G-invariant quadratic forms.
We investigate gradings on tame blocks of group algebras whose defect groups are dihedral. For this subfamily of tame blocks we classify gradings up to graded Morita equivalence, we transfer gradings via derived equivalences, and we check the existence, positivity and tightness of gradings. We classify gradings by computing the group of outer automorphisms that fix the isomorphism classes of simple modules.
Given a field K of characteristic p > 2 and a finite group G, necessary and sufficient conditions for the unit group U(KG) of the group algebra KG to be centrally metabelian are obtained. It is observed that U(KG) is centrally metabelian if and only if KG is Lie centrally metabelian.
Given an origami (square-tiled surface) with automorphism group , we compute the decomposition of the first homology group of into isotypic -submodules. Through the action of the affine group of on the homology group, we deduce some consequences for the multiplicities of the Lyapunov exponents of the Kontsevich-Zorich cocycle. We also construct and study several families of interesting origamis illustrating our results.