In this paper, the fractional order models are used to study the propagation of ion-acoustic waves in ultrarelativistic plasmas in nonplanar geometry. Firstly, according to the control equations, -dimensional cylindrical Kadomtsev–Petviashvili equation and 2D cylindrical-modified Kadomtsev–Petviashvili equation are derived by using multiscale analysis and reduced perturbation methods. Secondly, using the semi-inverse method and the fractional variation principle, the abovementioned equations are derived the time-space fractional equations. Furthermore, based on the fractional order transformation, the 1-decay mode solution of the TSF-CKP equation (...) is obtained by using the simplified homogeneous balance method, and using the generalized hyperbolic-function method, the exact analytic solution of TSF-CMKP equation is obtained. Finally, the effects of the phase speed λ, electron number density and the fractional order α,β,ω on the propagation of ion-acoustic waves in ultrarelativistic plasmas are analyzed. (shrink)

Source-rock samples from the Upper Triassic Yanchang Formation in the Ordos Basin of China were geochemically characterized to determine variations in depositional environments, organic-matter source, and thermal maturity. Total organic carbon content varies from 4 wt% to 10 wt% in the Chang 7, Chang 8, and Chang 9 members — the three OM-rich shale intervals. The Chang 7 has the highest TOC and hydrogen index values, and it is considered the best source rock in the formation. Geochemical evidence indicates that (...) the main sources of OM in the Yanchang Formation are freshwater lacustrine phytoplanktons, aquatic macrophytes, aquatic organisms, and land plants deposited under a weakly reducing to suboxic depositional environment. The elevated [Formula: see text] sterane concentration and depleted [Formula: see text] values of OM in the middle of the Chang 7 may indicate the presence of freshwater cyanobacteria blooms that corresponds to a period of maximum lake expansion. The OM deposited in deeper parts of the lake is dominated by oil-prone type I or type II kerogen or a mixture of both. The OM deposited in shallower settings is characterized by increased terrestrial input with a mixture of types II and III kerogen. These source rocks are in the oil window, with maturity increasing with burial depth. The measured solid-bitumen reflectance and calculated vitrinite reflectance from the temperature at maximum release of hydrocarbons occurs during Rock-Eval pyrolysis and the methylphenanthrene index chemical maturity parameters range from 0.8 to [Formula: see text]. Because the thermal labilities of OM are associated with the kerogen type, the required thermal stress for oil generation from types I and II mixed kerogen has a higher and narrower range of temperature for hydrocarbon generation than that of OM dominated by type II kerogen or types II and III mixed kerogen deposited in the prodelta and delta front. (shrink)

A chemostratigraphic study of a 300 m long core recovered from the southeastern central Ordos depocenter reveals thick intervals of fine-grained, organic-rich lacustrine strata, interpreted to represent deepwater deposition under meromictic conditions during lake highstand phases, interspersed with thick intervals of arkosic sandstones, reflective of fluvio-deltaic deposition during lake lowstand phases. Along with elevated concentrations of %Al, traditionally a proxy for clay content, maximum total-organic-carbon values in the deepwater lacustrine facies reach 8%, with average values of approximately 3%. The fine-grained, (...) organic-rich facies is also characterized by elevated S and As concentrations, both proxies for pyrite, an indicator of more stagnant, reducing conditions in the hypolimnion during lake highstand phases. Enrichment factors for redox-sensitive trace elements are not significantly elevated throughout the TOC-rich intervals, but they are punctuated in thinner intervals. Punctuated enrichments in RSTEs reflect episodes of enhanced suboxia/anoxia in the hypolimnion during lake highstand phases resulting from sustained meromixis. Although dramatic shifts between fluvio-deltaic and deepwater lacustrine deposition are recorded in the Yanchang strata, no evidence indicates that the lacustrine system ever built up a significant salt concentration, suggesting that an outlet was maintained throughout much of the depositional history. A chemofacies framework for the Yanchang Formation is developed based on hierarchical cluster analysis and ranking of major element chemostratigraphic results. The outcome of chemofacies analysis is similar to the lithofacies analysis, subdividing the stratigraphic record of calcite-cemented sandstone/siltstone lithologies and silty to finer grained mudstone lithologies based on changes in elemental concentrations that equate to shifts in the relative abundance of mineral contents. (shrink)

