Hilbert coefficients and sequentially Cohen-Macaulay modules (Q1946182)

Let \((R,\mathfrak{m})\) denote a local ring with \(M\) a finitely generated \(R\)-module. In the paper [Lect. Notes Pure Appl. Math. 206, 245--264 (1999; Zbl 0942.13015)], the reviewer introduced the notions of dimension filtration and distinguished systems of parameters. This is used in order to study sequentially Cohen-Macaulay modules (in the graded case independently introduced by \textit{R. Stanley} [Combinatorics and Commutative Algebra. 2nd edition. Progress in Mathematics (Boston, Mass.). 41. Basel: Birkhäuser. (1996; Zbl 0838.13008)] as those \(R\)-modules \(M\) whose \(i\)-th quotients in the dimension filtration is either zero or Cohen-Macaulay of dimension \(i\). In the paper under review, the authors present a characterization of sequentially Cohen-Macaulay \(R\)-modules \(M\) in terms of the coefficients of the Hilbert polynomial with respect to distinguished systems of parameters in terms of arithmetic degrees. The arithmetic degree was investigated by Bayer and Mumford and systematically investigated by \textit{C. Miyazaki} and \textit{W. Vogel} [Manuscr. Math. 89, No. 4, 427--438 (1996; Zbl 0866.14002)] and \textit{W. V. Vasconcelos} [Mich. Math. J. 57, 725--743 (2008; Zbl 1234.13005)]. The authors' criterion uses equalities of Hilbert coefficients with certain arithmetic degrees. These results shead some more light on Vasconcelos Vanishing Conjecture (see, \textit{L. Ghezzi} et al., [J. Lond. Math. Soc., II. Ser. 81, No. 3, 679--695 (2010; Zbl 1200.13037)] for its statement and its solution).