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The Einstein–Maxwell-dilaton field equations are considered for four-dimensional Bianchi type-V and VI₀ models. The general solutions are obtained and their properties are discussed.

By following the general guiding principle that nothing should be prescribed or imposed on the universal entity, spacetime, we establish that it is the homogeneity (by which we mean homogeneity and isotropy of space and homogeneity of time) that requires not only a universally constant invariant velocity but also an invariant length given by its constant curvature, Λ and spacetime is completely free of dynamics. Thus c and Λ are the only two true constants of the spacetime structure and no other physical constant could claim this degree of fundamentalness. When matter is introduced, the spacetime becomes inhomogeneous and dynamic, and its curvature then determines by the Bianchi differential identity, the equation of motion for the Einstein gravity. The homogeneity thus demands that the natural state of free spacetime is of constant curvature and the cosmological constant thus emerges as a clear prediction which seems to be borne out by the observations of accelerating expansion of the Universe. However it has no relation to the vacuum energy and it could be envisioned that in terms of the Planck area, the Universe measures 10¹²⁰ units!

The cosmological consequences of a slow-rolling scalar field with constant kinetic term in analogy to the vertical movement of a skydiver after reaching terminal velocity are investigated. In this approach, the scalar field potential is given by a quadratic function of the field. This model provides solutions in which the universe was dominated in the past by a mixture of baryons and dark matter, is currently accelerating (as indicated by type Ia supernovae data), but will be followed by a contraction phase. The theoretical predictions of this model are consistent with current observations, therefore, a terminal scalar field is a viable candidate to dark energy.

We study a classical, noncommutative (NC), Friedmann–Robertson–Walker (FRW) cosmological model. The spatial sections may have positive, negative or zero constant curvatures. The matter content is a generic perfect fluid. The initial noncommutativity between some canonical variables is rewritten, such that, we end up with commutative variables and a NC parameter. Initially, we derive the scale factor dynamic equations for the general situation, without specifying the perfect fluid or the curvature of the spatial sections. Next, we consider two concrete situations: a radiation perfect fluid and dust. We study all possible scale factor behaviors, for both cases. We compare them with the corresponding commutative cases and one with the other. We obtain, some cases, where the NC model predicts a scale factor expansion which may describe the present expansion of our universe. Those cases are not present in the corresponding commutative models. Finally, we compare our model with another NC model, where the noncommutativity is between different canonical variables. We show that, in general, it leads to a scale factor behavior that is different from our model.

In this paper, we discuss a cosmological model for a universe with self-regulating features. We set up the theoretical framework for the model and determine the time evolution of the scale-factor $a(t)$. It is shown that such a universe repeatedly goes through alternate periods of matter and dark energy domination. The resulting dynamics oscillates about the would-be ideal time-linear or coasting path, with monotonic expansion. When compared to dynamics of the observed physical universe, the model recovers the observationally established evolutionary features of the latter, from the big bang to the current acceleration, and farther. It suggests a universe that initially emerges from a nonsingular state, associated with a non-exponential acceleration, and which acceleration it exits naturally with matter–energy generation. The model does not have a horizon problem or a flatness problem. It reproduces the observed current values of standard cosmic parameters, including the age $t_0$, the current Hubble parameter $H_0$ and dark energy ${\mathrm{\Omega }}_{\mathrm{\text{de}}}$ and matter ${\mathrm{\Omega }}_m$ density parameters. The model is falsifiable. It makes predictions that can be tested, as suggested. Finally, we discuss the dimensionless age $(H_0{t}_0\simeq 1)$ paradox as an example of the model’s ability to address standing puzzles. The findings suggest that dynamics of the physical universe may be self-regulating and predictable.