The role of the primary detrital grain assemblage as a control on diagenetic pathways is reasonably well-understood in sandstones and limestones, but less so in mudrocks. We have documented diagenesis in mudstones from the Triassic Yanchang Formation that are dominated by grains derived from outside the basin of deposition. Major extrabasinal grains are K-rich clay, quartz, plagioclase, K-feldspar, lithic fragments, and micas. In terms of the quartz-feldspar-lithic grain compositions, the silt fraction in these samples is classified as arkose. Grains of (...) intrabasinal derivation include particulate organic matter, phosphatic debris, and rare carbonate allochems. The principal chemical diagenetic components in these mudrocks have strongly localized spatial distributions at micrometer to centimeter scales. Chemical diagenetic components include cone-in-cone structures, replacements of detrital feldspar, pore-filling precipitates within anomalously large pores, pore-filling solid hydrocarbon, and very minor quartz overgrowths associated with local packing flaws around silt-size detrital quartz grains. Matrix-dispersed intergranular cementation, as observed in well-known organic-rich marine mudstones, such as the Barnett Shale and the Eagle Ford Formation, is not observed in Yanchang Formation lacustrine mudstones. The authigenic features present are consistent with the thermal maturity of the units and are broadly similar to features observed in other mudstones that contain grain assemblages dominated by particles of extrabasinal derivation. The low porosity and the absence of significant amounts of intergranular cement indicate that compactional porosity loss and in-filling by migrated solid hydrocarbon were the major causes of porosity decline during diagenesis of Yanchang Formation mudrocks. Although the mudstones of the Yanchang Formation have a relatively high content of organic carbon and serve as source rocks in the Ordos Basin, the depositional grain assemblage is not conducive to creation of porosity, permeability, and mechanical properties that would make these mudrocks effective unconventional reservoirs. (shrink)

Our main objectives are to learn if pore-evolution models developed from marine mudrocks can be directly applied to lacustrine mudrocks, investigate what controls the different pore types and sizes of Chang 7 organic matter -rich argillaceous mudstones of the Upper Triassic Yanchang Formation, and describe the texture, fabric, mineralogy, and thermal maturity variation in the Chang 7 mudstones. Lacustrine mudstones from nine cored wells along a depositional dip in the southeastern Ordos Basin, China, were investigated. Helium porosimetry, nitrogen adsorption, and (...) field-emission scanning electron microscopy of Ar-ion milled samples were applied. Measured average total porosity of samples from a proximal to distal transect is higher than those from the two adjacent cored wells. This difference in porosity partly caused by differences in the clay mineral content implies that in the fluvial-deltaic-lacustrine depositional environment, reservoir quality can vary significantly in a short distance. Owing to the uneven distribution of the sample set from proximal to distal area, we mainly evaluate variations in the proximal setting. Results from nitrogen-gas adsorption experiments show that there are four distinct patterns of pore-size distribution within the Chang 7 member of the Yanchang Formation with no particular correlation with mineralogical composition and thermal maturity. The pore network within Chang 7 mudstones is dominated by OM-hosted pores, with a lesser abundance of interparticle and intraparticle pores. The size distribution of mineral-hosted pores within these mudstones is found to be closely related to the rock texture and fabric. Mudstones with well-sorted grains and a higher percentage of coarser grains have more abundant mineral pores. The sizes of OM-hosted pores in these compaction-dominated lacustrine mudstones were one to two orders of magnitude smaller than those in the marine mudstones that display abundant early cementation. (shrink)

