Abstract: A deterioration estimator for an electronic throttle device allows a throttle valve to be driven by a drive mechanism. The throttle valve is continuously operated to open and/or close. If operated to open, it opens from a first opening position, which is on a closed side from an opener opening position and in which the throttle valve is biased to an open side by an opener mechanism, to a second opening position, the second opening position being on an open side from the opener opening position with the throttle valve being biased to the closed side by the opener mechanism. If operated to close, the throttle valve is operated to close from the second opening position to the first opening position. A deteriorated condition of the electronic throttle device is estimated by detecting a behavior of the drive mechanism when the throttle valve passes by the opener opening position.

Abstract: There is provided a Ni-based intermetallic alloy having a dual multi-phase microstructure containing a primary precipitate L12 phase and an (L12+D022) eutectoid microstructure. Thus, the Ni-based intermetallic alloy contains Ni, Al, and V as basic elements, and the contents of Ni, Al, and V are controlled to form the dual multi-phase microstructure. The Ni-based intermetallic alloy further contains at least one of Zr and Hf in addition to the basic elements.

Abstract: There is provided a Ni-based intermetallic alloy having a dual multi-phase microstructure containing a primary precipitate L12 phase and an (L12+D022) eutectoid microstructure. Thus, the Ni-based intermetallic alloy contains Ni, Al, and V as basic elements, and the contents of Ni, Al, and V are controlled to form the dual multi-phase microstructure. The Ni-based intermetallic alloy further contains at least one of Zr and Hf in addition to the basic elements.

Abstract: This invention provides a rosin emulsion sizing agent for papermaking comprising a fortified or unfortified rosin-epoxy compound obtained by reacting a rosin and an epoxy compound, wherein the rosin-epoxy compound is dispersed in water with the aid of an emulsifying and dispersing agent, and paper sized therewith and a method of sizing using the same. The rosin emulsion sizing agent of the present invention exhibits an distinguished sizing effect in neutral papermaking systems even when calcium carbonate is contained therein and is excellent in mechanical and storage stabilities while causing little foaming in the papermaking system. In addition, the sizing agent presents no significant difficulties in its production.