negative small space

[gimsieke]

I just noticed

<char>
    <typeface>24</typeface>
    <mt_code_value>0xEF01</mt_code_value>
    <options>0</options>
    <variation>mathmode</variation>
 </char>

that is converted into <mtext>​</mtext> (that is, U+200B). From looking at the equation in MathType, I think it should be a small negative skip, as in TeX’s \!.
Example (le-tex internal): http://svn.le-tex.de/svn/ltxbase/Difftestdata/docx2hub/normen/0100354.docx, equation (21), OLE object 20 on page 42 (physical page 48), between V and a0.

[sbulka]

I agree, \! should be used in tex.
In MathML, using Unicode characters I don't see a better replacement than the current.
IMO the visible negative skip should be done by a renderer if needed.
Testing in Firefox, there is no visible difference with or without U+200B in this formula.

Following the Name/Description in encoding Table, it is 'ZERO SPACE', so U+200B should be just that. (http://www.dessci.com/en/support/mathtype/tech/encodings/mtc_nonmark.htm)

Formula:

<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="block">
 <msub>
  <mi mathsize="108%">q</mi>
  <mrow>
   <mi mathvariant="normal" font-family="Arial">V</mi>
   <mtext>​</mtext>
   <mi font-family="Arial" mathvariant="normal">a</mi>
  </mrow>
 </msub>
 <msub>
  <mi mathsize="108%">q</mi>
  <mrow>
   <mi mathvariant="normal" font-family="Arial">V</mi>
   <mi font-family="Arial" mathvariant="normal">a</mi>
  </mrow>
 </msub>
</math>