Let $R$ be an $n!$-torsion free semiprime ring with involution $*$ and with extended centroid $C$, where $n\,>\,1$ is a positive integer. We characterize $a\,\in \,K$, the Lie algebra of skew elements in $R$, satisfying ${{(\text{a}{{\text{d}}_{a}})}^{n}}\,=\,0$ on $K$. This generalizes both Martindale and Miers’ theorem and the theorem of Brox et al. In order to prove it we first prove that if $a,\,b\,\in \,R$ satisfy ${{(\text{a}{{\text{d}}_{a}})}^{n}}\,=\,\text{a}{{\text{d}}_{b}}$ on $R$, where either $n$ is even or $b\,=\,0$, then ${{(a\,-\,\lambda )}^{[(n+1)/2]}}\,=\,0$ for some $\lambda \,\in \,C$.

Aggregation functions are widely used in answer set programming for representing and reasoning on knowledge involving sets of objects collectively. Current implementations simplify the structure of programs in order to optimize the overall performance. In particular, aggregates are rewritten into simpler forms known as monotone aggregates. Since the evaluation of normal programs with monotone aggregates is in general on a lower complexity level than the evaluation of normal programs with arbitrary aggregates, any faithful translation function must introduce disjunction in rule heads in some cases. However, no function of this kind is known. The paper closes this gap by introducing a polynomial, faithful, and modular translation for rewriting common aggregation functions into the simpler form accepted by current solvers. A prototype system allows for experimenting with arbitrary recursive aggregates, which are also supported in the recent version 4.5 of the grounder gringo, using the methods presented in this paper.