Journal of Combinatorial Mathematics and Combinatorial Computing

ISSN: 0835-3026 (print) 2817-576X (online)

The Journal of Combinatorial Mathematics and Combinatorial Computing (JCMCC) began its publishing journey in April 1987 and has since become a respected platform for advancing research in combinatorics and its applications.
Open Access: The journal follows the Diamond Open Access model—completely free for both authors and readers, with no article processing charges (APCs).
Publication Frequency: From 2024 onward, JCMCC publishes four issues annually—in March, June, September, and December.
Scope: JCMCC publishes research in combinatorial mathematics and combinatorial computing, as well as in artificial intelligence and its applications across diverse fields.
Indexing & Abstracting: The journal is indexed in MathSciNet, Zentralblatt MATH, and EBSCO, enhancing its visibility and scholarly impact within the international mathematics community.
Rapid Publication: Manuscripts are reviewed and processed efficiently, with accepted papers scheduled for prompt appearance in the next available issue.
Print & Online Editions: All issues are published in both print and online formats to serve the needs of a wide readership.

Moe Moe Oo1,2, Natawat Klamsakul1,2, Nuttanon Songsuwan3, Pawaton Kaemawichanurat1,2
1Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, Thailand
2Mathematics and Statistics with Applications (MaSA)
3Faculty of Science at Sriracha, Kasetsart University, Sriracha Campus, Chonburi, Thailand
Abstract:

A \(2\)-factored dominating set (\(2\)fd-set) of a graph \(G=(V,E)\) is a dominating set \(F\subseteq V\) such that the induced subgraph \(G[F]\) is \(2\)-regular, and hence is a disjoint union of cycles. In this study, \(2\)-factored dominating sets on fixed-width grid graphs of dimensions \(m \times n\), where \(m \in \{2,3,4\}\), are enumerated. We establish theorems describing the generating functions with respect to the number of \(2\)-factored dominating sets in these grid graphs. The number of \(2\)-factored dominating sets grows exponentially with \(n\), with growth constant determined by the dominant singularity of the generating function.

Maximilien Gadouleau1
1Department of Computer Science, Durham University, Durham, UK
Abstract:

A Boolean network maps Boolean configurations of fixed length to themselves. A trapspace is an invariant subcube; a principal trapspace is the smallest trapspace containing a configuration, while a minimal trapspace contains no proper trapspace. Commutative Boolean networks are those whose local updates commute. We connect these concepts through five contributions. First, we introduce trapping graphs and trapping closures, define trapping networks by transitivity of their general asynchronous graphs, and prove that they are exactly the trapping closures. Second, we show that two Boolean networks have the same collections of principal trapspaces if and only if they have the same trapping closure. Hence, trapping networks provide a normal form for trapspace analysis. We also characterize the possible collections of principal and minimal trapspaces. Third, we prove that commutative networks are trapping and classify their principal trapspaces. Fourth, we study bijective commutative networks, called Marseille networks, and give equivalent characterizations and classifications. Fifth, we study idempotent commutative networks, called Lille networks, relate them to globally idempotent networks, prove that globally idempotent networks are trapping, and provide equivalent characterizations. These results clarify the relationships among asynchronous, general asynchronous, and trapping graphs and describe the structure of trapping networks.

Gary Chartrand1, Ping Zhang1
1Department of Mathematics, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49008-5248, USA
Abstract:

The Ramsey number \(R(G)\) of a graph \(G\) without isolated vertices is the minimum positive integer \(n\) such that for every red-blue coloring of the complete graph \(K_n\) of order \(n\), there is a subgraph isomorphic to \(G\) all of whose edges are colored the same (a monochromatic \(G\)). A Ramsey chain in a graph \(G\) with a red-blue coloring is a sequence \(G_1\), \(G_2\), \(\ldots\), \(G_{k}\) of pairwise edge-disjoint monochromatic subgraphs of \(G\) such that \(G_i\) has \(i\) edges for \(1 \le i \le k\) and \(G_i\) is isomorphic to a subgraph of \(G_{i+1}\) for \(1 \le i \le k-1\). The subgraphs in a Ramsey chain are the links of the chain and the terminal subgraph \(G_k\) is the target link of the chain. A graph \(H\) without isolated vertices is called a target graph if there exists a positive integer \(n\) such that every red-blue coloring of \(K_n\) results in a Ramsey chain with target link \(H\). The target Ramsey number \(TR(H)\) of \(H\) is the minimum positive integer \(n\) such that every red-blue coloring of \(K_n\) results in a Ramsey chain with target link \(H\). The target Ramsey number \(TR(s)\) of a Ramsey chain \(s\) is the minimum positive integer \(n\) such that \(s\) is a Ramsey chain in every red-blue coloring of \(K_{n}\). We investigate graphs \(H\) with the property that \(TR(s) =TR(H)= R(H)\) for every Ramsey chain \(s\) with target link \(H\). It is shown that every graph \(H\) with relatively small size has this property. Other results and open questions are also presented.

KM. Kathiresan1, P. Naga Jothi1, P. Gnanachandra1
1P. G. Department of Mathematics, Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal College (Autonomous), Sivakasi,Tamil Nadu, 626 124, India
Abstract:

The sum graph \(G^{+}(S)\) of a finite subset \(S\subset \mathbb{N}\)={1,2,3,…} is the graph (V,E) where V=S and \(uv\in\)E if and only if \(u+v\in\) S. This concept was introduced by Harary [9], where some basic properties of the family of all sum graphs were presented. In [10], Harary extended this definition into an integral sum graph and proposed some open problems. Motivated by these definitions, we introduce a graph called perfect difference graph. We investigate the properties of this family of graphs.

Zhour Oumazouz1
1Faculty of Sciences and Techniques Mohammedia, Hassan II University, Mohammedia, Morocco
Abstract:

We study the Equivalent Local Sequence Problem (ELSP) for simple undirected graphs using Bouchet’s isotropic-system formalism and normal matrices over \(\mathbb F_2\). Although Bouchet’s theory characterizes graph local equivalence in polynomial time, converting normal-matrix certificates into explicit graph transformations remains challenging. We introduce the Normal-Matrix Factorization Problem (NMFP), which asks whether a normal-matrix witness of local equivalence has a graph-compatible factorization into elementary transformations. Whenever such a factorization exists, an explicit local-complementation sequence can be recovered in polynomial time. Thus, the constructive part of ELSP reduces to NMFP, identifying normal-matrix factorization as its main unresolved algebraic difficulty. We apply this framework to undirected Paley graphs. In contrast to the directed case, whose local-complementation dynamics are abelian and admit linear inversion, the undirected case is noncommutative and has a more intricate stabilizer structure. Using normal matrices, we analyze Paley-graph orbits and stabilizers, derive algebraic constraints on stabilizing transformations, and completely verify the first undirected Paley graph \(P_5\). These results establish NMFP as central to constructive local equivalence and reveal connections among isotropic systems, graph transformations, and algebraic stabilizers.

Kevin Pereyra1
1Departamento de Matematica, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, San Luis, Argentina
Abstract:

We relate two decompositions that isolate König–Egerváry structure: the SD–KE decomposition, defined by the classical Edmonds–Sterboul–Deming obstructions, and Larson’s critical independence decomposition, whose complement is \(2\)-bicritical. Let \(I\) be a maximum critical independent set, set \(L(G)=I\cup N_G(I)\), \(L^c(G)=V(G)\setminus L(G)\), and \(B=N_G(I)\). We first prove a normal form for maximum matchings: each maximum matching is obtained from a maximum matching of \(G[L^c(G)]\), a matching crossing from a subset \(X\subseteq B\) into exposed vertices on the \(L^c(G)\) side, and a maximum matching of \(G[L(G)-X]\). The possible sets \(X\) are the crossing profiles. For a crossing profile \(X\) and a maximum matching \(P\) of \(G[L(G)-X]\), view \(P\) as a matching of \(G[L(G)]\). Let \(\Lambda_I(G)\) be the union of the vertices on \(P\)-augmenting paths in \(G[L(G)]\), over all crossing profiles and all residual maximum matchings. We prove \(SD(G)=L^c(G)\cup\Lambda_I(G),\) and \(KE(G)=L(G)\setminus\Lambda_I(G).\) Thus the SD vertices on the Larson König–Egerváry side are precisely those reached by augmenting corridors forced by admissible crossings.