The Triassic Yanchang Formation is currently a hot spot for lacustrine shale-gas exploration in the Ordos Basin, China. A seismic-sedimentological study using a newly acquired 3D survey was conducted to advance the interpretation and prediction of the shale-gas reservoirs. The seismic volume was converted into a log-lithology volume at the thin-bed level. The inverted acoustic impedance volume was stratal sliced to extract seismic geomorphologic information. Deltaic facies and depositional history were interpreted using lithologic and planform morphology of seismic attributes on (...) stratal slices. Detailed core analysis data including total organic content, mineral composition, and mechanical properties of sandstones and shales were correlated with seismic-derived lithology and facies. Microseismic data were evaluated for reservoir performance in production wells. Finally, shale-gas sweet spots, or optimal drilling targets, were predicted by mapping relatively high-brittleness lithofacies in 3D using seismic attributes. In the three submembers of the Chang 7 member of the Yanchang Formation, the high-TOC Ch7-1 shale unit is not ideal for shale-gas development because of its ductile nature and tunnel effect when fracturing. Ch7-2 prodelta sediments are shale-gas sweet spots because they are thick, relatively brittle, and in close proximity to high-TOC Ch7-1. (shrink)

In the study area, southeast of Ordos Basin in China, thick lacustrine shale/mudstone strata have been developed in the Triassic Yanchang Formation. Aiming to study these source/reservoir rocks, a 3D full-azimuth, high-density seismic survey was acquired. However, the surface in this region is covered by a thick loess layer, leading to seismic challenges such as complicated interferences and serious absorption of high frequencies. Despite a specially targeted seismic processing workflow, the prestack Kirchhoff time-migrated seismic data were still contaminated by severe (...) noise, hindering seismic inversion and geologic interpretation. By taking account of the particular data quality and noise characteristics, we have developed a cascade workflow including three major methods to condition the poststack 3D seismic data. First, we removed the sticky coherent noise by a local pseudo [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] Cadzow filtering. Then, we diminished the random noise by a structure-oriented filtering. Finally, we extended the frequency bandwidth with a spectral-balancing method based on the continuous wavelet transform. The data quality was improved after each of these steps through the proposed workflow. Compared with the original data, the conditioned final data show improved interpretability of the shale targets through geometric attribute analysis and depositional interpretation. (shrink)

Exploring the behaviors of beta oscillations in the basal ganglia is helpful to understand the mechanism of Parkinson’s disease. Studies have shown that the external and internal segments of the globus pallidus receive different intensities of signals from the striatum in Parkinson’s disease and play different roles in the production of beta oscillations, but the relevant mechanism still remains unclear. Based on a model of the subthalamic nucleus and globus pallidus, we propose an extended STN-GPe-GPi model and analyze the dynamical (...) behaviors of beta oscillations in this model. The stability condition is obtained through theoretical analyses, and the generation of beta oscillations by the inputs from the cortex and striatum is further considered. The influence of some parameters related to GPi on its firing rate oscillations is discussed. The results obtained in this paper are expected to play a guiding role in the medical treatment of Parkinson’s disease. (shrink)

By rethinking the meaning of a central idiom in the Great Learning, this essay intends to open up a new horizon for the hermeneutics of early Confucian thinking, which has little to do with metaphysics. Through a careful etymological study of ge wu and a dialogue between the Great Learning and Heidegger's phenomenology of human affection, I demonstrate the critical position of the human heart in early Chinese thinking. This new interpretation of early Confucian moral teachings also recovers an invigorating (...) possibility for contemporary discourse on the question of ethics. (shrink)

The pore geometry and slip conditions are two principal characteristics of liquid flow in shale noncircular nanopores. We have considered the pore shape and liquid slippage on the pore interior wall in pore-network models of the Yanchang shale in China. Multiple scanning electron microscopy images of the Yanchang shale samples were analyzed to document and summarize various pore shapes and sizes. Fluid-flow behavior in noncircular pores significantly deviates from the flow behavior in circular pores used in many current models. In (...) addition, liquid flow simulations in conventional reservoir systems assume a no-slip flow boundary condition, which is unacceptable in nanoscale pores associated with the Yanchang shale. We studied liquid permeability in the Yanchang shale by developing realistic pore-network models based on nitrogen sorption data and SEM image analysis. The input data to the developed pore-network models include pore-size distribution, total organic carbon, porosity, surface area, pore geometry, and liquid slip length. We found that the effective permeability based on the realistic multigeometry model is significantly higher than the predicted Darcy permeability. The apparent permeability discrepancy between Darcy’s law and the realistic slip-corrected multigeometry model is higher for shale samples with an increasing number of noncircular pores. We also found that neglecting the liquid slip and noncircularity of pores significantly underestimates apparent permeability in Yanchang shale samples. (shrink)

