Abstract: A method and system for using a procedure residing and executed entirely within a database system is disclosed. The procedure utilizes at least one variable, which has a plurality of attributes. The method and system include defining the at least one variable as at least one global variable prior to calling of the procedure. Defining the global variable(s) includes informing the database system of the plurality of attributes of the variable(s) and allowing the database system access to the at least one variable. The method and system also include tracking the global variable(s).

Abstract: A method for conversion between a decimal floating-point number and an order-preserving format has been disclosed. The method encodes numbers in the decimal floating-point format into a format which preserves value ordering. This encoding allows for fast and direct string comparison of two values. Such an encoding provides normalized representations for decimal floating-point numbers and supports type-insensitive comparisons. Type-insensitive comparisons are often used in database management systems, where the data type is not specified for values to compare. In addition, the original decimal floating-point format can be recovered from the order-preserving format.

Abstract: A method for generating an execution plan for updating and retrieving data from a database in a single process includes: receiving a statement by a server to update a database with a first set of data and to retrieve a second set of data from the database; building a first execution plan to update the database with the first set of data; building a second execution plan to retrieve the second set of data from the database; and building a single execution plan including a combination of the first and second execution plans. The single execution plan allows for the updating and retrieval of data with a single crossing of an interface between a client and the database. By performing both functions in this manner, the efficiency of performing such tasks on the database is significantly increased.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technique for input parameter binding. When executing a statement, data in an application structure of the statement is compared with optimization information in a bind-in structure. When there is a match between the data in the application structure and data in the optimization information in the bind-in structure, the statement is executed with the optimization information. Also disclosed is a technique for output parameter binding. When executing a statement, data in an application structure of the statement is compared with optimization information in a bind-out structure. When there is a match between the data in the application structure and data in the optimization information in the bind-out structure, the statement is executed with the optimization information.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and program for making data available to an application program. A cursor is generated positioned with respect to a result table, wherein the cursor specifies a search criteria, and wherein the result table includes rows from a base table that satisfy the search criteria. A fetch request is received indicating to position the cursor on a plurality of rows of the result table. The cursor is positioned on the plurality of rows of the result table indicated in the fetch request that satisfy the search criteria.

Abstract: A seal assembly for a turbine blade tip shroud including a one-piece bent metallic sheet intersegment seal having an axial component and a vertical component adapted to fit in a groove formed in the end walls of each shroud segment, wherein the shroud segment has a platform and radially extending ribs, and the seal fits tightly in the groove providing an axial and a radial component to the seal. A ring seal is also provided for sealing a joint between the shroud and a mounting structure where an annular gap is formed having an "L" shaped cross-section, the ring seal having a "C" shaped configuration and one of the legs of the "C" extending within an axial component of the "L" shaped gap. The leg has a wave pattern with the peaks of the wave in contact with opposite radial walls of the axial component of the gap for creating a gas seal at the joint.