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arXiv2026

Discrepancy of geometric incidences

We study the combinatorial (red-blue) discrepancy of finite point sets with respect to hyperplanes and, more generally, bounded-complexity affine algebraic sets. We prove that every $n$-point set in a real Euclidean space admits a red-blue coloring for which every affine algebraic set of dimension at most $D$ and degree at most $k$ has discrepancy at most $n^{\frac12-\frac{1}{2(D+1)}-\varepsilon}$ for some $\varepsilon=\varepsilon(D,k)>0$. This gives a polynomial improvement over the straightforward VC-dimension bound $\tilde O(n^{\frac12-\frac{1}{2(D+1)}})$. In the opposite direction, we construct $n$-point sets in $\mathbb R^d$ whose discrepancy with respect to hyperplanes is $\tildeΩ(n^{\frac12-\frac{1}{d+1}}),$ extending the point-line discrepancy lower bound of Chazelle and Lvov. We present further applications of our methods in communication complexity, concerning separation between randomized communication cost and deterministic communication cost with access to equality oracle.

math.CO↗

arXiv2026

An Exposition of the $\widetilde{O}(\log^{1/4} n)$ Bound for the Komlós Problem

A conjecture of Komlós states that the combinatorial discrepancy of any matrix $A\in\mathbb R^{m\times n}$ whose columns have Euclidean norm at most one is bounded by a universal constant. We prove that the combinatorial discrepancy of every such matrix is at most $O((\log n)^{1/4}(\log\log n)^{7/4})$. This is the first asymptotic improvement over the $O(\sqrt{\log n})$ bound established by Banaszczyk [Banaszczyk, Random Struct.\ Algorithms, 1998], and it refutes a conjecture of Hajela [Hajela, European J.\ Combin., 1988] that a lower bound of order $Ω(\sqrt{\log n})$ should hold.

math.CO↗

arXiv2026

Towards a mathematical theory of superposition

We develop a mathematical theory of superposition in neural networks using tools from frame theory and compressed sensing. In our model, a sparse binary vector $x$ of active features is encoded through an overcomplete dictionary $W$, and feature recovery is performed by applying $\operatorname{ReLU}(W^\top W x+b)$ with an appropriate bias vector $b$. We prove several recovery theorems for this model. In the random-support setting, we establish high-probability support recovery for nearly tight, low-coherence dictionaries, with guarantees when the expected sparsity is up to order $d/\log n$. In the worst-case support setting, we give a sharp and computable criterion for which sparsity levels permit support recovery. We apply this criterion to Gaussian random matrices and equiangular tight frames. For real equiangular tight frames with $n>d+1$, we determine the exact recovery threshold in terms of the coherence. The proof of this result for real equiangular tight frames relies on a novel characterization---which should be of independent interest to frame theorists---of the distribution of signs in the Gram matrix.

stat.ML↗

arXiv2026

Uniformly Weighted Graphical Designs

A graphical design is a subset of vertices of a graph, along with a weight for each chosen vertex, that can perfectly average chosen subspaces of functions on the graph. A design is uniformly weighted if all the weights are equal, and several well-known combinatorial objects such as orthogonal arrays, combinatorial block designs and t-wise permutations are uniformly weighted graphical designs. While one might expect to see uniformly weighted designs in structured graphs, they do not always exist. In this paper we characterize the existence of uniformly weighted graphical designs, and use our result to provide several families of graphs that have, and do not have, such designs. Our results offer a polyhedral view of the structures that control the existence and cardinalities of these designs. In particular, we characterize all uniformly weighted designs of threshold graphs, and provide a geometric proof of the duality of linear codes and linear orthogonal arrays. We also provide a novel construction for graphs whose Laplacian characteristic polynomials are almost irreducible, to produce families without uniformly weighted designs.

math.CO↗

arXiv2026

Countable Graphs with Finite Path-width: Characterisation and Universality

We study path-width and the closely related parameter line-width in countably infinite graphs. Our first result characterises the graphs of finite path-width: they are the graphs that do not have infinitely many vertices of infinite degree, do not have infinitely many pairwise disjoint infinite paths, and contain no subdivision of some finite tree of maximum degree 3. We then investigate universality under the subgraph relation for graphs of bounded path-width or line-width. In particular, we prove that there exists a universal graph with line-width $\mathcal{O}(k^2)$ for the class of graphs with line-width at most $k$. In contrast, we show that no graph of finite path-width is universal for the class of locally finite graphs with path-width $1$. Finally, we show that for each $k\geq 2$, every universal graph for the class of graphs with path-width at most $k$ has line-width at least $k + 1$.

