On intra-regular ordered semigroups (Q5906929)

An ordered semigroup \(S\) is intra-regular if and only if it is a semilattice of simple semigroups, equivalently, if \(S\) is a union of simple subsemigroups of \(S\) [\textit{N. Kehayopulu}, Semigroup Forum 46, 271-278 (1993; Zbl 0776.06013)]. A \(poe\)-semigroup \(S\) is a semilattice of simple semigroups if and only if it is a semilattice of simple \(poe\)-semigroups [\textit{N. Kehayopulu}, Math. Jap. 38, No. 2, 305-318 (1993; Zbl 0764.06007)]. The following problem arises: Is the decomposition of intra-regular ordered semigroups into their simple subsemigroups uniquely defined? If it is not, then under what conditions is the decomposition unique? In this short note, the authors prove that the intra-regular ordered semigroups are semilattices of simple semigroups, not uniquely in general. They are, uniquely, complete semilattices of simple semigroups.