Abstract: Elements comprising a non-oriented substrate and a thin film of a compound of the following general formulaLa.sub.1-x-y Sr.sub.x Ba.sub.y MeO.sub.3-.delta.in which 0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.8, 0.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.5, 0.1.ltoreq.x+y.ltoreq.0.8, and 0.ltoreq..delta..ltoreq.0.5 and Me is at least one member selected from the group consisting of Mn, Fe and Co. The film is crystallographically oriented in a certain direction The substrate is made of an amorphous material or a metal, or is constituted of an amorphous film formed on any bodies such as of a polycrystalline material. On the oriented thin film is further formed a perovskite oxide film or a superconductive film. The process for making the thin film of the above formula is also described.

Abstract: A modulatory molecular element includes a chain of molecules A and molecules Bi. The molecules A alternate with the molecules Bi and are bound to the adjacent molecules Bi. The molecules A are selected from common molecules. The molecules Bi are selected from at least two different types of molecules. The molecules Bi are changeable from first stable states to second stable states in response to applied stimulative energy. The molecules Bi return from the second stable states to the first stable states at different relaxation time constants dependent on the types of the molecules Bi when the applied stimulative energy is removed. The chain has a physical property which depends on whether or not all the molecules Bi are in the second stable states.

Abstract: A heat storage material is described which comprises a mixture of sodium sulfate decahydrate or sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate, and urea. The mixing ratio by mole of the sulfate decahydrate to urea is in the range of 1:1 to 1:3 and the mixing ratio by mole of the thiosulfate pentahydrate to urea is in the range of 1:2 to 1:8.

Abstract: An alloy represented by the general formula Ti.sub.x-y Zr.sub.y Cr.sub.2-z Mn.sub.z, where 1 .ltoreq. x .ltoreq. 1.3, 0 < y .ltoreq. 1, and 0 < z < 2. This alloy readily forms complex metal hydrides at low hydrogen pressures and can absorb a large quantity of hydrogen. The absorbed hydrogen can readily be liberated at room temperature.