Constructing bispectral dual Hahn polynomials

Using the concept of $\mathcal{D}$-operator and the classical discrete family of dual Hahn, we construct orthogonal polynomials $(q_n)_n$ which are also eigenfunctions of higher order difference operators

Matrix differential equations and scalar polynomials satisfying higher order recursions

We show that any scalar differential operator with a family of polyno- mials as its common eigenfunctions leads canonically to a matrix differen- tial operator with the same property. The construction of the correspond- ing family of matrix valued polynomials has been studied in [D1, D2, DV] but the existence of a differential operator having them as common eigen- functions had not been considered This correspondence goes only one way and most matrix valued situations do not arise in this fashion. We illustrate this general construction with a few examples. In the case of some families of scalar valued polynomials introduced in [GH] we take a first look at the algebra of all matrix differential operators that share these common eigenfunctions and uncover a number of phenomena that are new to the matrix valued case

Differential coefficients of orthogonal matrix polynomials

AbstractWe find explicit formulas for raising and lowering first order differential operators for orthogonal matrix polynomials. We derive recurrence relations for the coefficients in the raising and lowering operators. Some examples are given

Apparent Metabolizable Energy of Corn and Rice Bran for Philippine Mallard Duck

The metabolizable energy (ME) value of common feedstuffs for Philippine mallard duck (PMD) need to be established to formulate specific and balance diet for PMD.  For this, the study was conducted to determine the apparent ME expressed in classical ME (AME) and nitrogen corrected ME (AMEn) of corn and rice bran for PMD. Eight PMD were used in the energy assay using the total collection method. An improvised digestibility cage was fabricated and used in the experiment modifying the basin technique in excreta collection. The homogenous wet mash of corn and rice bran were tube-fed to the PMD twice with an interval of six hours. Excreta collection was done for 54 hours from the last scheduled tube feeding. Feed and excreta samples were sent to UPLB for protein and gross energy analyses. The experiment was carried out using the Completely Randomized Design. The calculated AME and AMEn of corn and rice bran for PMD were 3.63 and 3.61 kcal/g and 1.97 and 1.95 kcal/g, respectively. Corn tends to have a higher ME value than rice bran. The ME value of corn and rice bran for PMD is greater than the data of PHILSAN, which is the reference standard for poultry and livestock nutrient requirements in the Philippines. The result show that corn and rice bran have higher energetic value for growing PMD than book values for poultry.  PMD is efficient in utilizing the energy content of corn and rice bran as manifested by the higher ME value

Three-dimensional shear in granular flow

The evolution of granular shear flow is investigated as a function of height in a split-bottom Couette cell. Using particle tracking, magnetic-resonance imaging, and large-scale simulations we find a transition in the nature of the shear as a characteristic height $H^*$ is exceeded. Below $H^*$ there is a central stationary core; above $H^*$ we observe the onset of additional axial shear associated with torsional failure. Radial and axial shear profiles are qualitatively different: the radial extent is wide and increases with height while the axial width remains narrow and fixed.Comment: 4 pages, 5 figure

Neonatal Near Miss: A Systematic Review.

The concept of neonatal near miss has been proposed as a tool for assessment of quality of care in neonates who suffered any life-threatening condition. However, there are no internationally agreed concepts or criteria for defining or identifying neonatal near miss. The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review of studies and markers that are able to identify neonatal near miss cases and predict neonatal mortality. Electronic searches were performed in the Medline, Embase and Scielo databases, with no time or language restriction, until December 2014. The term neonatal near miss was used alone or in combination with terms related to neonatal morbidity/mortality and neonatal severity scores. Study selection criteria involved three steps: title, abstract and full text of the articles. Two researchers performed study selection and data extraction independently. Heterogeneity of study results did not permit the performance of meta-analysis. Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria adopted, only four articles were selected. Preterm and perinatal asphyxia were used as near miss markers in all studies. Health indicators on neonatal morbidity and mortality were extracted or estimated. The neonatal near miss rate was 2.6 to 8 times higher than the neonatal mortality rate. Pragmatic and management criteria are used to help develop the neonatal near miss concept. The most severe cases are identified and mortality is predicted with these criteria. Furthermore, the near miss concept can be used as a tool for evaluating neonatal care. It is the first step in building management strategies to reduce mortality and long-term sequelae.1532