Abstract. The structure of transformation semigroups on a finite set is analyzed by introducing a hierarchy of functions mapping subsets to subsets. The resulting hierarchy of semigroups has a corresponding hierarchy of minimal ideals, or kernels. This kernel hierarchy produces a set of tools that provides direct access to computations of interest in probability limit theorems; in particular, f...

A ?semigroup is a semigroup whose lattice of congruences is a chain with respect to inclusion. Schein 9] and Tamura 11] have investigated commutative ?semigroups, Trotter 13] exponential, Nagy 4] weakly exponential and Bonzini and Cherubini Spoletini 2] nite ?semigroups. The pupose of the present paper is to investigate archimedean weakly commutative and H?commutative ?semigroups. 1 Weakly comm...