Two-numbers and Euler characteristics for quandles

Abstract: Quandles can be regarded as generalizations of symmetric spaces. In the theory of symmetric spaces developed by Chen and Nagano, there is an interesting relationship between the two-number and the Euler characteristic. The two-number is a Riemannian geometric invariant that can also be characterized in terms of point symmetries, whereas the Euler characteristic is a topological invariant. The aim of this paper is to initiate the study of quandle analogues of Chen--Nagano theory. In particular, we investigate relationships between the two-numbers and the Euler characteristics of quandles, and provide examples of finite quandles that either satisfy or fail to satisfy properties analogous to those of symmetric spaces. These examples are constructed from directed simple graphs labeled by abelian groups.