arXiv subjects

Daniel Krenn

Publications and source records attributed to Daniel Krenn.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

Probabilistic analysis of optimal multi-pivot QuickSort

We consider a multi-pivot QuickSort algorithm using $K\in\mathbb{N}$ pivot elements to partition a nonsorted list into $K+1$ sublists in order to proceed recursively on these sublists. For the partitioning stage, various strategies are in use. We focus on the strategy that minimizes the expected number of key comparisons in the standard random model, where the list is given as a uniformly permuted list of distinct elements. We derive asymptotic expansions for the expectation and variance of the number of key comparisons as well as a limit law for all $K\in\mathbb{N}$, where the convergence holds for all (exponential) moments. For $K\le 4$ we also bound the rate of convergence within the Wasserstein and Kolmogorov--Smirnov distance. Our analysis of the expectation is based on classical results for random $m$-ary search trees. For the remaining results, combinatorial considerations are used to make the contraction method applicable.

math.PR↗

arXiv2024

Analysis of Regular Sequences: Summatory Functions and Divide-and-Conquer Recurrences

In the asymptotic analysis of regular sequences as defined by Allouche and Shallit, it is usually advisable to study their summatory function because the original sequence has a too fluctuating behaviour. It might be that the process of taking the summatory function has to be repeated if the sequence is fluctuating too much. In this paper we show that for all regular sequences except for some degenerate cases, repeating this process finitely many times leads to a ``nice'' asymptotic expansion containing periodic fluctuations whose Fourier coefficients can be computed using the results on the asymptotics of the summatory function of regular sequences by the first two authors of this paper. In a recent paper, Hwang, Janson, and Tsai perform a thorough investigation of divide-and-conquer recurrences. These can be seen as $2$-regular sequences. By considering them as the summatory function of their forward difference, the results on the asymptotics of the summatory function of regular sequences become applicable. We thoroughly investigate the case of a polynomial toll function.

math.CO↗

arXiv2024

Strongly k-recursive sequences

Drawing inspiration from a recent paper of Heuberger, Krenn, and Lipnik, we define the class of strongly k-recursive sequences. We show that every k-automatic sequence is strongly $k$-recursive, therefore k-recursive, and discuss that the converse is not true. We also show that the class of strongly k-recursive sequences is a proper subclass of the class of k-regular sequences, and we present some explicit examples. We then extend the proof techniques to answer the same question for the class of k-recursive sequences.

cs.FL↗

arXiv2022

A characterization of graphs with regular distance-$2$ graphs

For non-negative integers~$k$, we consider graphs in which every vertex has exactly $k$ vertices at distance~$2$, i.e., graphs whose distance-$2$ graphs are $k$-regular. We call such graphs $k$-metamour-regular motivated by the terminology in polyamory. While constructing $k$-metamour-regular graphs is relatively easy -- we provide a generic construction for arbitrary~$k$ -- finding all such graphs is much more challenging. We show that only $k$-metamour-regular graphs with a certain property cannot be built with this construction. Moreover, we derive a complete characterization of $k$-metamour-regular graphs for each $k=0$, $k=1$ and $k=2$. In particular, a connected graph with~$n$ vertices is $2$-metamour-regular if and only if $n\ge5$ and the graph is a join of complements of cycles (equivalently every vertex has degree~$n-3$), a cycle, or one of $17$ exceptional graphs with $n\le8$. Moreover, a characterization of graphs in which every vertex has at most one metamour is acquired. Each characterization is accompanied by an investigation of the corresponding counting sequence of unlabeled graphs.

math.CO↗

arXiv2022

Decidability and k-Regular Sequences

In this paper we consider a number of natural decision problems involving k-regular sequences. Specifically, they arise from - lower and upper bounds on growth rate; in particular boundedness, - images, - regularity (recognizability by a deterministic finite automaton) of preimages, and - factors, such as squares and palindromes of such sequences. We show that the decision problems are undecidable.

cs.FL↗

arXiv2022

A Note on the Relation between Recognisable Series and Regular Sequences, and their Minimal Linear Representations

In this note, we precisely elaborate the connection between recognisable series (in the sense of Berstel and Reutenauer) and $q$-regular sequences (in the sense of Allouche and Shallit) via their linear representations. In particular, we show that the minimisation algorithm for recognisable series can also be used to minimise linear representations of $q$-regular sequences.

math.CO↗

arXiv2021

Asymptotic Analysis of q-Recursive Sequences

For an integer $q\ge2$, a $q$-recursive sequence is defined by recurrence relations on subsequences of indices modulo some powers of~$q$. In this article, $q$-recursive sequences are studied and the asymptotic behavior of their summatory functions is analyzed. It is shown that every $q$-recursive sequence is $q$-regular in the sense of Allouche and Shallit and that a $q$-linear representation of the sequence can be computed easily by using the coefficients from the recurrence relations. Detailed asymptotic results for $q$-recursive sequences are then obtained based on a general result on the asymptotic analysis of $q$-regular sequences. Three particular sequences are studied in detail: We discuss the asymptotic behavior of the summatory functions of Stern's diatomic sequence, the number of non-zero elements in some generalized Pascal's triangle and the number of unbordered factors in the Thue--Morse sequence. For the first two sequences, our analysis even leads to precise formul\ae{} without error terms.

