Toda Equations and Piecewise Polynomiality for Mixed Double Hurwitz Numbers

This article introduces mixed double Hurwitz numbers, which interpolate combinatorially between the classical double Hurwitz numbers studied by Okounkov and the monotone double Hurwitz numbers introduced recently by Goulden, Guay-Paquet and Novak. Generalizing a result of Okounkov, we prove that a certain generating series for the mixed double Hurwitz numbers solves the 2-Toda hierarchy of partial differential equations. We also prove that the mixed double Hurwitz numbers are piecewise polynomial, thereby generalizing a result of Goulden, Jackson and Vakil

Independences and Partial RR-Transforms in Bi-Free Probability

In this paper, we examine how various notions of independence in non-commutative probability theory arise in bi-free probability. We exhibit how Boolean and monotone independence occur from bi-free pairs of faces and establish a Kac/Loeve Theorem for bi-free independence. In addition, we prove that bi-freeness is preserved under tensoring with matrices. Finally, via combinatorial arguments, we construct partial $R$-transforms in two settings relating the moments and cumulants of a left-right pair of operators

Three Puzzles on Mathematics, Computation, and Games

In this lecture I will talk about three mathematical puzzles involving mathematics and computation that have preoccupied me over the years. The first puzzle is to understand the amazing success of the simplex algorithm for linear programming. The second puzzle is about errors made when votes are counted during elections. The third puzzle is: are quantum computers possible?Comment: ICM 2018 plenary lecture, Rio de Janeiro, 36 pages, 7 Figure