Linear sequential dynamical systems, incidence algebras, and Möbius functions (Q1642019)

A sequential dynamical system (SDS) consists of a graph, a set of local functions and an update schedule. A linear sequential dynamical system is an SDS whose local functions are linear. The authors derive an explicit closed formula for any linear SDS as a synchronous dynamical system. They also constructively show that any synchronous linear system can be expressed as a linear SDS, i.e., it can be written as a product of linear local functions. Furthermore, they study the connection between linear SDS and the incidence algebras of partially ordered sets (posets). Specifically, they show that the Möbius function of any poset can be computed via an SDS, whose graph is induced by the Hasse diagram of the poset. Finally, they prove a cut theorem for the Möbius functions of posets with respect to certain chain decompositions.