Copper Bracelet and Its Healing Ability

Have you ever heard about a magical bracelet that has a healing ability ? Over thousands of years, many medical practitioners have used copper to treat health problems. In ancient Egypt for example, various copper compounds were used to hasten wound healing, treat headaches & epilepsy and sterilize water. Interested to find out more about copper’s mysterious healing ability ? Let’s find out more.

Photo from MostBeautifulThings

Worn by Pharaohs, Indian Rajas, Chinese Emperors, Persian Kings, Alexander the Great, and so many others, the copper bracelet has had more than just a cosmetic purpose!

Some people believe that copper kills or inhibits the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms. There is a record from The Smith Papyrus, one of the oldest book ever discovered, mentioning the ability of copper to sterilize chest wounds and drinking water. Wearing copper bracelets for medicinal benefits has a long history and has been popular in folklore for thousand of years. But what do modern scientific studies says about that ? 

Photo from Livestrong

Different mechanism of action about the effect of copper bracelets has been proposed (this list is not exhaustive and should be taken as provisional) :

• There is none: all effects are imagined
• Psychological: the placebo effects explains the results, meaning that believers are more likely to obtain better outcomes.
• Copper has the components that provide iron for the formation of hemoglobin and help form collagen for wound healing
• Correcting copper deficiency can help optimize the body’s resistance to disease
• Copper has a beneficial effect for reasons not understood at present. This would explain why some arthritis sufferers seem to obtain benefit from copper bracelets while others do not.

Conclusions are not unanimous and even though the myth of copper bracelet seem highly attractive, not everybody is convinced about its benefits. Even so, over thousands of years, many medical practitioners have used copper to treat a wide range of health problems. Their claims of success are not just anecdotal. However, the quality of much of the evidence does not meet modern standards, so more studies must be done to define and validate the effects, side effects, and mechanisms of the various copper compounds in various indications.

Have you ever tried to use copper bracelet ? If yes, what is your opinion about it? If you’re interested in testing the ability of copper bracelet or to discover more about copper products, you might want to visit Shanghai Metal Corporation. We have a wide selection of copper products that can be used for many kinds of application. Contact us if you need further information and don’t forget to follow us on social media to get our latest update and offer.

Sources: Scientiapress, WMFonline, Net Planet, EzineArticles

    

Ayu P.//SMC Editor

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MoMA’s “Latin America in Construction: Architecture 1955-1980”

Today we are excited to bring you to New York into the famous Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). This famous museum has been important in developing and collecting modernist art and is often considered as one of the most influential museum of modern art in the world. You can discover various collections about architecture & design, drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, etc.

The Museum of Modern Art – New York. Photo from blog.artsnapper.com

Wondering what’s happening right now in MoMA? From March 29 through July 19 2015, the museum documents a dynamic period in Latin American architecture between 1955 and 1980 – Latin America in Construction: Architecture 1955-1980. In 1955, MoMA staged Latin American Architecture since 1945 and now is the 60th anniversary of that important show!

“This period of self-questioning, exploration, and complex political shifts also saw the emergence of the notion of Latin America as a landscape of development, one in which all aspects of cultural life were colored in one way or another by this new attitude to what emerged as the “Third World.” The 1955 exhibition featured the result of a single photographic campaign, but Latin America in Construction: Architecture 1955–1980 brings together a wealth of original materials that have never before been brought together and, for the most part, are rarely exhibited even in their home countries.”
(Quated from MoMA)

As mentioned in a review from The New York Times, from Cuba to Chile, Mexico to Argentina, cities in the region boomed. The task of providing everybody with homes ultimately proved unmanageable: proliferating slums outpaced new construction; poverty rose. Even so, what got built through the 1970s in places like Havana and Buenos Aires, Mexico City and Lima included some of the most inspired architecture of the modern age.

The Bank of London and South America in Buenos Aires. Photo from Metropolis.

The National School of Plastic Arts in Havana. Photo from Metropolis

Plaza of the Three Powers in Brasilia. Photo from architectmagazine

Miguel Rodrigo Mazuré’s project for a hotel in Machu Picchu (1969). Photo from Metropolis

Torres del Parque Residencial Complex, Colombia. Photo from Metalocus.

The exhibition’s goal, said curator Barry Bergdoll, is to “reinsert Latin America into our history of modernism and modernization in architecture.”

