Abstract: An information providing apparatus that improves user convenience during a reservation process, by acquiring the remaining numbers of reservation targets matching a user's request, the remaining count increase history of the service matching the user's request, estimating a probability that the remaining numbers of the reservation targets meet or exceed a threshold by an offer period of reservation targets for which the remaining numbers acquired are less than the threshold, among the reservation targets matching the user's request based on the remaining count increase history, and providing information related to the reservation targets matching the user's request, in a display mode matching the estimated probability.

Abstract: A light fiber of directional side light extraction type capable of keeping the sectional shape as desired, reducing the undesirable light leakage to the outside through the light diffusive and reflective portion and extracting a highly directional and a highly bright light, and a process for manufacturing the same. Said object can be attained by co-extruding a resinous material only, and a material obtained by light scattering fine particles with a resinous material to disperse them therein so as to form a light diffusive and reflective film in a desired portion at least on the inner periphery of the clad.

Abstract: To provide a side light extraction type light fiber capable of extracting light having high brightness at a viewing angle. Means for solving: a light fiber comprising: a core (1) in the center portion, and a cladding arranged around the core, characterized in that the cladding comprises: (i) a light diffusive layer (3) comprising a light diffusive portion made of a light diffusive material containing, as a binder, a polymer having a refractive index smaller than that of the core, which is provided in closely contact with the core in a wall thickness of 1 to 300 &mgr;m in a circumferential direction, and (ii) a protective layer (4) made of a light transmitting resin material, which is formed to integrate with the light diffusive layer and covers the light diffusive layer.

Abstract: To provide a water- and oil-repellent agent which, when it is used to treat natural fibers such as cotton and silk, does not damage the feeling of the fibers and does shown an excellent continuation property of water- and oil-repellency effect.A fluorine system water- and oil-repellent agent comprising, as a main component, units derived from a copolymer comprising polyfluoro-oxyalkyl-containing (meth)acrylate and units derived from a dicarboxylic acid anhydride-containing (meth)acrylate.