Events

Title: Deletion-contraction for a unified Laplacian and applications

Abstract:

We define a graph Laplacian with vertex weights in addition to the more classical edge weights, which unifies the combinatorial Laplacian and the normalised Laplacian.

Title: Lattice path matroids, lattice path polymatroids, and excluded minors

Abstract:

We define lattice path matroids, polymatroids, Boolean polymatroids, and lattice path polymatroids, which are a subclass of Boolean polymatroids. 

Title: Generating Short Monotone Paths in 0/1 LPs: From Circuits to Simplex

Abstract: 

Even after decades of study, it is unknown whether there exists a pivot rule for the Simplex method that always solves an LP with only a polynomial number of pivots.  This remains unknown even in the special case of 0/1 LPs - i.e., LPs defined over 0/1 polytopes - a case that includes many extensively studied problems in combinatorial optimization.

Title: The one-sided cycle shuffles in the symmetric group algebra

Abstract:

Elements in the group algebra of a symmetric group S_n are known to have an interpretation in terms of card shuffling. I will discuss a new family of such elements, recently constructed by Nadia Lafrenière: Given a positive integer n, we define n elements t_1, t_2, ..., t_n in

Join us for a panel discussion focused on understanding and promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in academic settings. All members of our academic communities should strive to create equitable, diverse, and inclusive environments.

Title: Speeding up Multi-Scalar Multiplication over Fixed Points towards Efficient zkSNARKs

Abstract:

The arithmetic of computing multiple scalar multiplications in an elliptic curve group then adding them together is called multi-scalar multiplication (MSM). MSM over fixed points dominates the time consumption in pairing-based trusted setup zero-knowledge succinct non-interactive arguments of knowledge (zkSNARKs), thus fast algorithms of MSM over fixed points are desirable for practical applications.

Title: On the eigenvalues of the perfect matching derangement graph

Abstract:

The perfect matching derangement graph $M_{2n}$ is defined to be the graph whose vertices are all the perfect matchings of the complete graph $K_{2n}$, and two vertices are adjacent if they contain no common edges. The graph $M_{2n}$ is part of a larger study on the analogs of the Erdős-Ko-Rado theorem, and recently there have been interesting works on $M_{2n}$ and its eigenvalues.

Title: Polynomials, rank and cap sets

Abstract:

In this talk we will look at a variant of the polynomial method which was first used to prove that sets avoiding 3-term arithmetic progressions in groups like Z_4^n and F_q^n are exponentially small (compared to the size of the group). We will discuss lower and upper bounds for the size of the extremal subsets.  We will also mention some further applications of the method, for instance, the solution of the Erdős–Szemerédi theorem sunflower conjecture.

Title: Connectivity functions and connectivity intertwining

Abstract:

Connectivity functions provide a nice way of unifying matroid connectivity with various notions of connectivity in graphs. I will present some new and old open problems.

Title:  A vertex model for LLT polynomials and k-tilings of the Aztec diamond

Abstract:

We describe a Yang-Baxter integrable colored vertex model, from which we construct a class of partition functions that equal the LLT polynomials of Lascoux, Leclerc, and Thibon. Using the vertex model formalism, we can prove many properties of these polynomials.