On the finite basis problem for the variety generated by all \(n\)-element semigroups. (Q2351505)

This paper answers a long-standing open question on the finite basis property for semigroup varieties by proving that the variety \(\mathbf{S_4}\) generated by all semigroups of order four is finitely based. In fact, the authors provide an explicit basis for the identities of the variety, albeit one that is too lengthy to reproduce in this review. To put the result in context, \textit{M. V. Volkov} [Math. Notes 45, No. 3, 187-194 (1989); translation from Mat. Zametki 45, No. 3, 12-23 (1989; Zbl 0692.20048)] proved that for \(n\geq 5\), the corresponding varieties \(\mathbf{S_n}\) are nonfinitely based (even though all semigroups of order five are individually finitely based); while for \(n\leq 3\), they are finitely based. Related results are also summarized in the article.