News on China's scientific and technological development.

Quickie

Colonel
Compared to a per capita measure (for example, scientific papers divided by population), they divide by GDP (papers divided by GDP, that is papers/(population*(GDP/population)), which is the per capita measure divided by GDP per capita, resulting in that 2 to 5 times difference I mentioned). (GDP here being of the PPP variety.)

"The per capita measure divided by PPP $GDP per capita" (I'm using your own words here) would then be 2 to 5 times smaller than "The per capita measure divided by $GDP per capita"

That is what I was trying to say.
 

KlRc80

Junior Member
Registered Member
Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!


Hope this is not off-topic, since it's considered high tech for its time (or even today).

Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!

17 JULY, 2018 - 12:15
Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!


Goujian: The Ancient Chinese Sword that Defied Time

Fifty years ago, a rare and unusual sword was found in a tomb in China. Despite being well over 2,000 years old, the sword, known as the Goujian, did not have a single trace of rust. The blade drew blood when an archeologist tested his finger on its edge, seemingly unaffected by the passage of time. Besides this strange quality, the craftsmanship was highly detailed for a sword made such a long time ago. Regarded as a state treasure in China today, the sword is as legendary to the Chinese people as King Arthur's Excalibur in the West.

In 1965, archaeologists were carrying out a survey in Hubei province, just 7 km (4 miles) from the ruins of Jinan, capital of the ancient Chu state, when they discovered fifty ancient tombs. During the excavations of the tombs, researchers unearthed the sword of Goujian alongside 2,000 other artifacts.

Discovery of the Goujian
According to the leader of the archeological team responsible for the excavation, it was discovered in a tomb, in a near air-tight wooden box next to a skeleton. The team was stunned when the perfectly preserved bronze sword with scabbard was removed from the box. When it was unsheathed, the blade was revealed to be untarnished despite being buried in damp conditions for two millennia. A test conducted by the archaeologists showed that the blade could easily cut a stack of twenty pieces of paper.

Sword-of-Goujian.jpg


Sword of Goujian, Hubei Provincial Museum (
Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!
)

Jian swords
The Sword of Goujian is one of the earliest known Jian swords, a double-edged straight sword used during the last 2,500 years in China. Jian swords are among the earliest sword types in China and are closely associated with Chinese mythology. In Chinese folklore, it is known as "The Gentleman of Weapons" and is considered one of the four major weapons, along with the staff, spear, and the sabre.

One-iron-and-two-bronze-Jian-swords.jpg


One iron and two bronze Jian swords from the Chinese Warring states period (
Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!
)

Relatively short compared to similar historical pieces, the Gouijan sword is a bronze sword with a high concentration of copper, making it more pliant and less likely to shatter. The edges are made of tin, making them harder and capable of retaining a sharper edge. There are also small amounts of iron, lead and sulfur in the sword, and research has revealed a high proportion of sulfur and sulfide cuprum, which gives the sword its rustproof quality. Black rhombic etchings cover both sides of the blade and blue glaze and turquoise is imbedded on the sword handle. The grip of the sword is bound by silk while the pommel is composed of 11 concentric circles. The sword measures 55.7 cm long (21.9 in), including an 8.4 cm (3.3 in) handle hilt, and has a 4.6 cm (1.8 in) wide blade. It weighs 875 grams (30.9) oz.

turquoise-sword-handle.jpg


The turquoise can be seen embedded in the sword ’s handle (
Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!
)
 

KlRc80

Junior Member
Registered Member
... Continued...

Deciphering the inscription
On one side of the blade, two columns of text are visible with eight characters, near the hilt, that are in ancient Chinese script. The script, known as "鸟虫文" (literally "'birds and worms' characters") is characterized by intricate decorations to the defining strokes, and is a variant of zhuan that is very difficult to read. Initial analyses deciphered six of these eight characters. They read, "越王" (King of Yue) and "自作用剑" ("made this sword for (his) personal use"). The remaining two characters are likely the name of the king.

Deciphering-scripts-Sword-Goujian.jpg


Deciphering the scripts on the Sword of Goujian (
Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!
)

From its birth in 510 BC to its demise at the hands of Chu in 334 BC, nine kings ruled Yue, including Goujian, Lu Cheng, Bu Shou, and Zhu Gou, among others. The identity of the king that owned the sword sparked debate among archaeologists and Chinese language scholar. After more than two months, the experts formed a consensus that the original owner of the sword was Goujian (496 – 465 BC), making the sword around 2,500 years old.

King-Goujian-of-Yue.jpg


King Goujian of Yue (
Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!
)

Goujian was a famous emperor in Chinese history who reigned over the Yue State during the Spring and Autumn Period (771 - 476 BC). This was a time marked by chaos within the Zhou Dynasty and takes its name from the Spring and Autumn Annals, which chronicled this period. The Spring and Autumn Period was renowned for military expeditions; these conflicts led to the perfecting of weapons to the point that they were incredibly resistant and deadly, taking years to forge and lasting for centuries. The story of Goujian and Fuchai, King of the Wu state, contending for hegemony is famous throughout China. Although Goujian’s kingdom was initially defeated by the State of Wu, Goujian would lead his army to victory 10 years later.

