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arxiv: 2506.10723 · v3 · submitted 2025-06-12 · 🧮 math.NA · cs.NA· math.FA

Semi-discrete moduli of smoothness and their applications in one- and two- sided error estimates

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classification 🧮 math.NA cs.NAmath.FA
keywords semi-discrete modulus of smoothnessone-sided error estimatestwo-sided error estimateslinear operatorsK-functionalRathore-type theoremapproximation theorysampling operators
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The pith

A new semi-discrete modulus of smoothness produces sharper one- and two-sided error estimates for pointwise linear operators than classical averaged moduli.

A machine-rendered reading of the paper's core claim, the machinery that carries it, and where it could break.

The paper introduces a semi-discrete modulus of smoothness that generalizes a 2023 definition. This new measure allows the derivation of both upper and lower bounds on approximation errors for a wide class of linear operators, relying on the smoothing properties of certain integrals. These bounds are tighter than those obtained from traditional averaged moduli of smoothness. The results include a Rathore-type theorem and an equivalence with a newly defined K-functional, with direct applications to operators like Bernstein polynomials and sampling series.

Core claim

By defining a semi-discrete modulus of smoothness that generalizes a prior version, the authors establish general one- and two-sided error estimates for pointwise linear operators using regularization properties of certain integrals. This yields sharper estimates compared to averaged moduli of smoothness, along with a Rathore-type theorem and an equivalent K-functional.

What carries the argument

The semi-discrete modulus of smoothness, a measure combining discrete and continuous features of function variation to bound approximation errors more precisely when paired with integral regularization.

If this is right

  • Sharper error estimates apply to Bernstein polynomials on bounded domains.
  • One-sided estimates hold for Shannon sampling series on the real line.
  • One-sided estimates hold for generalized sampling operators.
  • The modulus is equivalent to a newly introduced K-functional and its realization.

Where Pith is reading between the lines

These are editorial extensions of the paper, not claims the author makes directly.

  • This approach may extend to additional classes of approximation operators beyond those treated here.
  • The K-functional equivalence could streamline proofs of realization results in related settings.
  • Two-sided estimates might support tighter control in reconstruction tasks on finite intervals.

Load-bearing premise

Certain integrals provide the required regularization and approximation properties under the non-restrictive assumptions placed on the pointwise linear operators.

What would settle it

For Bernstein polynomials applied to a concrete test function, compute both the new modulus and the classical averaged modulus to check whether the resulting error bounds are strictly smaller.

read the original abstract

In this paper, we introduce a new semi-discrete modulus of smoothness, which generalizes the definition given by Kolomoitsev and Lomako (KL) in 2023 (in the paper published in the J. Approx. Theory), and we establish very general one- and two- sided error estimates under non-restrictive assumptions for pointwise linear operators. The proposed results have been proved exploiting the regularization and approximation properties of certain Steklov integrals introduced by Sendov and Popov in 1983. By the definition of semi-discrete moduli of smoothness here proposed, we derive sharper estimates than those that can be achieved by the classical averaged moduli of smoothness ($\tau$-moduli). Furthermore, a Rathore-type theorem is established, and a new notion of K-functional is also introduced showing its equivalence with the semi-discrete modulus of smoothness and its realization. One-sided estimates of approximation can be established for classical operators on bounded domains, such as the Bernstein polynomials. In the case of approximation operators on the whole real line, one-sided estimates can be achieved, e.g., for the Shannon sampling (cardinal) series, as well as for the so-called generalized sampling operators.

Editorial analysis

A structured set of objections, weighed in public.

Desk editor's note, referee report, simulated authors' rebuttal, and a circularity audit. Tearing a paper down is the easy half of reading it; the pith above is the substance, this is the friction.

Referee Report

2 major / 2 minor

Summary. The manuscript introduces a semi-discrete modulus of smoothness generalizing the Kolomoitsev-Lomako (2023) definition. It derives one- and two-sided error estimates for approximation by pointwise linear operators, exploiting regularization and approximation properties of Sendov-Popov Steklov integrals (1983). The authors claim these yield sharper estimates than classical τ-moduli, establish a Rathore-type theorem, and introduce a new K-functional equivalent to the semi-discrete modulus (with realization property). Applications include one-sided estimates for Bernstein polynomials on bounded domains and for Shannon sampling operators on the real line.