The collection covers every aspect of Modernism – diagrid skycrapers, abstract landscapes, megastructures, cities of slabs and we can admire a broad range of works, including urban planning, innovations in housing (both individual and multi-unit), university design, and civic and public spaces. More than 500 original works are on display—many shown for the first time—and include drawings, models, archival films, and photographs.

Model of Headquarters for the Banco de Londres y América del Sur, Buenos Aires (1966) by Clorinda Testa and SEPRA Arquitectos. Photo from Archidose.

Model of Edificio Altolar, Caracas (1966) by Jimmy Alcock. Photo from Archidose.

Project for the first city in Antarctica (1980-83) by Amancio Williams. Photo from Archidose

As one of the leading manufacturer and supplier in the production of metal products, Shanghai Metal Corporation provides first class products and services in building materials. Check out our main products such as container houses, fasteners, steel grating, roofing materials and steel building.  Feel free to contact us for any question, our English-speaking staff will be more than glad to help you. Don’t forget to follow us on social media to get the latest update of our products and offers.

Sources : The New York Times, Archdaily, Architect Magazine, MoMA, Metalocus, Architectural Record

    

Ayu P.//SMC Editor

From “Traditional Manufacturing” into “Smart Manufacturing”

It is expected that China will become the world’s largest manufacturer by 2025. Over the past decade, China’s manufacturing sector has made large contributions to the country’s and also the world’s economy.

China has become a big manufacturing country but has not yet been a powerful one. The main problems in Chinese manufacturing are:

• Weak independent innovation ability
• High dependence on foreign countries in core technologies
• Low resource use efficiency

Premier Li Keqiang  announced on March 25 China’s plan to focus on these three issues and to upgrade its manufacturing capacity for the next decades, leading China into a more competitive international manufacturer. This program, “Made in China 2025”, aims for a greener and more intelligent manufacturing with the use of the internet, improving innovation ability, integrate informatization, industrialization and bring the economy towards a higher sustainable growth.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. Photo from ejinsight

Ten sectors have been identified as priorities:

1. New information technology
2. High-end numerically-controlled machine tools and robotics
3. Aerospace equipment
4. Ocean engineering equipment and ships with high technology
5. Advanced railway traffic equipment
6. Energy saving and new energy vehicles
7. Power equipment
8. New materials
9. Biological medicine and high-performance medical devices
10. Agricultural production machinery

Shanghai Metal Corporation serves the world’s businesses as an integrated global manufacturer, exporter, and supplier. We stand firm to our philosophy in bringing value across the globe and we always dedicate our effort to provide quality products and reliable services. Our commitment pushes us to continuously put efforts in innovation and improve our manufacturing capacity. Shanghai Metal Corporation, alongside with China, will continuously work hard in the future to become a better manufacturer and bring value across the world. We hope to change the world’s perception of Chinese goods from simply “made in China” to “innovated in China”.

Sources: English.gov.cn, ChinaDaily, BritishChamber.cn
Featured image: tiny.pr, smartmanufacturing

    

Ayu P.//SMC Editor

The Bandung Conference and The Promotion of International Cooperation

On the 22nd April 2015 there was the 60th anniversary of the 1955 Bandung Conference, gathering leaders from Africa and Asia. It was the first large scale Asian-African Conference, with the aim to promote Afro-Asian economic and cultural cooperation and to oppose colonialism or neocolonialism. 

Twenty nine countries representing more than half the world’s populations sent delegates to the 1955 Bandung Conference. Photo from WhenInTime

“The basic idea of the Bandung Conference was that newly independent countries of Asia and Africa who were emerging from colonialism have common policies, common past and common needs, so they must work together to decide their future,” said Akram Zaki, Pakistan’s former foreign secretary, told Xinhua.

As stated by The Jakarta Post : “The success of convincing China, the then rising influence, to pledge respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of others, to settle borders peacefully and to abstain from aggression and threats were remarkable achievements of that time. It created confidence over the improved future of the new and emerging economies”

Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the 60th anniversary of the 1955 Bandung Conference and showed China’s determination in helping to create a “win-win cooperation” and common development between Asia and Africa.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (2nd L) his wife Peng Liyuan (L) walk with Indonesian President Joko Widodo (2nd R) and his wife Iriana (R). Photo from chinadaily

The challenges in Asia and Africa are now seen as something that can be solved through economic cooperation. This is why the desire to further economic cooperation is mentioned during the 2015 commemoration and why China with its vast economic potential and its “Belt and Road” initiative is needed to play a crucial role in furthering the cooperation between the two developing continents.

