Abstract: Improved decision support techniques are disclosed. For example, a technique for processing transactional data for use in accordance with a decision support operation comprises the following steps/operations. The transactional data is transformed into an interim form according to a relative importance of the transactional data to the decision support operation. The transformed data is incrementally analyzed, wherein the incremental analysis comprises applying a successive approximation to the data in the interim form, such that the decision support operation can be incrementally performed based on a transactional load. The technique may further comprise allocating one or more computing resources to incrementally perform the decision support operation.

Abstract: Interoperability is enabled between participants in a network by determining values associated with a value metric defined for at least a portion of the network. Information flow is directed between two or more of the participants based at least in part on semantic models corresponding to the participants and on the values associated with the value metric. The semantic models may define interactions between the participants and define at least a portion of information produced or consumed by the participants. The determination of the values and the direction of the information flow may be performed multiple times in order to modify the one or more value metrics. The direction of information flow may allow participants to be deleted from the network, may allow participants to be added to the network, or may allow behavior of the participants to be modified.

Abstract: Fire escape for use in multi-storied building having floors spaced generally equally from adjacent floors at floor spacing. Fire escape has fire resistant, vertical, hollow outer column and similar inner column positioned generally centrally within outer column. Outer and inner columns have generally oval-sectioned inner and outer wall respectively spaced apart to provide columnar space therebetween. Chute within columnar space follows generally helical path of essentially constant pitch of twice floor spacing so that one complete circuit of chute passes two floors. In one embodiment for wide floor spacing, inner column is hollow and has column floors disposed therein level with floors outside outer column and spiral stairway spaced above chute to follow chute with sufficient head room for persons on the chute or stairway. Person escaping enters outer column through door opening, and can descend stairs directly; or through openings in inner column can descend by chute.