math.CO↗

arXiv2026

Covering 1024 syndromes with 50 columns

We exhibit a binary linear $[50,40]_2$ code of covering radius $2$, so $\ell_2(10,2)\le 50$, one column below the Kaikkonen--Rosendahl length $51$ that has stood since 2003 and that still seeds the $R=2$ family of Davydov--Marcugini--Pambianco (arXiv:2511.02542). The new matrix admits a $(2,0)$-partition into ten blocks, so Construction $\mathrm{QM}_2^2$ propagates it to exhaustively verified codes of lengths $815$ and $1631$ at $r=18$ and $r=20$, and to the family $n=51\cdot 2^{r/2-5}-1$ of asymptotic density $2601/2048$. The matrices, verifiers, and source are at https://github.com/wustep/maths, pin problems/covering/share/2026-08-24/ at commit 736a38f.

cs.IT↗

arXiv2026

A quaternionic construction behind $841$-point kissing arrangement in ${\mathbb R}^{12}$

Recently, a new record kissing arrangement of $841$ points in $\mathbb R^{12}$ was obtained numerically by optimization (Takhanov-Assylbekov-Yun, 2026). The configuration was released as a coordinate file, without a mathematical description of its structure. The purpose of this paper is to provide such a description. The key observation is that the geometry becomes transparent once we regard $\mathbb R^{12}\cong \mathbb H^3$ as the Cartesian product of three copies of the quaternion algebra. We first introduce a new $840$-point kissing arrangement with a certain quaternionic structure. It consists of three mutually orthogonal regular $24$-cells, supported on the three quaternionic coordinate factors $\mathbb H\times\{0\}\times\{0\}$, $\{0\}\times\mathbb H\times\{0\}$, $\{0\}\times\{0\}\times\mathbb H$, together with two $384$-point families obtained by lifting affine sets of the form $$\{(u,v,w)\in (\mathbb F_2^2)^3\mid u+v+w=η\},$$ to quaternionic triples (whose components belong to the binary octahedral group $2O$) and then applying suitable component-wise rotations and weightings. A characteristic feature of this construction is a pronounced asymmetry among the three quaternionic factors. For the $816$ vectors obtained after removing the third $24$-cell, most of the squared norm is concentrated in the first two quaternionic coordinates, while the third coordinate carries systematically less mass. Thus, the third four-dimensional factor contains more available space than the first two. We then show that this $840$-point configuration provides a natural structural model for the numerical $841$-point record. Finally, we introduce a notion of the general quaternionic construction in dimensions divisible by $4$, and check that record kissing arrangements in ${\mathbb R}^{4k}$, $k\leq 5$, admit a quaternionic construction.

math.RA↗

arXiv2026

Harmonic higher weight distributions, Simonis' approach of MacWilliams identity and moments

We present a combinatorial proof of Simonis type MacWilliams identity for harmonic higher weight distributions of linear codes. Furthermore, we investigate the statistical moments of the harmonic higher weight enumerators for random linear codes. Defining the enumerators via rank functions of the generator matrices of linear codes, we prove that its expectation vanishes for all non-trivial harmonic functions due to the inherent symmetry of random matrices, and we also derive an explicit, non-trivial formula for the covariance.

math.CO↗

arXiv2026

Orientations without transitive arcs for cubic graphs and phylogenetic networks

An $st$-orientation of an undirected graph $G$ is an acyclic digraph with a single source $s$ and a single sink $t$ that can be obtained from $G$ by assigning a direction to each edge. The classical problem of deciding if an undirected graph $G$ has an $st$-orientation can be solved efficiently. On the other hand, deciding if an $st$-orientation of $G$ exists that does not have any transitive arc is NP-complete, even if each vertex of $G$ has degree at most four. Here we show that this last decision problem remains NP-complete if $G$ is cubic, which settles an open question by Binucci et al. (2025). We obtain NP-completeness for two variants of the problem: (i) $s$ and $t$ are fixed and given as part of the input and (ii) $s$ and $t$ can be chosen freely. We then use these results to investigate the computational complexity of a problem that arises in computational evolution. Specifically, we show that the problem of deciding if an unrooted binary phylogenetic network has an orientation as a rooted binary phylogenetic network without any shortcuts (the analog of a transitive arcs in phylogenetics) is NP-complete. Our results connect the two (mostly) distinct research areas of orienting undirected graphs and orienting unrooted phylogenetic networks.

