A geometric interpretation of the intertwining number (Q1740365)

Summary: We exhibit a connection between two statistics on set partitions, the intertwining number and the depth-index. In particular, results link the intertwining number to the algebraic geometry of Borel orbits. Furthermore, by studying the generating polynomials of our statistics, we determine the \(q=-1\) specialization of a \(q\)-analogue of the Bell numbers. Finally, by using Renner's \(H\)-polynomial of an algebraic monoid, we introduce and study a \(t\)-analog of \(q\)-Stirling numbers.