Heterogeneous Stirling numbers and heterogeneous Bell polynomials

Abstract: This paper introduces a novel generalization of Stirling and Lah numbers, termed ``heterogeneous Stirling numbers," which smoothly interpolate between these classical combinatorial sequences. Specifically, we define heterogeneous Stirling numbers of the second and first kinds, demonstrating their convergence to standard Stirling numbers for lambda=0 and to (signed) Lah numbers for lambda =1. We derive fundamental properties, including generating functions, explicit formulas, and recurrence relations. Furthermore, we extend these concepts to heterogeneous Bell polynomials, obtaining analogous results such as generating function, combinatorial identity and Dobinski-like formula. Finally, we introduce and analyse heterogeneous r-Stirling numbers of the second kind and their associated r-Bell polynomials.