math.CO↗

arXiv2020

Towards a Computational Proof of Vizing's Conjecture using Semidefinite Programming and Sums-of-Squares

Vizing's conjecture (open since 1968) relates the product of the domination numbers of two graphs to the domination number of their Cartesian product graph. In this paper, we formulate Vizing's conjecture as a Positivstellensatz existence question. In particular, we select classes of graphs according to their number of vertices and their domination number and encode the conjecture as an ideal/polynomial pair such that the polynomial is non-negative on the variety associated with the ideal if and only if the conjecture is true for this graph class. Using semidefinite programming we obtain numeric sum-of-squares certificates, which we then manage to transform into symbolic certificates confirming non-negativity of our polynomials. Specifically, we obtain exact low-degree sparse sum-of-squares certificates for particular classes of graphs. The obtained certificates allow generalizations for larger graph classes. Besides computational verification of these more general certificates, we also present theoretical proofs as well as conjectures and questions for further investigations.

math.CO↗

arXiv2019

The continuum Pólya-like random walk

The Pólya urn scheme is a discrete-time process concerning the addition and removal of colored balls. There is a known embedding of it in continuous-time, called the Pólya process. We deal with a generalization of this stochastic model, where the initial values and the entries of the transition matrix (corresponding to additions or removals) are not necessarily fixed integer values as in the standard Pólya process. In one of the scenarios, we even allow the entries of the matrix to be random variables. As a result, we no longer have a combinatorial model of "balls in an urn," but a broader interpretation as a random walk in a possibly high number of dimensions. In this paper, we study several parametric classes of these generalized continuum Pólya-like random walks.

math.PR↗

arXiv2019

On the minimal Hamming weight of a multi-base representation

Given a finite set of bases $b_1$, $b_2$, \dots, $b_r$ (integers greater than $1$), a multi-base representation of an integer~$n$ is a sum with summands $db_1^{α_1}b_2^{α_2} \cdots b_r^{α_r}$, where the $α_j$ are nonnegative integers and the digits $d$ are taken from a fixed finite set. We consider multi-base representations with at least two bases that are multiplicatively independent. Our main result states that the order of magnitude of the minimal Hamming weight of an integer~$n$, i.e., the minimal number of nonzero summands in a representation of~$n$, is $\log n / (\log \log n)$. This is independent of the number of bases, the bases themselves, and the digit set. For the proof, the existing upper bound for prime bases is generalized to multiplicatively independent bases, for the required analysis of the natural greedy algorithm, an auxiliary result in Diophantine approximation is derived. The lower bound follows by a counting argument and alternatively by using communication complexity, thereby improving the existing bounds and closing the gap in the order of magnitude. This implies also that the greedy algorithm terminates after $\mathcal{O}(\log n/\log \log n)$ steps, and that this bound is sharp.

math.NT↗

arXiv2019

An Optimization-Based Sum-of-Squares Approach to Vizing's Conjecture

Vizing's conjecture (open since 1968) relates the sizes of dominating sets in two graphs to the size of a dominating set in their Cartesian product graph. In this paper, we formulate Vizing's conjecture itself as a Positivstellensatz existence question. In particular, we encode the conjecture as an ideal/polynomial pair such that the polynomial is nonnegative if and only if the conjecture is true. We demonstrate how to use semidefinite optimization techniques to computationally obtain numeric sum-of-squares certificates, and then show how to transform these numeric certificates into symbolic certificates approving nonnegativity of our polynomial. After outlining the theoretical structure of this computer-based proof of Vizing's conjecture, we present computational and theoretical results. In particular, we present exact low-degree sparse sum-of-squares certificates for particular families of graphs.

math.CO↗

arXiv2019

Algorithmic counting of nonequivalent compact Huffman codes

It is known that the following five counting problems lead to the same integer sequence~$f_t(n)$: the number of nonequivalent compact Huffman codes of length~$n$ over an alphabet of $t$ letters, the number of `nonequivalent' canonical rooted $t$-ary trees (level-greedy trees) with $n$~leaves, the number of `proper' words, the number of bounded degree sequences, and the number of ways of writing $1= \frac{1}{t^{x_1}}+ \dots + \frac{1}{t^{x_n}}$ with integers $0 \leq x_1 \leq x_2 \leq \dots \leq x_n$. In this work, we show that one can compute this sequence for \textbf{all} $n<N$ with essentially one power series division. In total we need at most $N^{1+\varepsilon}$ additions and multiplications of integers of $cN$ bits, $c<1$, or $N^{2+\varepsilon}$ bit operations, respectively. This improves an earlier bound by Even and Lempel who needed $O(N^3)$ operations in the integer ring or $O(N^4)$ bit operations, respectively.

