On identities of finite involution semigroups. (Q2267781)

Zimin's word \(Z_n\) on the variables \(x_1,\dots,x_n\) is defined inductively by letting \(Z_1=x_1\) and \(Z_n=Z_{n-1}x_nZ_{n-1}\) for \(n>1\). In a preprint by \textit{K.~Auinger}, the author, and the reviewer [``Equational theories of semigroups with enriched signature'', \url{http://arxiv.org/abs/0902.1155}], it has been shown that a finite involution semigroup \(S\) is inherently nonfinitely based whenever \(S\) satisfies no nontrivial identity of the form \(Z_n=W\) with \(W\) being a involutorial word. Here the author proves that if \(S\) satisfies a nontrivial identity of the form \(Z_n=W\) and either the variety of involution semigroups generated by \(S\) does not contain the 6-element Brandt monoid \(B_2^1\) (considered as an involution semigroup subject to its natural involution) or \(W\) can be decomposed as \(Z_nW'\) for some involutorial word \(W'\), then \(S\) is not inherently nonfinitely based.