Abstract: A process for preparing alkali metal salts of trifluoroacetic acid in the anhydrous and crystalline state. In a first stage, trifluoroacetic acid is neutralized with an alkaline agent in a medium consisting essentially of an alcohol containing 3 to 4 carbon atoms. In a second stage, the water formed by the neutralization reaction is removed by azeotropic distillation. In a third state, the remainder not removed by distillation in the second stage is treated by adding a hydrocarbon which does not solubilize an alkali metal trifluoroacetate and which forms an azeotrope with the alcohol to separate crystals of anhydrous alkali metal trifluoroacetate.

Abstract: A powdered fiber bundle of bamboo shoot which is capable of swelling with water is produced by heating bamboo shoot with heated steam at a pressure of 3 to 8 kg/cm.sup.2 (gauge) at a temperature of 130.degree. to 180.degree. C., releasing the pressure at once, drying and pulverizing the squirting bamboo shoot and collecting fine powders. The powdered fiber bundle which has been washed with water sufficiently until it loses any taste and odor is useful as a food additive for supplementing fibrous material to foods deficient in vegetable fiber content.

Abstract: Novel pyrazolines are obtained by condensation of substituted propionphenones or vinyl-phenyl-ketones with substituted phenyl hydrazines. The products are useful as optical brighteners of a great variety of the shade of their fluorescence and of an improved fastness to light.

Abstract: Compositions for combating various drug habits.These compositions contain as an essential active administration. an agent without toxicity, which at the same time is endowed with properties for modifying the gustative and olfactory sensations fo the patient, and sedative properties, comprising valerian extract, advantageously associated with tonic agents, for correcting the disturbed glucidic metabolism of the patient, agents for correcting neuritis and trembling resulting from deprivation of the toxic substance, and with ascorbic acid (in the adinistration forms intended for day administration) or with agents for combating insomnia (in the forms intended for evening or night administeration.

Abstract: Pyrazoline compounds of the formula:- ##SPC1##Wherein Ar represents phenyl optionally substituted by at most three atoms or radicals selected from halogen, alkyl and alkoxy of 1 through 4 carbon atoms, trifluoromethyl and nitro, and R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 represent hydrogen or methyl, are new compounds possessing insecticidal, acaricidal and nematicidal properties.