Formations of orthodox semigroups (Q6145719)

A semigroup \(S\) is said to be \textit{regular} if for each \(a\in S\) there is \(b\in S\) with \(aba = a\). An \textit{orthodox semigroup} is a regular semigroup whose set of idempotents is a subsemigroup. A class of orthodox semigroups is called a \textit{bivariety} if it is closed for orthodox subsemigroups, for quotients, and for direct products. The class of all orthodox semigroups, the class of all inverse semigroups, and the class of all groups, are examples of bivarieties. In the paper under review, the authors introduce the concept of formation of orthodox semigroups, extending that of bivariety. A \textit{formation of orthodox semigroups} is a class of orthodox semigroups closed for quotients and for orthodox finitary subdirect products. Diverse classes of orthodox semigroups, associated either to classes of groups or to classes of inverse semigroups, are discussed regarding being formations or bivarieties. Further, the authors consider \textit{\(i\)-formations of orthodox semigroups}. These classes of orthodox semigroups are closed for idempotent-separating quotients and for orthodox finitary subdirect products such that each induced projection separates idempotents. In a similar way, are defined \textit{\(i\)-bivarieties}. The authors also introduce \textit{\(f\)-formations}, which are \(i\)-formations that contain all the fundamental orthodox semigroups. The nature of classes of orthodox semigroups are discussed regarding being \(i\)-formations or \(i\)-bivarieties. They also consider the product of formations of orthodox semigroups, in particular of \(R\)-unipotent semigroups. A product like the Gaschütz product known for groups is presented for \(i\)-formations. Moreover, it is proved that in the \(R\)-unipotent case the Gaschütz product respects \(f\)-formations. The paper concludes with a list of open questions.