Abstract: An earthquake estimation method for more promptly estimating an earthquake on the basis of observation data. The earthquake estimation method includes, by a computer: generating an observation image showing a spatial distribution of seismic wave propagation on a basis of an observation result of seismic waves at a plurality of observation points on a ground; and estimating a parameter of an earthquake with respect to the observation image by using an earthquake estimation model in which a parameter of an earthquake including at least a position of a hypocenter and a magnitude is associated with a simulated observation image showing a spatial distribution of seismic wave propagation on a ground obtained from a result of a numerical simulation of the earthquake, performed with the parameter.

Abstract: An earthquake estimation method for more promptly estimating an earthquake on the basis of observation data. The earthquake estimation method includes, by a computer: generating an observation image showing a spatial distribution of seismic wave propagation on a basis of an observation result of seismic waves at a plurality of observation points on a ground; and estimating a parameter of an earthquake with respect to the observation image by using an earthquake estimation model in which a parameter of an earthquake including at least a position of a hypocenter and a magnitude is associated with a simulated observation image showing a spatial distribution of seismic wave propagation on a ground obtained from a result of a numerical simulation of the earthquake, performed with the parameter.

Abstract: Disclosed are agents for phase-adjusting or enhancing the amplitude of an endogenous melatonin secretion rhythm and for improving a circadian rhythm, as well as functional food containing such an agent, which may prevent or ameliorate various symptoms, such as sleep disorder or prolonged sleep latency. The agent contains whey as the active component.

Abstract: The present invention provides an agent for preventing or suppressing hepatic dysfunction which may be taken daily and continuously, has excellent safety, and is capable of effectively preventing and/or suppressing hepatic dysfunction, such as hepatocellular necrosis, and functional food, such as foods for specified health uses, for preventing or suppressing hepatic dysfunction containing this agent. The agent for preventing or suppressing hepatic dysfunction of the present invention contains whey as the active component, and the functional food for preventing or suppressing hepatic dysfunction contains the agent for preventing or suppressing hepatic dysfunction.

Abstract: The invention provides agents for phase-adjusting or enhancing the amplitude of an endogenous melatonin secretion rhythm and for improving a circadian rhythm, which may be taken daily and continuously, have excellent safety, and may effectively prevent or ameliorate disorders of an endogenous melatonin secretion rhythm or of a circadian rhythm without administration of exogenous melatonin, as well as functional food containing such an agent, which may prevent or ameliorate various symptoms, such as sleep disorder or prolonged sleep latency. The agent for phase-adjusting or enhancing the amplitude of an endogenous melatonin secretion rhythm according to the invention contains whey as the active component. The functional food for improving an endogenous melatonin secretion rhythm according to the invention contains the agent for phase-adjusting or enhancing the amplitude of an endogenous melatonin secretion rhythm.

Abstract: The present invention provides an agent for preventing or suppressing hepatic dysfunction which may be taken daily and continuously, has excellent safety, and is capable of effectively preventing and/or suppressing hepatic dysfunction, such as hepatocellular necrosis, and functional food, such as foods for specified health uses, for preventing or suppressing hepatic dysfunction containing this agent. The agent for preventing or suppressing hepatic dysfunction of the present invention contains whey as the active component, and the functional food for preventing or suppressing hepatic dysfunction contains the agent for preventing or suppressing hepatic dysfunction.

Abstract: The present invention provides an agent for preventing or suppressing hepatic dysfunction which may be taken daily and continuously, has excellent safety, and is capable of effectively preventing and/or suppressing hepatic dysfunction, such as hepatocellular necrosis, and functional food, such as foods for specified health uses, for preventing or suppressing hepatic dysfunction containing this agent. The agent for preventing or suppressing hepatic dysfunction of the present invention contains whey as the active component, and the functional food for preventing or suppressing hepatic dysfunction contains the agent for preventing or suppressing hepatic dysfunction.

Abstract: The invention provides agents for phase-adjusting or enhancing the amplitude of an endogenous melatonin secretion rhythm and for improving a circadian rhythm, which may be taken daily and continuously, have excellent safety, and may effectively prevent or ameliorate disorders of an endogenous melatonin secretion rhythm or of a circadian rhythm without administration of exogenous melatonin, as well as functional food containing such an agent, which may prevent or ameliorate various symptoms, such as sleep disorder or prolonged sleep latency. The agent for phase-adjusting or enhancing the amplitude of an endogenous melatonin secretion rhythm according to the invention contains whey as the active component. The functional food for improving an endogenous melatonin secretion rhythm according to the invention contains the agent for phase-adjusting or enhancing the amplitude of an endogenous melatonin secretion rhythm.

Abstract: A transparent conductive laminate in which a crystalline transparent conductive film substantially made of In—Sn—O on a transparent substrate composed of a thermoplastic polymer film, is provided. The crystalline part of the transparent conductive film (ITO-film) has a specific crystalline structure in which the X-ray diffraction intensity from the (222) crystal plane or the (440) crystal plane is highest, and [X440/222], the ratio of the X-ray diffraction intensity from the (440) crystal plane to that from the (222) crystal plane, is within the range of 0.2 to 2.5. The laminate has a low resistivity, and it is useful as an electrode material for a liquid crystal display, an electroluminescence device, a touch panel or the like. The transparent conductive laminate can be manufactured by combining the control of film fabricating atmosphere during sputtering and a heat treatment under specific conditions after film fabricating.

Abstract: A thermal transfer sheet providing printed images less susceptible to deterioration over time of their gloss is provided comprising a foundation, and at least a release layer containing a paraffin wax as a principal component thereof, an intermediate layer containing a wax and a heat-meltable color ink layer which are stacked on the foundation in this order, the intermediate layer containing an isoparaffin wax and/or transparent inorganic particles.

Abstract: A fabric foundation for an ink ribbon comprising a woven fabric comprising warp yarns and weft yarns, and the woven fabric satisfying the following equation:K=1.5 to 6wherein K is the ratio of C.sub.1 /C.sub.2 ; C.sub.1 is a warp crimp rate; and C.sub.2 is a weft crimp rate. The ink ribbon fabric foundation is hardly damaged under severe printing conditions such as high speed and strong striking force, offering an extended life.