Non-normal affine monoid algebras (Q487166)

Let \(Q\) be an affine monoid, i.e., a finitely generated submonoid of a free abelian group \(\mathbb Z^N\) for some \(N\in\mathbb N\). Recall that the monoid \(\overline Q:=\mathbb Z Q\cap \mathbb R_+Q\) is called the normalization of \(Q\). The author gives a geometric description of the set of holes in \(\overline Q\setminus Q\). From the convex geometric viewpoint, his description seems to be more natural than the one in [\textit{W. Bruns} and \textit{J. Gubeladze}, Polytopes, rings, and K-theory. New York, NY: Springer (2009; Zbl 1168.13001)]. The author also relates some properties of the monoid algebra \(\mathbb K[\mathbb Q]\) with the geometry of the holes.