cs.CC↗

arXiv2026

Large induced forests in planar multigraphs

For a graph $G$, denote by $a(G)$ the number of vertices in the largest induced forest in $G$. The Albertson-Berman conjecture, which has been open since 1979, states that $a(G) \geq \frac{n}{2}$ for every simple planar graph $G$ on $n$ vertices. We show that the version of this problem for multigraphs (allowing parallel edges) is easily reduced to the problem about the independence number of simple planar graphs. Specifically, we prove that $a(M) \geq \frac{n}{4}$ for every planar multigraph $M$ and that this lower bound is tight. Then, we study the case when the number of pairs of vertices with parallel edges, which we denote by $k$, is small. In particular, we prove the lower bound $a(M) \geq \frac{2}{5}n-\frac{k}{10}$ and that the Albertson-Berman conjecture for simple graphs, assuming that it holds, would imply the lower bound $a(M) \geq \frac{n-k}{2}$ for multigraphs, which would be better than the general lower bound when $k$ is small. Finally, we study the variant of the problem where the plane multigraphs are prohibited from having $2$-faces, which is the main non-trivial problem that we introduce in this article. For that variant without $2$-faces, we prove the lower bound $a(M) \geq \frac{3}{10}n+\frac{7}{30}$ and give a construction of an infinite sequence of multigraphs with $a(M)=\frac{3}{7}n+\frac{4}{7}$.

math.CO↗

arXiv2026

Machine Learning-Enhanced Tabu Search for Tactical Wireless Network Design

Designing high-performance tactical wireless networks under realistic operational constraints gives rise to challenging combinatorial optimization problems, where the evaluation of candidate solutions relies on detailed physical and traffic-aware models. Although classical metaheuristics such as Tabu Search offer effective mechanisms for exploring large search spaces, their computational cost remains high because numerous candidate moves must be evaluated at every iteration. In this paper, we propose a data-driven framework that improves the efficiency of Tabu Search by learning to guide its move selection process. Rather than altering the neighborhood structure, our approach exploits the information contained in the search trajectories generated during the optimization process. At each iteration, we record both improving and non-improving edge-based transformations together with a set of descriptive features capturing the structural, geometric, and performance characteristics of the network. This information is used to train a Graph Neural Network (GNN) that predicts the impact of candidate moves on the objective function. The trained model is then integrated into the Tabu Search algorithm to rank candidate transformations according to their predicted quality, thereby reducing the number of costly objective evaluations while maintaining an effective exploration of the search space. Experimental results on synthetic benchmark instances demonstrate that the proposed learning-assisted Tabu Search notably reduces computation time while consistently producing higher-quality solutions than the standard algorithm. These findings highlight the potential of combining machine learning with metaheuristics by leveraging the implicit knowledge embedded in search trajectories, paving the way for more efficient solution methods for large-scale network design problems.

cs.AI↗

arXiv2026

On graphs with modularity zero or near-zero

It is known that complete graphs and complete multipartite graphs have modularity zero. We show that the least number of edges we may delete from the complete graph $K_n$ to obtain a graph with non-zero modularity is $\lfloor n/2\rfloor +1$. Similarly we determine the least number of edges we may delete from or add to a complete bipartite graph to reach non-zero modularity. We give some corresponding results for complete multipartite graphs, and a short proof that complete multipartite graphs have modularity zero. We also analyse the modularity of very dense random graphs, and in particular we find that there is a transition to modularity zero when the average degree of the complementary graph drops below 1. Finally we consider some natural variants of the definition of modularity; and investigate which graphs have corresponding modularity value 0, and the least number of edges we may delete from the complete graph $K_n$ to obtain a graph with non-zero modularity.

math.CO↗

arXiv2026

Traveling Salesman Problem with a preprocessing method for classical and quantum optimization

The Traveling Salesman Problem is a fundamental combinatorial optimization problem widely studied in operations research. Despite its simple formulation, it remains computationally challenging due to the exponential growth of the search space and the large number of constraints required to eliminate subtours. This paper introduces a preprocessing strategy that significantly reduces the size of the optimization model by restricting the set of candidate arcs and retaining only the lowest-cost neighbors for each vertex. Computational experiments on TSPLIB benchmark instances demonstrate that the proposed approach substantially reduces the number of decision variables. The method is evaluated using both classical and quantum optimization techniques, showing improvements in computational time and reductions in optimality gaps. Overall, the results indicate that the proposed preprocessing enhances the scalability of the formulations and makes them more suitable for both classical solvers and emerging quantum optimization frameworks.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2026

Toward a Formally Verified Optimality Certificate for OGR(29): A SAT-Encoding Methods Note with Small-Case Demos

