Are locally finite MV-algebras a variety? (Q2664587)

On page 235 of [Advanced Łukasiewicz calculus and MV-algebras. Berlin: Springer (2011; Zbl 1235.03002)], \textit{D. Mundici} points out that the class of locally finite MV-algebras is closed under the formation of homomorphic images and subalgebras. He also notes that this class, when viewed as a category, has products. He then asks (in Problem 3) whether this class is an equationally definable class. (Is it a variety?) The question is answered in both negative and positive senses in the paper under review. The main results are: \begin{itemize} \item[(1)] The category of locally finite MV-algebras is not equivalent to any finitary variety. \item[(2)] The category of locally finite MV-algebras is not equivalent to any finitely-sorted finitary quasivariety. \item[(3)] The category of locally finite MV-algebras is equivalent to an infinitary variety with operations of at most countable arity. \item[(4)] The category of locally finite MV-algebras is equivalent to a countably-sorted finitary variety. \end{itemize} These results are established by working in the dual category of multisets. This duality is developed in the paper by \textit{R. Cignoli} et al. [J. Pure Appl. Algebra 189, No. 1--3, 37--59 (2004; Zbl 1055.06004)].