Significance. If the central claims hold, the semi-discrete modulus offers a tool for sharper one- and two-sided estimates in approximation theory by combining a new definition with established Steklov regularization. The equivalence to a new K-functional and the Rathore-type theorem add theoretical value, while the applications to concrete operators (Bernstein, Shannon) illustrate utility. The generalization of the 2023 KL modulus under non-restrictive operator assumptions is a potential strength if the transfer of properties is fully justified.

major comments (2)
  1. [§3] §3: The regularization and approximation properties of the Sendov-Popov Steklov integrals are invoked to obtain Jackson- and Bernstein-type inequalities for general pointwise linear operators under the stated non-restrictive assumptions. However, the manuscript does not explicitly verify that these operators commute with the Steklov means or preserve the required uniform boundedness and approximation orders; this verification is load-bearing for the claimed sharpness over τ-moduli and for the validity of Theorems 4.1–4.3.
  2. [Theorems 4.1–4.3] Proofs of Theorems 4.1–4.3: The one- and two-sided estimates and the equivalence of the new K-functional to the semi-discrete modulus rely on the Steklov properties transferring directly once the modulus is defined. Without an explicit check that the operator class satisfies the necessary conditions for these properties (e.g., positivity or norm bounds in the relevant spaces), the rates and sharpness claims may not hold in full generality.
minor comments (2)
  1. [Introduction] The introduction would benefit from an explicit side-by-side comparison of the new semi-discrete modulus definition with the Kolomoitsev-Lomako (2023) version to highlight the generalization.
  2. [§2] Notation for the Steklov integrals and the new K-functional should be introduced with a brief reminder of the 1983 Sendov-Popov definitions to improve readability for readers unfamiliar with that work.

Simulated Author's Rebuttal

2 responses · 0 unresolved

We thank the referee for the careful reading of our manuscript and the constructive comments. We address each major comment below and indicate the revisions that will be incorporated to strengthen the presentation.

read point-by-point responses
  1. Referee: [§3] §3: The regularization and approximation properties of the Sendov-Popov Steklov integrals are invoked to obtain Jackson- and Bernstein-type inequalities for general pointwise linear operators under the stated non-restrictive assumptions. However, the manuscript does not explicitly verify that these operators commute with the Steklov means or preserve the required uniform boundedness and approximation orders; this verification is load-bearing for the claimed sharpness over τ-moduli and for the validity of Theorems 4.1–4.3.

    Authors: We agree that an explicit verification would improve clarity. In the revised version we will insert a short lemma in §3 establishing that the pointwise linear operators commute with the Sendov-Popov Steklov means and preserve the required uniform boundedness and approximation orders under the non-restrictive assumptions already stated in Section 2. This lemma will be invoked directly in the proofs of the Jackson- and Bernstein-type inequalities. revision: yes

  2. Referee: [Theorems 4.1–4.3] Proofs of Theorems 4.1–4.3: The one- and two-sided estimates and the equivalence of the new K-functional to the semi-discrete modulus rely on the Steklov properties transferring directly once the modulus is defined. Without an explicit check that the operator class satisfies the necessary conditions for these properties (e.g., positivity or norm bounds in the relevant spaces), the rates and sharpness claims may not hold in full generality.

    Authors: The assumptions placed on the pointwise linear operators in Section 2 are sufficient for the transfer of the Steklov properties without requiring positivity. Nevertheless, to make the dependence explicit, we will add a brief verification paragraph at the start of each proof of Theorems 4.1–4.3 that refers to the new lemma in §3 and confirms that the stated norm bounds and approximation orders are preserved. This will remove any ambiguity regarding the validity of the rates and the claimed sharpness relative to τ-moduli. revision: yes

Circularity Check

0 steps flagged

No circularity: independent derivation from new definition plus external 1983 results

full rationale

The paper defines a new semi-discrete modulus of smoothness that generalizes an external 2023 result by Kolomoitsev and Lomako, then invokes the independent regularization and approximation properties of Sendov-Popov Steklov integrals from 1983 to derive one- and two-sided estimates, a Rathore-type theorem, and K-functional equivalence under the paper's stated assumptions on pointwise linear operators. No load-bearing step reduces by construction to a fitted parameter, self-citation chain, or redefinition of the target quantity; the sharper estimates relative to τ-moduli follow from the new definition combined with external theorems rather than from any internal renaming or ansatz smuggling. The derivation is therefore self-contained against external benchmarks.

Axiom & Free-Parameter Ledger

0 free parameters · 1 axioms · 2 invented entities

The paper introduces new definitions and relies on established properties of Steklov integrals; no free parameters are fitted to data.

axioms (1)
  • domain assumption Regularization and approximation properties of Steklov integrals from Sendov and Popov (1983)
    Invoked to prove the one- and two-sided error estimates as stated in the abstract.
invented entities (2)
  • Semi-discrete modulus of smoothness no independent evidence
    purpose: Generalize the 2023 KL definition and obtain sharper error estimates than τ-moduli
    New definition proposed in the paper.
  • New notion of K-functional no independent evidence
    purpose: Establish equivalence with the semi-discrete modulus and its realization
    Introduced and shown equivalent in the paper.

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Reference graph

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