Using Hofstede's culture theory (1980, 2001 Culture's Consequences: Comparing Values, Behaviours, Institutions, and Organizations Across Nation. Sage, NewYork), the current study incorporates the moral development (e.g. Thorne, 2000; Thorne and Magnan, 2000; Thorne et al., 2003) and multidimensional ethics scale (e.g. Cohen et al., 1993; Cohen et al., 1996b; Cohen et al., 2001; Flory et al., 1992) approaches to compare the ethical reasoning and decisions of Canadian and Mainland Chinese final year undergraduate accounting students. The results indicate that Canadian accounting (...) students' formulation of an intention to act on a particular ethical dilemma (deliberative reasoning) as measured by the moral development approach (Thorne, 2000) was higher than Mainland Chinese accounting students. The current study proposes that the five factors identified by the multidimensional ethics scale (MES), as being relevant to ethical decision making can be placed into the three levels of ethical reasoning identified by Kohlberg's (1958, The Development of Modes of Moral Thinking and Choice in the Years Ten to Sixteen. University of Chicago, Doctoral dissertation) theory of cognitive moral development. Canadian accounting students used post-conventional MES factors (moral equity, contractualism, and utilitarianism) more frequently and made more ethical audit decisions than Chinese accounting students. (shrink)

ABSTRACTFilm clips are widely used in emotion research due to their relatively high ecological validity. Although researchers have established various film clip sets for different cultures, the few that exist related to Chinese culture do not adequately address positive emotions. The main purposes of the present study were to establish a standardised database of Chinese emotional film clips that could elicit more categories of reported positive emotions compared to the existing databases and to expand the available film clips that can (...) be used as neutral materials. Two experiments were conducted to construct the database. In experiment 1, 111 film clips were selected from more than one thousand Chinese movies for preliminary screening. After 315 participants viewed and evaluated these film clips, 39 excerpts were selected for further validation. In experiment 2, 147 participants watched and rated these 39 film clips, as well as another 8 excerpts chosen from the existing databases, to compare their validit... (shrink)

This paper investigates both the time-varying formation and multiple time-varying formation tracking problems of networked heterogeneous robotic systems with parameter uncertainties and external disturbances in the task space. Each robot inside can be either redundant or nonredundant. Several novel estimator-based hierarchical cooperative algorithms are designed to achieve both the tracking task and the possible preset subtasks for redundant robots. Besides, the designed estimator algorithms guarantee that each robot can obtain the accurate information of their corresponding leaders. By employing Lyapunov stability (...) and input-to-state stability, sufficient conditions on the asymptotic stability of the error closed-loop system are derived. Finally, two simulation examples are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms. (shrink)

Uses the concept of religiosity to challenge traditional views of Nietzsche and Zhuangzi as nihilistic and anti-religious.

This study investigates how board size and occupational background of directors differentially influence social performance in for-profit and non-profit organizations. Using data from California hospitals, we develop a quantitative measure of social performance and provide the following empirical evidence. First, board size is negatively (positively) associated with social performance in for-profit (non-profit) hospitals. Second, the presence of government officials on the board is negatively (positively) related to social performance in for-profit (non-profit) hospitals. Third, representation of physicians on the board is (...) positively associated with social performance in for-profit hospitals, whereas their presence is not significantly related to social performance in non-profit hospitals. Our findings highlight the different effects of governance mechanisms on social performance in for-profit and non-profit organizations. (shrink)

