poisson structures which can be constructed on the dual spaces of simple superalgebras with a non-degenerate Killing metric. The su(3,1) superalgebra is given as a generic example., Comment: Latex/RevTeX file. 25 pages. Minor corrections and references added. To appear in J. Math. Phys

A family of deformed Hopf algebras corresponding to the classical maximal isometry algebras of zero-curvature N-dimensional spaces (the inhomogeneous algebras iso(p,q), p+q=N, as well as some of their contractions) are shown to have a bicrossproduct structure. This is done for both the algebra and, in a low-dimensional example, for the (dual) group aspects of the deformation., Comment: LaTeX file, 20 pages. Trivial changes. To appear in J. Phys. A

We determine the central extensions of a whole family of Lie algebras, obtained by the method of graded contractions from so(N+1), N arbitrary. All the inhomogeneous orthogonal and pseudo-orthogonal algebras are members of this family, as well as a large number of other non-semisimple algebras, all of which have at least a semidirect structure (in some cases two or more). The dimensions of their second cohomology groups H^2(G,R) and the explicit expression of their central extensions are given., Comment: Latex file. 32 pages. Minor changes. To appear in J. Phys. A

We introduce higher-order (or multibracket) simple Lie algebras that generalize the ordinary Lie algebras. Their `structure constants' are given by Lie algebra cohomology cocycles which, by virtue of being such, satisfy a suitable generalization of the Jacobi identity. Finally, we introduce a nilpotent, complete BRST operator associated with the l multibracket algebras which are based on a given simple Lie algebra of rank l., Comment: Latex file; 5 pages. Some latex problems solved. Talk given at the XXI International Colloquium on Group Theoretical Methods in Physics. July 1996, Goslar, Germany. To appear in the Proceedings

New generalized Poisson structures are introduced by using skew-symmetric contravariant tensors of even order. The corresponding `Jacobi identities' are given by the vanishing of the Schouten-Nijenhuis bracket. As an example, we provide the linear generalized Poisson structures which can be constructed on the dual spaces of simple Lie algebras., Comment: Latex file; 5 pages. Some latex problems solved. Talk given at the XXI International Colloquium on Group Theoretical Methods in Physics. July 1996, Goslar, Germany. To appear in the Proceedings

A deformed $q$-calculus is developed on the basis of an algebraic structure involving graded brackets. A number operator and left and right shift operators are constructed for this algebra, and the whole structure is related to the algebra of a $q$-deformed boson. The limit of this algebra when $q$ is a $n$-th root of unity is also studied in detail. By means of a chain rule expansion, the left and right derivatives are identified with the charge $Q$ and covariant derivative $D$ encountered in ordinary/fractional supersymmetry and this leads to new results for these operators. A generalized Berezin integral and fractional superspace measure arise as a natural part of our formalism. When $q$ is a root of unity the algebra is found to have a non-trivial Hopf structure, extending that associated with the anyonic line. One-dimensional ordinary/fractional superspace is identified with the braided line when $q$ is a root of unity, so that one-dimensional ordinary/fractional supersymmetry can be viewed as invariance under translation along this line. In our construction of fractional supersymmetry the $q$-deformed bosons play a role exactly analogous to that of the fermions in the familiar supersymmetric case., Comment: 42 pages, LaTeX. To appear in Int. J. Mod. Phys. A

The $q$-calculus for generic $q$ is developed and related to the deformed oscillator of parameter $q^{1/2}$. By passing with care to the limit in which $q$ is a root of unity, one uncovers the full algebraic structure of ${{\cal Z}}_n$-graded fractional supersymmetry and its natural representation., Comment: 8 pages, LaTeX, submitted to Proceedings of the 5th Colloquium `Quantum groups and integrable systems', Prague, June 1996 (to appear in Czech. J. Phys.)

It is shown that fractional $Z_3$-superspace is isomorphic to the $q\to\exp(2\pi i/3)$ limit of the braided line. $Z_3$-supersymmetry is identified as translational invariance along this line. The fractional translation generator and its associated covariant derivative emerge as the $q\to\exp(2\pi i/3)$ limits of the left and right derivatives from the calculus on the braided line, Comment: 8 pages, LaTeX, submitted to Proceedings of the 5th Colloquium `Quantum groups and integrable systems', Prague, June 1996 (to appear in Czech. J. Phys.)

