Matrix integration and combinatorics of modular groups (Q921664)

\textit{J. Harer} and \textit{D. Zagier} [Invent. Math. 85, 457-485 (1986; Zbl 0616.14017)] reduced the computation of the virtual Euler characteristic of the mapping class group of a punctured Riemann surface of genus g to a purely combinatorial problem which they then solved using a variety of techniques, including at some stage an integration over a Gaussian ensemble of random matrices, a point further elaborated by Penner. The present paper offers some simplifications of the combinatorial part of the calculation, using among others a purely group theoretical calculation relying on the Frobenius duality formula between the linear and symmetric groups.