Unique properties
Besides its historic value, many scholars have wondered how this sword could have remained rust-free in a humid environment, for more than 2,000 years, and how the delicate decorations were carved into the sword. The sword of Goujian is still as sharp today as when it was originally crafted, and not a single spot of rust can be found on the body today.

The-Goujian-sword-sharp.jpg


The Goujian sword is as sharp today as it was over two millennia ago (
Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!
)

Researchers analyzed ancient bronze shards in the hope of finding a way to replicate the technology used to create the sword. They found that the sword is resistant to oxidation as a result of sulphation on the surface of the sword. This, combined with an air-tight scabbard, allowed the legendary sword to be found in such pristine condition.

Tests also show that the sword-smiths of the Wu and Yue regions in Southern China during the Spring and Autumn Period reached such a high level of metallurgy that they were able to incorporate rust-proof alloys into their blades, helping them survive the ages relatively unblemished.

Sword Damaged
In 1994, the Sword of Goujian was loaned for display in Singapore. As a workman was removing the sword from its case at the conclusion of the exhibition, he knocked the weapon, causing a 7mm-long crack. The damage caused uproar in China and it was never allowed outside the country again. It is now kept at the Hubei Provincial Museum.
 

Hendrik_2000

Lieutenant General
Here is the story of how China independently developed Carbon fiber industry by a private company.founded by Zhang Guoliang an engineer who in the 70 bought a bankrupt textile factory and turn it profitable . He then embark on the quest developing carbon fiber but does not know how to do it . He went to visit every research institute and university to learn the technology .But get ridicule and put down.But he persist .he then went to foreign country to buy the equipment but denied the request.Since carbon fiber is strategic material for aerospace.fighter jet and even tank
Yet he persist assembling expert from all over China and He decide to built the machinery himself. With no "go by" they have to do it by trial and Error and shear hard work built on set set back and keep going
That is how China beat the embargo on carbon fiber So it is metaphor you cannot beat Chinese people determination to succeed. And yes it take along time to develop if you don't have the technology and has to create it from scratch
 
Last edited:
now I read
China developing in-orbit satellite transport vehicle
Xinhua| 2018-07-19 20:37:03
Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!

China is developing a space vehicle to help transport orbiting satellites that have run out of fuel, Science and Technology Daily reported Thursday.

Fuel is a key factor limiting the life of satellites. Most satellites function for years after entering orbit, but eventually, they have to end their missions and burn up into the atmosphere due to fuel exhaustion.

The vehicle is being developed by an academy affiliated to the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp. The carrier, instead of refueling the satellite, will use a robotic arm to dock with it, and will then carry the satellite to maintain its original orbit.

Hu Di, the chief designer of the vehicle, said compared with foreign research that focuses on refueling satellites that have run out of fuel, their option is much simpler and efficient.

The vehicle will take about two years to complete.

On June 19 last year, China's communications satellite Zhongxing-9A failed to enter the preset orbit after launch. The satellite then took two weeks to conduct ten orbit adjustments to reach its correct orbit, resulting in large fuel consumption and a shortened working life.

Hu's team has listed Zhongxing-9A as a potential satellite on which to apply the new technology.
 

taxiya

Brigadier
Registered Member
Here is the story of how China independently developed Carbon fiber industry by a private company.founded by Zhang Guoliang an engineer who in the 70 bought a bankrupt textile factory and turn it profitable . He then embark on the quest developing carbon fiber but does not know how to do it . He went to visit every research institute and university to learn the technology .But get ridicule and put down.But he persist .he then went to foreign country to buy the equipment but denied the request.Since carbon fiber is strategic material for aerospace.fighter jet and even tank
Yet he persist assembling expert from all over China and He decide to built the machinery himself. With no "go by" they have to do it by trial and Error and shear hard work built on set set back and keep going
That is how China beat the embargo on carbon fiber So it is metaphor you cannot beat Chinese people determination to succeed. And yes it take along time to develop if you don't have the technology and has to create it from scratch
Correction:
The person in the story.
Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!

The company in the story.
Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!

公司简介
中复神鹰碳纤维有限责任公司坐落于中国江苏国家级——连云港经济技术开发区,致力于为全世界提供包括碳纤维原丝研发、碳纤维生产、碳纤维复合材料制品研发一体化解决方案。
公司于2006年3月成立,注册资金6.2亿元,目前总投资20亿元,是由中国建材集团控股的国家高新技术企业,同时是目前国内规模最大的T300、T700、T800、M30碳纤维生产和销售企业,也是国内唯一一家T800级碳纤维向市场供货的企业,国内碳纤维的市场占有率达到60%以上,并且具备了在航空航天及重点工业领域推广应用的条件。
公司在2008年成功通过ISO9001质量管理体系认证,是首批江苏省科技型中小企业、江苏省科技创业中小企业重点培育企业,公司建有碳纤维先进制造业基地、省重点研发机构、江苏省企业技术中心,并与国内外多个高校及研究院所等单位建立了“产学研”联合体。
In the youtube video, it does say "民营" which can be loosely translated to "public owned" in English. However, in the company's own introduction it's controlling stake is in the hand of 中国建材集团 CNBM (China National Building Material Group Corp.) See
Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!
Also, see the logo of the two, they are the same.

