On algebras with two multiplications, including Hopf algebras and Bose-Mesner algebras (Q1920009)

An association scheme is a finite set \(X\) and a set of relations \(R_i\) on \(X\) which satisfy several axioms. For example, a transitive permutation group \(G\) acting on a set \(\Omega\), together with the \(G\)-orbits on \(\Omega\times\Omega\) is an association scheme. This theory is central in Algebraic Combinatorics and plays an important role in Coding Theory. For each relation \(R_i\) one defines an adjacency matrix \(A_i\). In the example these matrices span the Hecke algebra of the representation. In general, one gets what is called an adjacency algebra or a Bose-Mesner algebra. Such an algebra is also closed under the entrywise product of matrices. The author of the paper under review shows the similarity of this structure to a structure that can be given to finite-dimensional Hopf algebras over a field. So he develops an axiomatic framework to study algebras with two multiplications which he calls double Frobenius algebras (dF-algebras). He then presents some examples and develops some theory. His point of view shows the analogy between imprimitivity and cocleftness. He finally suggests some open problems.