Proceedings of a high-level conference on discrete mathematics, focusing on group actions in the areas of pure mathematics, applied mathematics, computer science, physics, and chemistry. A useful tool for researchers and graduate students in discrete mathematics and theoretical computer science.

This book is based on two series of lectures given at a summer school on algebraic combinatorics at the Sophus Lie Centre in Nordfjordeid, Norway, in June 2003, one by Peter Orlik on hyperplane arrangements, and the other one by Volkmar Welker on free resolutions. Both topics are essential parts of current research in a variety of mathematical fields, and the present book makes these sophisticated tools available for graduate students.

This graduate level text is distinguished both by the range of topics and the novelty of the material it treats--more than half of the material in it has previously only appeared in research papers. The first half of this book introduces the characteristic and matchings polynomials of a graph. It is instructive to consider these polynomials together because they have a number of properties in common. The matchings polynomial has links with a number of problems in combinatorial enumeration, particularly some of the current work on the combinatorics of orthogonal polynomials. This connection is discussed at some length, and is also in part the stimulus for the inclusion of chapters on orthogonal polynomials and formal power series. Many of the properties of orthogonal polynomials are derived from properties of characteristic polynomials. The second half of the book introduces the theory of polynomial spaces, which provide easy access to a number of important results in design theory, coding theory and the theory of association schemes. This book should be of interest to second year graduate text/reference in mathematics.

Written by one of the foremost experts in the field, Algebraic Combinatorics is a unique undergraduate textbook that will prepare the next generation of pure and applied mathematicians. The combination of the author’s extensive knowledge of combinatorics and classical and practical tools from algebra will inspire motivated students to delve deeply into the fascinating interplay between algebra and combinatorics. Readers will be able to apply their newfound understanding to mathematical, engineering, and business models. Prerequisites include a basic knowledge of linear algebra over a field, existence of finite fields, and rudiments of group theory. The topics in each chapter build on one another and include extensive problem sets as well as hints to selected exercises. Key topics include walks on graphs, cubes and the Radon transform, the Matrix-Tree Theorem, de Bruijn sequences, the Erdős–Moser conjecture, electrical networks, the Sperner property, shellability of simplicial complexes and face rings. There are also three appendices on purely enumerative aspects of combinatorics related to the chapter material: the RSK algorithm, plane partitions, and the enumeration of labeled trees. The new edition contains a bit more content than intended for a one-semester advanced undergraduate course in algebraic combinatorics, enumerative combinatorics, or graph theory. Instructors may pick and choose chapters/sections for course inclusion and students can immerse themselves in exploring additional gems once the course has ended. A chapter on combinatorial commutative algebra (Chapter 12) is the heart of added material in this new edition. The author gives substantial application without requisites needed for algebraic topology and homological algebra. A sprinkling of additional exercises and a new section (13.8) involving commutative algebra, have been added. From reviews of the first edition: “This gentle book provides the perfect stepping-stone up. The various chapters treat diverse topics ... . Stanley’s emphasis on ‘gems’ unites all this —he chooses his material to excite students and draw them into further study. ... Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above.” —D. V. Feldman, Choice, Vol. 51(8), April, 2014

Algebraic combinatorics is the study of combinatorial objects as an extension of the study of finite permutation groups, or, in other words, group theory without groups. In the spirit of Delsarte's theory, this book studies combinatorial objects such as graphs, codes, designs, etc. in the general framework of association schemes, providing a comprehensive overview of the theory as well as pointing out to extensions.

Capturing Adriano Garsia's unique perspective on essential topics in algebraic combinatorics, this book consists of selected, classic notes on a number of topics based on lectures held at the University of California, San Diego over the past few decades. The topics presented share a common theme of describing interesting interplays between algebraic topics such as representation theory and elegant structures which are sometimes thought of as being outside the purview of classical combinatorics. The lectures reflect Garsia’s inimitable narrative style and his exceptional expository ability. The preface presents the historical viewpoint as well as Garsia's personal insights into the subject matter. The lectures then start with a clear treatment of Alfred Young's construction of the irreducible representations of the symmetric group, seminormal representations and Morphy elements. This is followed by an elegant application of SL(2) representations to algebraic combinatorics. The last two lectures are on heaps, continued fractions and orthogonal polynomials with applications, and finally there is an exposition on the theory of finite fields. The book is aimed at graduate students and researchers in the field.

Comprehensive 2002 introduction to combinatorics on words for mathematicians and theoretical computer scientists.

This book, dedicated to the memory of Gian-Carlo Rota, is the result of a collaborative effort by his friends, students and admirers. Rota was one of the great thinkers of our times, innovator in both mathematics and phenomenology. I feel moved, yet touched by a sense of sadness, in presenting this volume of work, despite the fear that I may be unworthy of the task that befalls me. Rota, both the scientist and the man, was marked by a generosity that knew no bounds. His ideas opened wide the horizons of fields of research, permitting an astonishing number of students from all over the globe to become enthusiastically involved. The contagious energy with which he demonstrated his tremendous mental capacity always proved fresh and inspiring. Beyond his renown as gifted scientist, what was particularly striking in Gian-Carlo Rota was his ability to appreciate the diverse intellectual capacities of those before him and to adapt his communications accordingly. This human sense, complemented by his acute appreciation of the importance of the individual, acted as a catalyst in bringing forth the very best in each one of his students. Whosoever was fortunate enough to enjoy Gian-Carlo Rota's longstanding friendship was most enriched by the experience, both mathematically and philosophically, and had occasion to appreciate son cote de bon vivant. The book opens with a heartfelt piece by Henry Crapo in which he meticulously pieces together what Gian-Carlo Rota's untimely demise has bequeathed to science.

The current state of knowledge on the Monster group, including Majorana theory, Vertex Operator Algebras, Moonshine and maximal subgroups.

This proceedings volume gathers together original articles and survey works that originate from presentations given at the conference Transient Transcendence in Transylvania, held in Brașov, Romania, from May 13th to 17th, 2019. The conference gathered international experts from various fields of mathematics and computer science, with diverse interests and viewpoints on transcendence. The covered topics are related to algebraic and transcendental aspects of special functions and special numbers arising in algebra, combinatorics, geometry and number theory. Besides contributions on key topics from invited speakers, this volume also brings selected papers from attendees.