Abstract: According to examples, an apparatus may include a processor and a memory on which is stored machine readable instructions that may cause the processor to generate a matrix based on features of reference entities and a respective allocation of value provided to each reference entity, apply first-stage machine-learning on the matrix to identify relevant features of the reference entities that correlate with the respective allocation of value provided to each reference entity, and access an identity of a target entity and target features of the target entity. The instructions may further cause the processor to apply second-stage machine-learning to generate a cluster comprising the target entity and a set of the reference entities based on the relevant features and determine a distribution of values allocated to the set. The distribution of values may be used to generate or assess a target allocation of value for the target entity.

Abstract: According to examples, an apparatus may include a processor and a memory on which is stored machine readable instructions that may cause the processor to generate a matrix based on features of reference entities and a respective allocation of value provided to each reference entity, apply first-stage machine-learning on the matrix to identify relevant features of the reference entities that correlate with the respective allocation of value provided to each reference entity, and access an identity of a target entity and target features of the target entity. The instructions may further cause the processor to apply second-stage machine-learning to generate a cluster comprising the target entity and a set of the reference entities based on the relevant features and determine a distribution of values allocated to the set. The distribution of values may be used to generate or assess a target allocation of value for the target entity.

Abstract: A network topology is described which supports the peer-to-peer storage of user-generated applications data at multiple nodes in a virtual private network. In one embodiment, the network supports Application Service Provider applications.

Abstract: A ferrule includes a tubular wall and end wall which is divided into radially extending fingers, each of which terminates at a barb member formed by deflecting a tapered end portion of the finger. The end wall fingers extend orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the tubular wall and the barb members are each inclined at an acute angle to the carrying fingers and axis such that when a tubular body, such as a braided or like textile sleeve, is received in the tubular wall and the end all is swaged to cause the fingers to enter the body and lie flat against the tubular wall, the bars are caused to penetrate the body and be flattened by the tubular wall to point in the direction towards the body end and inhibit its removal. The tubular wall may be circumferentially continuous (annular) or discontinuous (slit) and openable.