Overall, the deregulation of genetically engineered (GE) crops for commercial cultivation in North America has been a success story. In several cases, however, GE crops have sparked concerns and disagreements among the stakeholders and there are incidences of court lawsuits, including a recent one on glyphosate resistant (GR) alfalfa (Medicago sativa, L.). While GE crops can provide operational benefits to farmers, challenges are looming from commercialization of perennial GE crops. The unique ecology and biology of these crops and GE alfalfa (...) in particular can facilitate adventitious presence (AP) of GE traits and it makes more visible that economic risks for conventional growers and food/feed producers have not been adequately addressed by the GE regulatory system in the United States (US). Asynchronous market approvals and the existence of a number of GE sensitive export markets create uncertainties among the exporters. Policy development in these fields may be helpful for ensuring a broader acceptance and market success of GE agriculture in general. The analysis is focusing on the US, although many diagnosed problems are also relevant to other jurisdictions—in particular if no co-existence policy is in place. (shrink)

Recently, the rift-related successions in the Eocene Huizhou Depression have been considered crucial intervals for hydrocarbon exploration in the Pearl River Mouth Basin, China. However, the facies delineation and sandstone distribution are poorly understood due to the limited well data. Our study area is the HZ25 Block in the HZ Depression, which consists of a typical overlapped synthetic transfer zone connecting the HZ26 and XJ30 Sags. Integrated analysis of seismic and logging data indicates that the Eocene Wenchang Formation can be (...) subdivided into four third-order sequences. Well-based observations reveal that the braided deltaic system is mainly characterized by distributary channels, subaqueous distributary channels, mouth bars, and sheet-sand deposits. The sandstone isopach map acquired by seismic inversion indicates that the sandstone could be 340 m thick in the SQ2 but sharply decreases in the SQ3 in the transfer zone area. Stratal slices make it possible to delineate the facies maps by extrapolating the well observations to the entire 3D seismic survey; it is suggested that the SQ2 deltaic package largely comprises braided delta plain and front deposits with a broad distribution of [Formula: see text], whereas the SQ3 deltaic package is dominated by delta-front deposits only [Formula: see text] in extent. This study suggests that small-scale fan-delta deposits are confined to the central part of the boundary fault, whereas the transfer zone captures large-scale braided delta sediments with a long transportation distance up to 8 km. The sandstones developed in the northwestern part of the transfer zone within the SQ2 sequence are expected to form potential hydrocarbon reservoirs for future oil exploration. Furthermore, this study may have implications for reservoir prediction and hydrocarbon exploration in other areas lacking well data, such as the HZ Depression. (shrink)

Based on seismic reflection characteristics, lithologic associations, and basin structure evolution stages, the Banuwati Formation, Zelda and Gita Members in the Oligocene could be divided into six third-order sequences. The new sequence framework has been established in the Sunda and Asri Basins. Sequence relationship between wells and seismic data has been implemented in the basin scale through the use of synthetical seismic records of 14 wells. Depositional systems, such as delta, fan-delta, nearshore subaqueous fan, and fluvial, are identified in the (...) Banuwati Formation, Zelda and Gita Members. Alluvial fan, subaqueous fan, and fan delta occurred on the steep slopes of the basins. Deltas were mainly developed on the gentle slopes of the basins. There were three separated small basins with fluvial and shore-shallow lake deposition in the Banuwati Formation. During the Lower Zelda sedimentation, the former separated small basins enlarged in a certain extent where delta and subaqueous fan were developed. Major lacustrine facies under deepwater environments and deltaic facies developed in the Upper-Lower Zelda and Middle-Upper Zelda. The sedimentary situation was almost the same as the Middle Zelda, but the water depth became shallower during Upper Zelda sedimentation. Later, fluvial and swamp developed in the upper part of the Upper Zelda and Gita Member. In general, basin sedimentary evolution is consistent with tectonic evolution. Finally, the favorable sandstone distribution in the Banuwati and Mid-Upper Zelda Member for further exploration was predicted according to the depositional systems, slope break, and present hydrocarbon occurrence. Three fields or eight favorable plays should be paid attention to for further exploration in the Sunda and Asri Basins, Indonesia. (shrink)

