Abstract: A novel ketene S,S-acetal derivative which is useful as an antimycotic agent and an agricultural chemical of fungicidal, plant growth regulating or insecticidal properties represented by the general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R represents a hydrogen atom; an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms; a cycloalkyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms; a methylene group; a lower alkenyl group; a lower alkyl group substituted by a halogen atom, a cyano group, a lower alkoxy group, a lower alkylthio group; a carbamoyl group, an acyl group, or an alkenoyloxy group; a phenyl group represented by ##STR2## (in which R.sub.

Abstract: The semiconductor device manufacturing process for producing semiconductors (transistor, IC, LSI or the like) needs a large number of thermal treatments for semiconductor wafers, such as thermal oxidation, diffusion, CVD, annealing or the like. The above-mentioned various thermal treatments are conducted by employing thermal treatment apparatus. The thermal treatment apparatus according to the present invention performs thermal treatments for semiconductor wafers, such as thermal oxidation, diffusion, CVD, annealing or the like, and has a soft landing loader capable of loading and unloading a wafer jig housing therein a plurality of semiconductor wafers into and from a process tube of the thermal treatment apparatus with high reliability and a high thermal efficiency as well as capable of automatic control of the movement of the semiconductor wafers in accordance with thermal treatment conditions.

Abstract: Novel benzoate derivatives having a powerful herbicidal effect on various weeds grown in paddy fields, upland fields, and other places have been found out, which are represented by the formula ##STR1## wherein X is --SR, --O--CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n R, --OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 SR, ##STR2## herein R being lower alkyl and n being an integer of 1 to 3.

Abstract: A tetrahydro-1,3,5-thiadiazin-4-one represented by the general formula, ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3, which may be the same or different, represent each an alkyl group, allyl group, cycloalkyl group, alkoxyalkyl group, benzyl group, phenyl group or substituted phenyl group having as substituents alkyl groups, nitro group, halogen atoms, alkoxy groups, or trifluoromethyl group and R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 may also represent hydrogen atoms, is a new compound and useful for controlling insects and mites.

Abstract: O-Trifluoromethylbenzoic m'-isopropoxyanilide formed by the reaction between o-trifluoromethylbenzoic acid and m-isopropoxyaniline is very effective in controlling agricultural and horticultural plant diseases.