Tsz Lung Chan1, Wai Chee Shiu1, Gee-Choon Lau2
1Department of Mathematics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shatin, Hong Kong, P.R. China
277D, Jalan Suboh, 85000 Johor, Malaysia
Abstract:

An edge labeling of a graph \(G = (V, E)\) is said to be local antimagic if it is a bijection \(f:E \to\{1,\ldots ,|E|\}\) such that for any pair of adjacent vertices \(x\) and \(y\), \(f^+(x)\not= f^+(y)\), where the induced vertex label \(f^+(x)= \sum f(e)\), with \(e\) ranging over all the edges incident to \(x\). The local antimagic chromatic number of \(G\), denoted by \(\chi_{la}(G)\), is the minimum number of distinct induced vertex labels over all local antimagic labelings of \(G\). In this paper, we study local antimagic labeling of three disjoint cycles with at least two odd cycles, one of which is \(C_3\). We prove that (1) \(\chi_{la}(C_3+C_3+C_3)=5\) and \(\chi_{la}(C_3+C_3+C_{k})=4\) for \(k\geq 4\); (2) \(\chi_{la}(C_3+C_4+C_{2k+1})=4\); (3) \(\chi_{la}(C_3+C_6+C_{4k+1})=3\); (4) \(\chi_{la}(C_3+C_{10}+C_{8k-3})=3\); (5) \(\chi_{la}(C_3+C_5+C_{14})=4\) and \(\chi_{la}(C_3+C_5+C_{4k+2})=3\) for \(k\neq3\); (6) \(\chi_{la}(C_3+C_{4k+1}+C_{4k+5})=3\) and \(\chi_{la}(C_3+C_{4k+1}+C_{4k+6})=3\).

Wai Chee Shiu1, Gee-Choon Lau2
1Department of Mathematics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shatin, Hong Kong, P.R. China
277D, Jalan Suboh, 85000 Johor, Malaysia
Abstract:

This paper identifies and corrects invalid arguments in [Edge \(k\)-Product Cordial Labeling of Graphs, Eur. J. Pure Appl. Math., 18(2), Article No. 5887 (2025)]. In particular, several published statements are shown to be false through explicit counterexamples. Revised versions of these results are established under appropriate conditions, often involving structural properties such as girth. Correct bounds or conditions are obtained for specific graph classes, including shadow graphs, splitting graphs of stars, and path unions of cycles. These corrections clarify the limitations of the earlier claims and provide a more accurate foundation for further study of edge \(k\)-product cordial labeling.

Rizal Purnawan1, Angga Trisna Yudhistira2, Christoporus A. A. Ohmar3
1Independent Researcher, Surabaya, Indonesia
2Universitas Gajah Mada, Indonesia
3Independent Researcher, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Abstract:

This work introduces Combinatorial Grid Sequencing (CGS), an axiomatic combinatorial theory inspired by certain patterns of concrete-casting works in multi-storey building construction. By incorporating elementary number theory and max-plus algebra, we derive several theorems that characterize the inherent properties of CGS systems. Notably, the development of an explicit inverse map within this framework led to the independent discovery of three number-theoretic identities involving the floor function. The theory provides a rigorous framework for developing algorithms to model real-world problems categorized as CGS problems. We demonstrate that this approach offers a time-efficient, systematic computational model capable of significantly accelerating certain complex optimization tasks for engineers.

Ivica Martinjak1
1Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Applied Computing, University of Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Abstract:

It is known that an automorphism group \(G\) acting on a symmetric, uniform, and balanced incidence structure \({\cal D}\) has the same number of orbits on the set of points and the set of lines of \({\cal D}\). Moreover, a group \(G\) induces a tactical decomposition of \({\cal D}\). These facts are often used to perform efficient constructions of various combinatorial designs and other incidence structures. In this paper, we use a variation of this approach to construct Hadamard 3-balanced incidence structures by employing an automorphism of order 3. We are also able to reach structures with a small automorphism group.

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