Abstract: A method for using a computer system to develop an application program and a method for collecting information from an end-user are disclosed. The method for developing the application program includes the steps of defining a set of discrete program constructs, a data dictionary wherein data elements are associated with at least one of the constructs, and a standardized interaction between the constructs. The constructs can be assembled, without the use of a programming language, into a sequence to form the application program. The standardized interaction is based in part on a position of the construct in the sequence. Multiple unique application programs can be constructed that share information by sharing a single data dictionary, thus allowing the construction of applications which can reduce or eliminate the need to answer the same question more than once.

Abstract: A method of treating a composite material such as oil shale or low grade coal to recover metals, metal compounds and additional heat. The method comprises reducing the particle size of said composite material, separating the composite organic portion from the gangue portion which forms a part of the material to form a composite metal-containing organic concentrate. The concentrate is then treated with available oxygen-bearing materials in wet solution in an amount sufficient to supply all or a portion of the stoichiometric amount of oxygen required for combustion of the concentrate. Then or thereafter, the treated concentrate is treated with additional gas phase oxygen in an amount sufficient to make up the remainder if any of the stoichiometric amount of oxygen, thereby producing a treated composite organic material with or without other forms of oxygen. This treated composite organic material is further heated until the material ignites.