Abstract: A system and method for storing hierarchical objects. The system stores a list of hierarchies as a single object. The object includes all information relating to a particular data element. The data element may be a concept. The concept may include all related information such that if one or more portions of the data element are requested by a user, the entire data object including the requested portions is retrieved. A user may navigate forward and backward through the hierarchy and search for other information. The object is stored as a self-defining object such that all information relating to the data element is stored within the object.

Abstract: An axial-flow turbine has at least one row of bowed guide vanes (7) and at least one row of rotor blades. The bowing of the guide vanes (7) over the vane height is selected at right angles to the chord and is directed towards the pressure side of the respectively adjacent guide vane in the peripheral direction. The guide vanes are tapered in their radial extent. Secondary losses, which occur due to the deflection of the boundary layers in the guide vanes, are reduced by this measure.