\(q\)-rook polynomials and matrices over finite fields (Q1271886)

The author solves a problem posed by \textit{A. M. Garsia} and \textit{J. B. Remmel} [J. Comb. Theory, Ser. A 41, 246-275 (1986; Zbl 0598.05007)] by finding a statistic, mat(\(C,B\)), on non-attacking rook placements, \(C\), on a Ferrers board, \(B\), such that \(\sum_C q^{\text{mat}(C,B)}\) is the \(q\)-hit polynomial for \(B\). His statistic is based on the correspondence between rook placements and rectangular \(n \times m\) matrices of rank \(k\) with entries from a field of \(q\) elements. This is distinct from the statistic found by Dworkin that also yields the \(q\)-hit polynomial. The author proves that mat and the Dworkin statistic induce different multiset Mahonian permutation statistics for any Ferrers board. On triangular boards, they can be used to induce distinct Euler-Mahonian statistics. The author also proves that the \(q\)-hit polynomials are symmetric and unimodal.