Geometry of certain first order differential operators and its applications to general connections (Q1113090)

Let V and W be two vector bundles over M and \(P\in Hom(V,W).\) The author initiates a study of some first order differential operators from V to W with respect to P. These operators are generalizations of the operators of covariant derivatives induced by general connections [see \textit{T. Otsuki}, Math. J. Okayama Univ. 8, 143-180 (1958; Zbl 0197.481)]. Then the theory developed for such operators is applied to a theory of vector subbundles of a vector bundle endowed with a general connection.