In Chinese term "民营" is legally "publicly traded cooperate limited". Many of the so called "SOE" are such companies. You can buy 100 shares of ICBC (the largest bank of the world) in open market, but ICBC is still dictated by the state, call it "private" as you wish.

To summarize, the company in the story is a kind of SOE in the modern sense (shares traded in market), the state is the controlling share holder of it. It is an extreme stretch to call it a "private" company and attributing its achievement to a person.

I appreciate your enthusiasm of spreading the achievement of China, I am proud for everything like this, regardless who did it. BUT, please stop taking the credit from the SOEs or CCP for your own "hatred" or bias of communism or socialism, please stop exaggerating the "strength", "advantage" or "working ethics of private businessman" at the expense of "stolen" credit of other people's hard honest work.
 

Icmer

Junior Member
Registered Member
Correction:
The person in the story.
Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!

The company in the story.
Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!


In the youtube video, it does say "民营" which can be loosely translated to "public owned" in English. However, in the company's own introduction it's controlling stake is in the hand of 中国建材集团 CNBM (China National Building Material Group Corp.) See
Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!
Also, see the logo of the two, they are the same.

In Chinese term "民营" is legally "publicly traded cooperate limited". Many of the so called "SOE" are such companies. You can buy 100 shares of ICBC (the largest bank of the world) in open market, but ICBC is still dictated by the state, call it "private" as you wish.

To summarize, the company in the story is a kind of SOE in the modern sense (shares traded in market), the state is the controlling share holder of it. It is an extreme stretch to call it a "private" company and attributing its achievement to a person.

I appreciate your enthusiasm of spreading the achievement of China, I am proud for everything like this, regardless who did it. BUT, please stop taking the credit from the SOEs or CCP for your own "hatred" or bias of communism or socialism, please stop exaggerating the "strength", "advantage" or "working ethics of private businessman" at the expense of "stolen" credit of other people's hard honest work.

There is no indication that the company in the story was founded by an SOE. Its controlling stakeholder today may indeed be an SOE, but this does not mean it started out as a state initiative. Some credit for this company's achievements has to be given to private investment.

Also, I do not believe anyone would call ICBC a "民营企业". There is a clear distinction between "民营" and when you add "国有" before it in "国有民营企业". Your translation of "民营" as "public owned" is very misleading. "Public" carries the connotation of terms such as "public hospitals" and "public schools" in English. "民营" on its own is commonly used to refer to companies that are widely understood to be privately run. It has no strict legal definition on its own; the definition "publicly traded cooperate limited" is certainly not of 民营. Nobody would not refer to Xiaomi as 民营.
 

taxiya

Brigadier
Registered Member
There is no indication that the company in the story was founded by an SOE. Its controlling stakeholder today may indeed be an SOE, but this does not mean it started out as a state initiative. Some credit for this company's achievements has to be given to private investment.
This is true, the company was established in 2005, CNBM invested in 2007 and with it started the production line. Some credit should go to the person, but it does not change the fact that, only with the SOE joining, the company become what it is today. I never rejected the funder's contribution, but I only argue against the attempt of taking away the credits of others for a fixated mind-set or ideology.

see "development of the company"
Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!


Also, I do not believe anyone would call ICBC a "民营企业". There is a clear distinction between "民营" and when you add "国有" before it in "国有民营企业". Your translation of "民营" as "public owned" is very misleading. "Public" carries the connotation of terms such as "public hospitals" and "public schools" in English. "民营" on its own is commonly used to refer to companies that are widely understood to be privately run. It has no strict legal definition on its own; the definition "publicly traded cooperate limited" is certainly not of 民营. Nobody would not refer to Xiaomi as 民营.
  • ICBC is certainly not 民营企业, I only used it as an analoge to counter the seemly claim "just because there is private shares, it becomes private".
  • No, I have not seen the term 国有民营企业.
  • My translation of "民营" as "public owned" was loosely, if you read again, because there is no strict term between the language.
  • If as you said, ""民营" on its own is commonly used to refer to companies that are widely understood to be privately run", then the company is simply not private, but a true SOE against the claim in #4394 that I was replying. I must also say that the fault may be on the shoulder of the video program for some reason.
  • "the definition "publicly traded cooperate limited" is certainly not of 民营, this is certainly the reason why I said there is no strict translation." So we have to look at the share holding structure rather than lumping everything to "private" or equate 民营 to private.
 
Top