Semi-discrete moduli of smoothness and their applications in one- and two- sided error estimates
Pith reviewed 2026-05-19 09:39 UTC · model grok-4.3
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.
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
- 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.
Referee Report
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)
- [§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.
- [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)
- [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] 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
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
-
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
-
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
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
axioms (1)
- domain assumption Regularization and approximation properties of Steklov integrals from Sendov and Popov (1983)
invented entities (2)
-
Semi-discrete modulus of smoothness
no independent evidence
-
New notion of K-functional
no independent evidence
Lean theorems connected to this paper
-
IndisputableMonolith/Cost/FunctionalEquation.leanwashburn_uniqueness_aczel unclear?
unclearRelation between the paper passage and the cited Recognition theorem.
we propose a modification of Ωr,s ... replacement ... with ˜fδ,r, where ˜fδ,r denotes the Steklov averages introduced by Sendov and Popov in [32]
What do these tags mean?
- matches
- The paper's claim is directly supported by a theorem in the formal canon.
- supports
- The theorem supports part of the paper's argument, but the paper may add assumptions or extra steps.
- extends
- The paper goes beyond the formal theorem; the theorem is a base layer rather than the whole result.
- uses
- The paper appears to rely on the theorem as machinery.
- contradicts
- The paper's claim conflicts with a theorem or certificate in the canon.
- unclear
- Pith found a possible connection, but the passage is too broad, indirect, or ambiguous to say the theorem truly supports the claim.
Reference graph
Works this paper leans on
-
[1]
R. Akgün, A modulus of smoothness for some Banach function spaces,Ukrainian Mathe- matical Journal, 75 (2024), 1159–1177
work page 2024
-
[2]
C. Bardaro, P. L. Butzer, R. L. Stens, and G. Vinti,Approximation error of the Whittaker cardinal series in terms of an averaged modulus of smoothness covering discontinuous signals, J. Math. Anal. Appl.,316(1) (2006), 269–306
work page 2006
-
[3]
P. L. Butzer and R. L. Stens,Sampling theory for not necessarily band-limited functions: a historical overview, SIAM Rev.,34(1) (1992), 40–53
work page 1992
-
[4]
P. L. Butzer and R. L. Stens,Linear prediction by samples from the past, in: Advanced Topics in Shannon Sampling and Interpolation Theory, (1993), 157–183
work page 1993
-
[5]
P. L. Butzer and R. L. Stens,Reconstruction of signals inLp(R)-space by generalized sam- pling series based on linear combinations of B-splines, Integral Transforms Spec. Funct.,19 (2008), 35–58
work page 2008
-
[6]
M. Cantarini and D. Costarelli,An application of the Euler-MacLaurin summation formula for estimating the order of approximation of sampling-type series, Dolomites Res. Notes Approx., 18(2) (2025), 1–7
work page 2025
-
[7]
X. Chen, J. Tan, Z. Liu, and J. Xie,Approximation of functions by a new family of gener- alized Bernstein operators, J. Math. Anal. Appl.,450(1) (2017), 244–261
work page 2017
-
[8]
Corso, Generalized sampling operators with derivative samples, J
R. Corso, Generalized sampling operators with derivative samples, J. Math. Anal. Appl., 547(1) (2025), 129369
work page 2025
-
[9]
Costarelli,Convergence and high order of approximation by Steklov sampling operators, Banach J
D. Costarelli,Convergence and high order of approximation by Steklov sampling operators, Banach J. Math. Anal.,18 (2024), 70. 27
work page 2024
-
[10]
D. Costarelli and E. Russo,Modular convergence of Steklov sampling operators in Orlicz spaces, arXiv:2505.02379 (2025)
-
[11]
R. A. DeVore and G. G. Lorentz, Constructive Approximation, Springer-Verlag, Berlin, (1993)
