Compactness of certain bounded zero-sets in completely regular spaces (Q1767726)

All hypothesized spaces are completely regular and \(T_1\). A zero-set \(Z\) in \(X\) is a \textit{full zero-set} if cl\(_{\beta X}Z\) is a zero-set in the Stone-Čech compactification \(\beta X\) of \(X\). A zero-set \(Z\) of \(X\) is \textit{bounded} if \(f\) is bounded on \(Z\) for every continuous real-valued function \(f\) defined on \(X\). The author studies properties of full zero-sets and proves the following: Every bounded, full zero-set \(F\) in \(X\) is compact if either (i) \(X\) has a regular \(G_\delta\)-diagonal or (ii) \(X\) is a Baire space such that every open cover has a \(\sigma\)-point-finite open refinement. In case (i), \(F\) is metrizable by a theorem of Šneĭder. A proof is also given that if the Dieudonné completion \(\mu X\) of \(X\) is a paracompact \(M\)-space, then \(X\) is metrizable if either (i) holds or (iii) \(X\) is a Baire space with a \(\sigma\)-point-finite base. These results are very nice generalizations of the following theorems: [\textit{W. G. McArthur}, Pac. J. Math. 44, 613--617 (1973; Zbl 0256.54016)]: Every pseudocompact space with a regular \(G_\delta\)-diagonal is metrizable. [\textit{V. V. Uspenskii}, Commentat. Math. Univ. Carolin. 25, 261--264 (1984; Zbl 0574.54021)]: Every pseudocompact space such that every open cover has a \(\sigma\)-point-finite open refinement is compact. Every pseudocompact space with a \(\sigma\)-point-finite base is metrizable. The author also presents related results and examples. One example shows that there exists a metacompact Baire space with a \(\sigma\)-point-finite base, which has a non-compact, bounded, zero-set.