\((C_k\oplus G,k,\lambda)\) difference families (Q5960284)

Let \(G\) be an additive group and \(C_k\) the additive group of the ring \(Z_k\) of residues modulo \(k\). The paper shows that the existence of a \((G,k,\lambda)\) difference family and a \((G,k,\lambda)\) perfect Mendelsohn difference family implies the existence of a \((C_k\oplus G,k,\lambda)\) difference family. Furthermore, it is shown that if the \((G,k,\lambda)\) difference family and the \((G,k,\lambda)\) perfect Mendelsohn difference family are further compatible, then the resultant \((C_k\oplus G,k,\lambda)\) difference family is elementary resolvable. By first constructing several series of perfect Mendelsohn difference families, many \((C_k\oplus G,k,\lambda)\) difference families and elementary resolvable \((C_k\oplus G,k,\lambda)\) difference families are given. Some results on \((C_{kv},k,\lambda)\) difference families and elementary resolvable \((C_{kv},k,\lambda)\) difference families, which correspond to \((kv,k,\lambda)\)-cyclic balanced incomplete block designs and cyclically resolvable \((kv,k,\lambda)\)-cyclic balanced incomplete block designs respectively, are also provided. They are useful for recursive construction of cyclic balanced incomplete block designs and cyclically resolvable cyclic balanced incomplete block designs, as shown in \textit{M. Genma}, \textit{M. Mishima} and \textit{M. Jimbo} [J. Comb. Des. 5, 177-187 (1997; Zbl 0911.05012)] and \textit{M. Jimbo} and \textit{S. Kuriki} [Discrete Math. 46, 249-255 (1983; Zbl 0526.05011)].