Abstract: Because there is a limit in the number of functions included in a device (a television set or a recorder, etc), which are shared by a plurality of users over a network, the sharing is also limited. The conflict of sharing the device (or the function thereof) between the users requires one or more users to give up the use of the device. The device determines a user to which the priority is given and explicitly notifies the users how to resolve the conflict, based on a priority order which is assigned to each of the users beforehand.

Abstract: In an information processing device of the present invention, the current position of the information processing device is obtained by a communication unit and a position information obtaining unit. Information on a device used by a user and information on his operation are obtained by an act detection unit. Act information describing when, where, and what operation the user is prohibited or permitted to perform is obtained by an act information list obtaining unit. A match determination unit determines whether the user has performed an act associated with the act information, and whether the current position of the information processing device matches the position included in the act information and a current time matches the time included in the act information. An act notification unit reproduces a message included in the act information and automatically notifies others of performance of the act using the communication unit.

Abstract: Alcohols are produced in a practical and advantageous method, by the hydrogenation of a carbonyl compound under mild conditions, by reacting the carbonyl compounds with hydrogen in the presence of a bipyridyl derivative, a group VIII transition metal complex, and a base, or by reducing a carbonyl compound in the presence of a bipyridyl derivative, a group VIII transition metal complex, a base, and an alcoholic solvent.