A Golomb ruler of order~$n$ is an integer set $\{a_0<a_1<\cdots<a_{n-1}\}$ whose $\binom{n}{2}$ pairwise differences $a_j-a_i$ ($i<j$) are all distinct. The optimal Golomb ruler problem asks for $\mathrm{OGR}(n)=\min\{a_{n-1}-a_0\}$ and is a classical combinatorial benchmark. The values $\mathrm{OGR}(2),\dots,\mathrm{OGR}(28)$ are settled through distributed volunteer search (the Distributed.net OGR project); $\mathrm{OGR}(29)$ is in active computation, with verification expected in late 2026 or early 2027. The recent upper bound $\mathrm{OGR}(29)\le 757$ of Lee, Park, and Kim (arXiv:2510.0122, October~2025) tightens the search window. This note describes a compact CNF encoding of the decision problem $\mathrm{GR}(n,L)$ (``is there a Golomb ruler of order~$n$ with length exactly~$L$?'') with $O(n^2 L)$ clauses, together with a small-case verification sweep that emits machine-checkable LRAT certificates of optimality for $\mathrm{OGR}(n)$ at $n\le 12$. We then give closed-form encoding-size estimates for $\mathrm{OGR}(29, L=757)$ and propose a cube-and-conquer decomposition aimed at a Mallob-style parallel run on commodity multi-core hardware. The certificate pipeline (CaDiCaL with --lrat=true, a structural sanity-check, then formal validation by drat-trim or cake\_lpr) is end-to-end. A formally verified optimality proof for any single $\mathrm{OGR}(n)$ value beyond the trivial $n\le 5$ would be a first in the field.

cs.DC↗

arXiv2025

Three methods, one problem: Classical and AI approaches to no-three-in-line

The No-Three-In-Line problem asks for the maximum number of points that can be placed on an n by n grid with no three collinear, representing a famous problem in combinatorial geometry. While classical methods like Integer Linear Programming (ILP) guarantee optimal solutions, they face exponential scaling with grid size, and recent advances in machine learning offer promising alternatives for pattern-based approximation. This paper presents the first systematic comparison of classical optimization and AI approaches to this problem, evaluating their performance against traditional algorithms. We apply PatternBoost transformer learning and reinforcement learning (PPO) to this problem for the first time, comparing them against ILP. ILP achieves provably optimal solutions up to 19 by 19 grids, while PatternBoost matches optimal performance up to 14 by 14 grids with 96% test loss reduction. PPO achieves perfect solutions on 10 by 10 grids but fails at 11 by 11 grids, where constraint violations prevent valid configurations. These results demonstrate that classical optimization remains essential for exact solutions while AI methods offer competitive performance on smaller instances, with hybrid approaches presenting the most promising direction for scaling to larger problem sizes.

cs.AI↗

arXiv2025

When Arcs Extend Uniquely: A Higher-Dimensional Generalization of Barlotti's Result

In this short communication, we generalize a classical result of Barlotti concerning the unique extendability of arcs in the projective plane to higher-dimensional projective spaces. Specifically, we show that for integers $ k \ge 3 $, $ s \ge 0 $, and prime power $ q $, any $(n, k + s - 1)$-arc in PG$(k - 1, q)$ of size $ n = (s+1)(q+1) + k - 3 $ admits a unique extension to a maximal arc, provided $ s + 2 \mid q $ and $ s < q - 2 $. This result extends the classical characterizations of maximal arcs in PG$(2,q)$ and connects naturally to the theory of A$^s$MDS codes. Our findings establish conditions under which linear codes of given dimension and Singleton defect can be uniquely extended to maximal-length projective codes.

math.CO↗

arXiv2025

The differential properties of certain permutation polynomials over finite fields

Finding functions, particularly permutations, with good differential properties has received a lot of attention due to their varied applications. For instance, in combinatorial design theory, a correspondence of perfect $c$-nonlinear functions and difference sets in some quasigroups was recently shown by Anbar et al. (J. Comb. Des. 31(12):1-24, 2023). Additionally, in a recent manuscript by Pal et al. (Adv. Math. Communications, to appear), a very interesting connection between the $c$-differential uniformity and boomerang uniformity, when $c=-1$, was pointed out, showing that they are the same for an odd APN permutation, sparking yet more interest in the construction of functions with low $c$-differential uniformity. We investigate the $c$-differential uniformity of some classes of permutation polynomials. As a result, we add four more classes of permutation polynomials to the family of functions that only contains a few (non-trivial) perfect $c$-nonlinear functions over finite fields of even characteristic. Moreover, we include a class of permutation polynomials with low $c$-differential uniformity over the field of characteristic~$3$. To solve the involved equations over finite fields, we use various number theoretical techniques, in particular, we find explicitly many Walsh transform coefficients and Weil sums that may be of an independent interest.

math.CO↗

arXiv2024

Biclique immersions in graphs with independence number 2

The analogue of Hadwiger's conjecture for the immersion relation states that every graph $G$ contains an immersion of $K_{χ(G)}$. For graphs with independence number 2, this is equivalent to stating that every such $n$-vertex graph contains an immersion of $K_{\lceil n/2 \rceil}$. We show that every $n$-vertex graph with independence number 2 contains every complete bipartite graph on $\lceil n/2 \rceil$ vertices as an immersion.

math.CO↗