Based on seismic reflection characteristics, lithologic associations, and basin structure evolution stages, the Banuwati Formation, Zelda and Gita Members in the Oligocene could be divided into six third-order sequences. The new sequence framework has been established in the Sunda and Asri Basins. Sequence relationship between wells and seismic data has been implemented in the basin scale through the use of synthetical seismic records of 14 wells. Depositional systems, such as delta, fan-delta, nearshore subaqueous fan, and fluvial, are identified in the (...) Banuwati Formation, Zelda and Gita Members. Alluvial fan, subaqueous fan, and fan delta occurred on the steep slopes of the basins. Deltas were mainly developed on the gentle slopes of the basins. There were three separated small basins with fluvial and shore-shallow lake deposition in the Banuwati Formation. During the Lower Zelda sedimentation, the former separated small basins enlarged in a certain extent where delta and subaqueous fan were developed. Major lacustrine facies under deepwater environments and deltaic facies developed in the Upper-Lower Zelda and Middle-Upper Zelda. The sedimentary situation was almost the same as the Middle Zelda, but the water depth became shallower during Upper Zelda sedimentation. Later, fluvial and swamp developed in the upper part of the Upper Zelda and Gita Member. In general, basin sedimentary evolution is consistent with tectonic evolution. Finally, the favorable sandstone distribution in the Banuwati and Mid-Upper Zelda Member for further exploration was predicted according to the depositional systems, slope break, and present hydrocarbon occurrence. Three fields or eight favorable plays should be paid attention to for further exploration in the Sunda and Asri Basins, Indonesia. (shrink)

Modern technology (Technik, la technique) has constituted the gears on which the wheels of the modern world keep turning. The later Heidegger devotes sustained reflection to this unprecedented phenomenon in human history. It is notable that, compared with other figures from twentieth-century continental philosophy, Heidegger has served as the most frequent reference point in current philosophy of technology (Technikphilosophie). This field of philosophy came into being after the so-called empirical turn of “Science and Technology Studies.” While relevant scholars focus mainly (...) on “Die Frage nach der Technik” of 1953, “Das Ge-stell” of 1949,1 and some other texts written in that period,2 the time span of Heidegger’s .. (shrink)

The content of existence theorems in the calculus of variations has been explored and an effective treatment of semi-continuity has been achieved. An algorithm has been developed which captures the natural algorithmic content of the notion of a semi-continuous function and this is used to obtain an effective version of the “chattering lemma” of control theory and ordinary differential equations. This lemma reveals the main computational content of the theory of relaxed optimal control.

Ge argues that by transforming participatory ontology in light of creatio ex nihilo, Augustine and Aquinas have developed a distinctively Christian metaphysics that offers a promising solution to the modern dialectic of the One and the Many.

A variety of genetic types of reservoirs with good hydrocarbon accumulation conditions have been developed in petroliferous rift basins. The near-provenance, coarse-grained depositional system on the steep slopes of rift basins has become an important oil and gas exploration area. However, due to the large changes in lithologies and difficulties in its identification and characterization, the challenges in oil/gas exploration are significant. Seismic sedimentology, in this case, provides an effective means of identifying and characterizing the complex, coarse-grained sediments. We use (...) a large number of cores, logs, and seismic data and establish the third- and fourth-order sequence frameworks in the Shahejie Formation on the steep slope of the northern Dongying Sag in eastern China. Three types of lithofacies, including conglomerates, sandstones, and mudstones with 12 subspecies facies types have been identified and the relationship between different lithofacies types and depositional systems is determined. The relative changes of the lake level control the distribution of depositional systems in a sequence framework. Lowstand system tracts of SQ3 and SQ4 in the Shahejie Formation mainly developed near-shore subaqueous fans and a small number of slump turbidite fans. Small-scale offshore fans mainly develop in lacustrine transgressive systems tracts, and fan deltas, flood-type sublake fans, slump turbidite fans, and near-shore subaqueous fans mainly developed in highstand systems tracts. The study of seismic sedimentology, based on the theory of seismic lithology and seismic geomorphology, have been carried out. Stratal slices are used to identify and characterize the morphology and temporal-spatial distributions of various types of sand-gravel bodies on the steep slopes of the Dongying Sag based on core calibration and establish the model of seismic sedimentology for various types of sand-gravel bodies in different systems tracts. (shrink)

