Singularities on demi-normal varieties (Q2374333)

Let \(X\) be a normal variety such that \(K_X\) is \(\mathbb Q\)-Cartier, then \(mK_X\) is Cartier for any \(m>0\) sufficiently divisible. For any resolution \(f:Y\to X\), we let \(f^* K_X =\frac 1 m f^*(mK_X)\). We may choose canonical divisors \(K_X\) and \(K_Y\) such that \(f_*K_Y=K_X\) and write \(K_Y=f^*K_X+\sum a_i E_i\). The singularities of the minimal model program are determined by the discrepancies \(a_i\). For example, we say that \(X\) is log canonical if \(a_i\geq -1\) for any \(E_i\) and any \(f:Y\to X\). In [Compos. Math. 145, No. 2, 393--414 (2009; Zbl 1179.14003)], \textit{T. de Fernex} and \textit{C. D. Hacon} generalized the definition of singularities of the minimal model program to the case when \(K_X\) is not \(\mathbb Q\)-Cartier. The key result is to show the existence of \textit{\(m\)-compatible boundaries} \(\Delta\) for which \(K_X+\Delta \) is \(\mathbb Q\)-Cartier measuring the singularities of \(K_X\). In the paper under review, the author extends the main result of [loc. cit.] to the case of demi-normal varieties. Recall that demi-normal varieties are semi-normal varieties which are \(S_2\) and Gorenstein in codimension \(1\).