work page 1993
-
[12]
Z. Ditzian and V. Totik,Moduli of Smoothness, Vol. 9, Springer Series in Computational Mathematics, Springer-Verlag, New York, (1987)
work page 1987
-
[13]
Z. Ditzian and X. Zhou, Kantorovich-Bernstein polynomials, Construct. Approx. 6(4) (1990), 421–435
work page 1990
- [14]
-
[15]
K. Gröchenig,Sampling, Marcinkiewicz - Zygmund inequalities, approximation, and quadra- ture rules, arXiv:1909.07752 (2019)
-
[16]
K. Gröchenig and J. Ortega-Cerdà,Marcinkiewicz - Zygmund inequalities for polynomials in Fock space, Math. Z.,302(3) (2022),1409–1428,
work page 2022
-
[17]
C. W. Groetsch and O. Shisha,On the degree of approximation by Bernstein polynomials, J. Approx. Theory14(4) (1975), 317–318
work page 1975
-
[18]
Jafarov, On moduli of smoothness of functions in Orlicz spaces, Tbilisi Math
S. Jafarov, On moduli of smoothness of functions in Orlicz spaces, Tbilisi Math. J., 12 (2019), 121–129
work page 2019
-
[19]
Y. Kolomoitsev,Approximation properties of generalized Bochner-Riesz means in the Hardy spaces H p, 0 < p ≤ 1, Mat. Sb.,203(8) (2022), 79–96
work page 2022
-
[20]
Kolomoitsev,On moduli of smoothness and averaged differences of fractional order, Fract
Y. Kolomoitsev,On moduli of smoothness and averaged differences of fractional order, Fract. Calc. Appl. Anal.,20(4) (2017), 988–1009
work page 2017
-
[21]
Y. Kolomoitsev and T. Lomako,Sharp Lp-error estimates for sampling operators, J. Approx. Theory,294 (2023) 105941
work page 2023
-
[22]
Y.KolomoitsevandS.Tikhonov, Marcinkiewicz-Zygmund inequalities in quasi-Banach func- tion spaces, arXiv:2411 (2024)
work page 2024
-
[23]
Y. Kolomoitsev and R. M. Trigub,On the nonclassical approximation method for periodic functions by trigonometric polynomials, Ukrainian Math. Bull.,9(3) (2012), 356–374
work page 2012
-
[24]
K. Kopotun, D. Leviatan, and I. Shevchuk,New moduli of smoothness, Publ. Inst. Math. (Beograd), 96 (2014), 105–120
work page 2014
-
[25]
Linsen,Uniform approximation by combinations of Bernstein polynomials, Approx
X. Linsen,Uniform approximation by combinations of Bernstein polynomials, Approx. The- ory Appl.11(3) (1995), 36–51
work page 1995
-
[26]
G. Mastroianni and M. Russo, Lagrange interpolation in some weighted uniform spaces, Facta Univ. Ser. Math. Inform.,12 (1997), 185–201
work page 1997
-
[27]
J. Ortega-Cerdá and J. Saludes,Marcinkiewicz - Zygmund inequalities, J. Approx. Theory, 145 (2007), 237–252
work page 2007
-
[28]
D. S. Lubinsky, Marcinkiewicz - Zygmund inequalities: Methods and results, in: G. V. Milovanović (Ed.), Recent Progress in Inequalities, Springer Netherlands, Dordrecht, (1998), 213–240. 28
work page 1998
-
[29]
R. K. S. Rathore,The Problem of A. F. Timan on the precise order of decrease of the best approximations, J. Approx. Theory,77(2) (1994), 153–166
work page 1994
-
[30]
S. Ries and R. L. Stens, Approximation by generalized sampling series, in Constructive Theory of Functions 84, Sofia, (1984), 746–756
work page 1984
-
[31]
K. V. Runovski and H.-J. Schmeisser, Moduli of smoothness related to fractional Riesz- derivatives, Zeit. Anal. und ihre Anwend.,34 (2015), 109–125
work page 2015
-
[32]
B. Sendov and V. A. Popov,The Averaged Moduli of Smoothness, Vol. 2, Pure and Applied Mathematics, John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, UK, (1988)
work page 1988
-
[33]
A. F. Timan,Theory of Approximation, Pergamon Press, Oxford, (1963)
work page 1963
-
[34]
Totik, Approximation by Bernstein polynomials, Amer
V. Totik, Approximation by Bernstein polynomials, Amer. J. Math.116(4) (1994), 995– 1018
work page 1994
-
[35]
R. M. Trigub,Absolute convergence of Fourier integrals, summability of Fourier series and approximation by polynomials of functions on a torus, Izv. Akad. Nauk SSSR Ser. Mat., 44(6) (1980), 1378–1409
work page 1980
-
[36]
R. M. Trigub,The exact order of approximation to periodic functions by Bernstein–Stechkin polynomials, Sb. Math.,204(12) (2013), 1819–1838. 29
work page 2013
discussion (0)
Sign in with ORCID, Apple, or X to comment. Anyone can read and Pith papers without signing in.