math.CO↗

arXiv2018

Asymptotic Analysis of Regular Sequences

In this article, $q$-regular sequences in the sense of Allouche and Shallit are analysed asymptotically. It is shown that the summatory function of a regular sequence can asymptotically be decomposed as a finite sum of periodic fluctuations multiplied by a scaling factor. Each of these terms corresponds to an eigenvalue of the sum of matrices of a linear representation of the sequence; only the eigenvalues of absolute value larger than the joint spectral radius of the matrices contribute terms which grow faster than the error term. The paper has a particular focus on the Fourier coefficients of the periodic fluctuations: They are expressed as residues of the corresponding Dirichlet generating function. This makes it possible to compute them in an efficient way. The asymptotic analysis deals with Mellin--Perron summations and uses two arguments to overcome convergence issues, namely H\"older regularity of the fluctuations together with a pseudo-Tauberian argument. Apart from the very general result, three examples are discussed in more detail: sequences defined as the sum of outputs written by a transducer when reading a $q$-ary expansion of the input; the amount of esthetic numbers in the first~$N$ natural numbers; and the number of odd entries in the rows of Pascal's rhombus. For these examples, very precise asymptotic formul\ae{} are presented. In the latter two examples, prior to this analysis only rough estimates were known.

math.CO↗

arXiv2018

Esthetic Numbers and Lifting Restrictions on the Analysis of Summatory Functions of Regular Sequences

When asymptotically analysing the summatory function of a $q$-regular sequence in the sense of Allouche and Shallit, the eigenvalues of the sum of matrices of the linear representation of the sequence determine the "shape" (in particular the growth) of the asymptotic formula. Existing general results for determining the precise behavior (including the Fourier coefficients of the appearing fluctuations) have previously been restricted by a technical condition on these eigenvalues. The aim of this work is to lift these restrictions by providing a insightful proof based on generating functions for the main pseudo Tauberian theorem for all cases simultaneously. (This theorem is the key ingredient for overcoming convergence problems in Mellin--Perron summation in the asymptotic analysis.) One example is discussed in more detail: A precise asymptotic formula for the amount of esthetic numbers in the first~$N$ natural numbers is presented. Prior to this only the asymptotic amount of these numbers with a given digit-length was known.

math.CO↗

arXiv2018

Analysis of Summatory Functions of Regular Sequences: Transducer and Pascal's Rhombus

The summatory function of a $q$-regular sequence in the sense of Allouche and Shallit is analysed asymptotically. The result is a sum of periodic fluctuations for eigenvalues of absolute value larger than the joint spectral radius of the matrices of a linear representation of the sequence. The Fourier coefficients of the fluctuations are expressed in terms of residues of the corresponding Dirichlet generating function. A known pseudo Tauberian argument is extended in order to overcome convergence problems in Mellin--Perron summation. Two examples are discussed in more detail: The case of sequences defined as the sum of outputs written by a transducer when reading a $q$ary expansion of the input and the number of odd entries in the rows of Pascal's rhombus.

math.CO↗

arXiv2017

Dual-Pivot Quicksort: Optimality, Analysis and Zeros of Associated Lattice Paths

We present an average case analysis of a variant of dual-pivot quicksort. We show that the used algorithmic partitioning strategy is optimal, i.e., it minimizes the expected number of key comparisons. For the analysis, we calculate the expected number of comparisons exactly as well as asymptotically, in particular, we provide exact expressions for the linear, logarithmic, and constant terms. An essential step is the analysis of zeros of lattice paths in a certain probability model. Along the way a combinatorial identity is proven.

math.CO↗

arXiv2016

Non-Minimality of the Width-$w$ Non-adjacent Form in Conjunction with Trace One $τ$-adic Digit Expansions and Koblitz Curves in Characteristic Two

This article deals with redundant digit expansions with an imaginary quadratic algebraic integer with trace $\pm 1$ as base and a minimal norm representatives digit set. For $w\geq 2$ it is shown that the width-$w$ non-adjacent form is not an optimal expansion, meaning that it does not minimize the (Hamming-)weight among all possible expansions with the same digit set. One main part of the proof uses tools from Diophantine analysis, namely the theory of linear forms in logarithms and the Baker--Davenport reduction method.

math.NT↗

arXiv2016

An Extended Note on the Comparison-optimal Dual Pivot Quickselect

In this note the precise minimum number of key comparisons any dual-pivot quickselect algorithm (without sampling) needs on average is determined. The result is in the form of exact as well as asymptotic formulæ of this number of a comparison-optimal algorithm. It turns out that the main terms of these asymptotic expansions coincide with the main terms of the corresponding analysis of the classical quickselect, but still---as this was shown for Yaroslavskiy quickselect---more comparisons are needed in the dual-pivot variant. The results are obtained by solving a second order differential equation for the generating function obtained from a recursive approach.

math.CO↗