A finite difference approach to degenerate Bernoulli and Stirling polynomials

AbstractStarting with divided differences of binomial coefficients, a class of multivalued polynomials (three parameters), which includes Bernoulli and Stirling polynomials and various generalizations, is developed. These carry a natural and convenient combinatorial interpretation. Calculation of particular values of the polynomials yields some binomial identities. Properties of the polynomials are established and several factorization results are proven and conjectured