Left-symmetric algebras, or pre-Lie algebras in geometry and physics

In this survey article we discuss the origin, theory and applications of left-symmetric algebras (LSAs in short) in geometry in physics. Recently Connes, Kreimer and Kontsevich have introduced LSAs in mathematical physics (QFT and renormalization theory), where the name pre-Lie algebras is used quite often. Already Cayley wrote about such algebras more than hundred years ago. Indeed, LSAs arise in many different areas of mathematics and physics. We attempt to give a survey of the fields where LSAs play an important role. Furthermore we study the algebraic theory of LSAs such as structure theory, radical theory, cohomology theory and the classification of simple LSAs. We also discuss applications to faithful Lie algebra representations.Comment: 28 pages, 3 figure

Towards an ASM thesis for reflective sequential algorithms

Starting from Gurevich's thesis for sequential algorithms (the so-called "sequential ASM thesis"), we propose a characterization of the behaviour of sequential algorithms enriched with reflection. That is, we present a set of postulates which we conjecture capture the fundamental properties of reflective sequential algorithms (RSAs). Then we look at the plausibility of an ASM thesis for the class of RSAs, defining a model of abstract state machine (which we call reflective ASM) that we conjecture captures the class of RSAs as defined by our postulates

On Cellular Algebras with Jucys Murphy Elements

We study analogues of Jucys-Murphy elements in cellular algebras arising from repeated Jones basic constructions. Examples include Brauer and BMW algebras and their cyclotomic analogues.Comment: Improved and reorganized exposition. Some new result