Projective push-forwards in the Witt theory of algebraic varieties (Q1011411)

In the paper under review the author defines push-forwards along projective morphisms in the Witt theory of smooth quasi-projective varieties over a field. For a field \(k\) with characteristics different from 2, \(Sm_k\) denotes the category of smooth quasi-projective varietes, as defined by \textit{P. Balmer} [K-Theory 23, No. 1, 15--30 (2001; Zbl 0987.19002)]. For \(X \in Sm_k\) , let \(\omega_X = \bigwedge^{\dim X} \Omega_X\) be the canonical sheaf of \(X\). For a morphism \(f : Y \rightarrow X\) in \(Sm_k\), let \(\omega_f = \omega_{Y/X} = \omega_Y \otimes f^* \omega_X^{\vee}\) be the relative canonical sheaf, and for a line bundle \(L\) on \(X\) , let \(L^f = f^*L \otimes \omega_f\) be the twisted pull-back. For every equi-codimensional projective \(f : Y \rightarrow X\) in \(Sm_k\) and a line bundle \(L\) on \(X\), the author defines maps \(f_* : W^q (Y ; L^f ) \rightarrow W^{q+c} (X ; L)\), where \(c\) is the codimension of \(f\). He then proceeds to define push-forwards with support as \(f_* = f_*^{S,T}: W_S^q (Y ; L^f) \rightarrow W_T^{q+c}(X ; L)\), where \(S\) and \(T\) are closed subschemes in \(Y\) and \(X\), respectively, not necessarily smooth, satisfying \(S \subset f^{-1} (T )\). All the standard properties such as functoriality, compatibility with pull-backs in transversal squares with the change of base theorem, and compatibility with the product structure with the projection formulas are also established. The methods used in the paper are partially based on earlier work by the author [\textit{A. Nenashev}, J. Pure Appl. Algebra 211, No.~1, 203--221 (2007; Zbl 1140.11024)], where push-forwards (there called Gysin operators) in the case of a closed embedding \(i: Y \hookrightarrow X\) are defined in terms of Thom dévissage isomorphisms and deformations to the normal cone. The use of triangulated categories or the coherent Witt theory is avoided, therefore making the author's approach quite substantially different from, for example, the recent construction of push-forwards along proper morphisms of smooth varieties by \textit{B. Calmès} and \textit{J. Hornbostel} [Comment. Math. Helv. 86, No.~2, 437--468 (2011; Zbl 1226.19003)].