Existence of states on pseudoeffect algebras (Q1404068)

Pseudoeffect algebras have been introduced as a noncommutative generalization of effect algebras. Thus they generalize (pseudo) MV-algebras as well as orthoalgebras and orthomodular po-sets. The author studies pseudoeffect algebras which are po-group intervals and which are, in a certain sense, noncommutative only in the small. A typical example is given by an interval of the lexicographical product of two po-groups the first of which is Abelian. The paper presents a detailed study of pseudoeffect algebras with emphasis on the existence of states \((=\)real-valued homomorphisms). Among numerous results, the following seems to be the most important: let \(E\) be an interval pseudoeffect algebra fulfilling the Riesz decomposition property and such that the left and right complements coincide. On \(E\) we introduce a congruence relation of \textit{closeness}, \(\approx\), which for comparable elements means that their differences are infinitesimals. Further, we suppose that \(a+b\approx b+a\) (a weakening of commutativity). Then the quotient algebra induced by \(\approx\) is a nontrivial interval effect algebra. In particular, \(E\) possesses a state.