Strong-Q-sequences and small \(\mathfrak d\) (Q444722)

The Katowice problem, a classic problem in the theory of Boolean algebras (and in general topology), asks whether the quotient algebras \(\mathcal{P}(\omega_0)/\mathrm{fin}\) and~\(\mathcal{P}(\omega_1)/\mathrm{fin}\) are homeomorphic (whether the Čech-Stone remainders \(\beta\omega_0\setminus\omega_0\) and~\(\beta\omega_1\setminus\omega_1\) are homeomorphic). The continuum hypothesis clearly implies a negative answer but it is not known whether a positive answer is consistent. Known consequences of a positive answer are: \(2^{\aleph_0}=2^{\aleph_1}\), \(\mathfrak{d}=\aleph_1\) and the existence of a strong Q-sequence (an almost disjoint family \(\{A_\alpha:\alpha\in\omega_1\}\) of subsets of~\(\omega\) with the property that for every choice \(x_\alpha\subseteq A_\alpha\) of subsets there is a subset~\(x\) of~\(\omega\) such that \(x\cap A_\alpha=^*x_\alpha\) for all~\(\alpha\)). The author shows that the conjunction of these consequences is consistent, so that these do not suffice to settle the problem negatively.