Even covers for left ample semigroups. (Q2373414)

A semigroup \(S\) is left ample if every class \(R_a^*\) of the `potential' \(\mathcal R\)-relation contains a unique idempotent, denoted \(a^+\); the set \(E_S\) of idempotents of \(S\) forms a semilattice; and for all \(a\in S\) and \(e\in E_S\), \(ae=(ae)^+a\). Left ample semigroups may be regarded as \((2,1)\)-algebras. \textit{D. B. McAlister} and \textit{N. R. Reilly} [Pac. J. Math. 68, 161-174 (1977; Zbl 0368.20043)] showed that every \(E\)-unitary cover of an inverse semigroup (over a given group) arises from a strict embedding into a factorizable inverse monoid. \textit{A. El Qallali} and \textit{J. Fountain} [Semigroup Forum 71, No. 3, 411-427 (2005; Zbl 1106.20044)] generalized this result by showing that every left ample semigroup (over a given right cancellative monoid) has a proper cover that arises from a strict \((2,1)\)-embedding into a left factorizable left ample monoid. Here the terms ``proper'', ``strict'' and ``left factorizable'' generalize the corresponding terms for inverse semigroups. The main purpose of the paper under review is to determine precisely which covers arise in this fashion. They are the ``even'' ones (defined in terms of a somewhat technical property of the associated relational morphism).