We show that one-dimensional superspace is isomorphic to a non-trivial but consistent limit as $q\to-1$ of the braided line. Supersymmetry is identified as translational invariance along this line. The supertranslation generator and covariant derivative are obtained in the limit in question as the left and right derivatives of the calculus on the braided line., Comment: LateX file. 10 pages. To appear in Phys. Lett. B

It is shown that the non-trivial cocycles on simple Lie algebras may be used to introduce antisymmetric multibrackets which lead to higher-order Lie algebras, the definition of which is given. Their generalised Jacobi identities turn out to be satisfied by the antisymmetric tensors (or higher-order `structure constants') which characterise the Lie algebra cocycles. This analysis allows us to present a classification of the higher-order simple Lie algebras as well as a constructive procedure for them. Our results are synthesised by the introduction of a single, complete BRST operator associated with each simple algebra., Comment: 20 pages. Plain latex file. Minor changes. To appear in Commun. Math. Phys

Newly introduced generalized Poisson structures based on suitable skew-symmetric contravariant tensors of even order are discussed in terms of the Schouten-Nijenhuis bracket. The associated `Jacobi identities' are expressed as conditions on these tensors, the cohomological contents of which is given. In particular, we determine the linear generalized Poisson structures which can be constructed on the dual spaces of simple Lie algebras., Comment: 29 pages. Plain TeX. Phyzzx needed. An example and some references added. To appear in J. Phys. A

The differential calculus on `non-standard' $h$-Minkowski spaces is given. In particular it is shown that, for them, it is possible to introduce coordinates and derivatives which are simultaneously hermitian., Comment: One obvious but annoying erratum corrected. To appear in the Proc. of the Banach Quantum Groups Conference, (Warsaw, 1995)

The $\hat\kappa$-deformed extended Galilei Hopf group algebra, ${\rm Fun}_{\hat\kappa}(\tilde G_{(m)})$, is introduced. It provides an example of a cocycle bicrossproduct structure, and is shown to be the contraction limit of a pseudoextension of the $\kappa$-Poincar\'e group algebra. The possibility of obtaining another deformed extended Galilei groups is discussed, including one obtained from a non-standard Poincar\'e deformation., Comment: TeX file. 16 pages. Phyzzx.tex is needed. Two sentences added. To appear in J. Phys A

We re-examine all the contractions related with the ${\cal U}_q(su(2))$ deformed algebra and study the consequences that the contraction process has for their structure. We also show using ${\cal U}_q(su(2))\times{\cal U}(u(1))$ as an example that, as in the undeformed case, the contraction may generate Hopf algebra cohomology. We shall show that most of the different Hopf algebra deformations obtained have a bicrossproduct or a cocycle bicrossproduct structure, for which we shall also give their dual `group' versions. The bicovariant differential calculi on the deformed spaces associated with the contracted algebras and the requirements for their existence are examined as well., Comment: TeX file, 25 pages. Macros are included

New generalized Poisson structures are introduced by using suitable skew-symmetric contravariant tensors of even order. The corresponding `Jacobi identities' are provided by conditions on these tensors, which may be understood as cocycle conditions. As an example, we provide the linear generalized Poisson structures which can be constructed on the dual spaces of simple Lie algebras., Comment: TeX file, 13 pages. PHYZZX.TEX is needed

Using general but simple covariance arguments, we classify the `quantum' Minkowski spaces for dimensionless deformation parameters. This requires a previous analysis of the associated Lorentz groups, which reproduces a previous classification by Woronowicz and Zakrzewski. As a consequence of the unified analysis presented, we give the commutation properties, the deformed (and central) length element and the metric tensor for the different spacetime algebras., Comment: Some comments/misprints have been added/corrected, to appear in Journal of Physics A (1996)

The deformations of the Galilei algebra and their associated noncommutative Newtonian spacetimes are investigated. This is done by analyzing the possible nonrelativistic limits of an eleven generator (pseudo)extended \kap-Poincar\'e algebra $\tilde{\cal P}_\kappa$ and their implications for the existence of a first order differential calculus. The additional one-form needed to achieve a consistent calculus on \kap-Minkowski space is shown to be related to the additional central generator entering in the $\tilde{\cal P}_\kappa$ Hopf algebra. In the process, deformations of the extended Galilei and Galilei algebras are introduced which have, respectively, a cocycle and a bicrossproduct structure., Comment: Slightly shortened version with small changes to adapt the paper to JMP style