The Warring States period was without doubt a time when reason thrived. The Confucians, Mohists, and Daoists, respectively, displayed three of its intellectual inclinations. One was reason with an exceptionally prominent moral flavor, and the cultivation of human character as its object. It calls on men to uphold the dignity, tranquillity, and loftiness of their inner selves. One was reason with a very strong practical flavor, and the realization of beneficent profit as its object. It leads men to address ways (...) of maintaining the stability of society, material wealth to support men's livelihoods, and individual survival. Apart from these two, there was reason that has spiritual transcendence and human immortality as its object, and which was manifested as a tendency toward anti-intellectualism. It tries to protect individual survival and freedom of the spirit, despite social pressures. As for those mystical ideas and techniques that seemed absurd, they gradually regressed into simplistic ceremonies, fables, and symbols among the cultural workers who pursued reason. The psychological attitude of "sacrificing to spirits as if they were present" led many cultural aristocrats to distance themselves from mystical ideas and techniques. Mysticism gradually disappeared from among men of culture, especially once it became increasingly difficult for those divination methods and technical arts, used merely to satisfy concrete needs, to avoid the scrutiny of reason. Some late Warring States period texts can help us understand the direction this way of thinking took. "Xian xue" in the Hanfeizi says,When the shaman priests pray for someone, they say, "May you live a thousand autumns and ten thousand years!" But the "thousand autumns and ten thousand years" are only a noise dinning on the ear: No one has ever proven [zheng] that such prayers add so much as a day to anyone"s life. For this reason people despise the shaman priests.". (shrink)

As historiographical studies on ancient China gradually move from the center to the margins of the public's field of vision, research on historiographical studies concerning ancient China have been undergoing some unusual changes. A truly considerable quantity of bamboo slip and silk manuscripts have either been discovered by archaeologists or accidentally unearthed in the last twenty years. Although these have been made public very slowly, even maddeningly so, the few of them that have appeared before the world in the course (...) of time have again and again both elated relatively sensitive historiographers and placed them in a quandary. They also have once and again confronted the system of ancient history that had been regarded as "final" with the prospect of utter collapse and the need to be rewritten. After the Mozuizi discoveries in Gansu in the 1950s, there were those of Mawangdui, Yinqueshan, and Shuihudi in the 1970s, and those of Shuanggudui, Bajiaolang, Zhangjiashan, and Baoshan in the 1980s; and it is said that there were astounding discoveries, though not yet made public, at Jingmen and Lianyungang in the 1990s. These "bamboo slip and silk manuscripts" that touch upon almost every aspect of the pre-Qin and Han areas of "the schools of the various masters," "number lore" , "prescriptive techniques" , "law," and "institutions" make us ask ourselves in astonishment: How many more mysteries of ancient China are still buried under the ground? (shrink)

The Daoists were different from the Confucians and Mohists. If we say that the latter already were "famous schools" at the beginning of the Warring States period , then the Daoists of that time may not have been a school with clear lines of transmission. Even their thought may not have been that consistent or clearly delineated. The reason for this is probably because the Confucians, with their teacher-student relationships formed through education, and the Mohists, with their superior-inferior relationships formed (...) through their organization, were able to untangle the strands of inheritance and transmission through time in the history of their thought. But the Daoists found it almost impossible to determine the traces of their origins and transmission. We can only say that, at that time, there were a group of elite thinkers who had generally consistent ways of thinking and intellectual interests, and that these ways of thinking and interests became a particular trend of thought. (shrink)