As one of the leading metal suppliers, Shanghai Metal Corporation is expanding our business globally. Having collaborated with numerous companies around the world, we have truly learned the importance of having deep exchanges and cooperation with foreign countries. International cooperation brings mutual benefits when you identify shared aims and objectives and come to an agreement, it brings your project to another level. Shanghai Metal Corporation hopes that in the future the cooperation between the developing countries will bring more prosperity and leave the future generation with a much better world.

Sources : The Jakarta Post, Spyghana, Xinhua
Featured image : Voanews

    

Ayu P.//SMC Editor

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank & Shanghai Metal Corporation – Common Goal & Vision

We are pleased to share the latest news about China’s contribution in assisting developing countries in their sustainable growth.

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank, proposed by the government of China, that has the mission to give assistance to financial needs to infrastructure projects in Asia region.

The signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding on Establishing Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in Beijing
Photo from en.people.cn

The establishment of this bank is partly due to the huge infrastructure needs across the developing countries in Asia. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) estimates that Asia will need approximately 8$ trillion between 2010 and 2020 for energy, transportation, telecommunication and water/sanitation. Summing the investments from all existing institutions aren’t enough to reach that amount and the shortfall exceeds 700$ billion a year.

Photo from fastcompany

Other than its purpose as a funding institution, the AIIB is also a modern knowledge-based institution, focusing on the development of infrastructure and other productive sectors in Asia, such as energy & power, transportation & telecommunication, water supply & sanitation, etc.

Until the 2nd April 2015, almost all Asian countries and major countries outside Asia has joined the AIIB, except US, Japan, Canada and North Korea. Catherine Novelli, U.S. undersecretary of state for economic growth, energy and the environment, said that the administration generally supports the AIIB’s stated goals but has concerns over regulation and environmental issues. Other worries that the bank will help China to rival the US as the world’s economic power and in establishing its values in the world’s vision.

Photo from rt

According to Raj M. Desai, associate professor from Georgetown University, the participation of the US in the AIIB could encourage the Chinese to implement a transparent regime that adopts the world’s best practice in financing infrastructure. The President of World Bank, Jim Yong Kim, welcome AIIB and believes that the activities of a new organization can greatly help the massive need of investment in infrastructure.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) shakes hands with World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim during their meeting in Beijing, July 8, 2014.
Photo from reuters

As one of the world’s leading steel manufacturer, Shanghai Metal Corporation believes that sustainable growth improves the quality of life for everyone, now and for generations to come.  That’s why we put great efforts to meet the demand for steel in an eco-friendly way. We support AIIB’s mission and values in supporting Asia’s infrastructure project in a “lean, clean and green” way. We have faith that AIIB can help to support the growth of the developing countries and give them assistance in their infrastructure development.

Sources: theguardian, cnbc, washingtonpost, aiibank, wikipedia
Featured Image: nytimes

    

 

Ayu P.//SMC Editor

 

How Copper May Prevent the Spread of Ebola

The Ebola virus is a serious and deadly disease transmitted by animals and humans. These virus cause hemorrhagic fever or profuse bleeding inside and outside the body, accompanied by a very high fever. An outbreak occurred in March 2014 that began in West Africa. The Ebola virus does not have a cure or vaccine at this time. Instead, measures are taken to keep the person as comfortable as possible.

Cases of Ebola fever in Africa from 1979 to 2008 “EbolaSubmit2” by Zorecchi – Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Ebola spreads through contact with the bodily fluids of an infected individual, or through exposure to contaminated objects. Studies showed that some viruses, similar to Ebola, are sensitive to a broad range of surface disinfectants.

It was reported that copper could help preventing the spread of Ebola. According to a research on viruses of similar genetic structure, conducted by Bill Keevil from the University of Southampton in England, it is expected that copper surfaces may inactivate Ebola and help control the spread of this virus if applied for publicly-used touch surfaces. Clinical trials conducted in the UK, US and Chile have shown surfaces made from solid copper or copper alloys (collectively termed “antimicrobial copper”) continuously reduce surface contamination by greater than 80%.

Antimicrobial copper surfaces have been described as a “no touch” solution, meaning that no special measures or human interventions are required for it to continuously kill pathogens. Replacing frequently-touched surfaces (door handles, taps and light switches, etc.) with solid copper or copper alloy will provide more hygienic environment, that may hopefully offer an additional method of controlling the current spread of Ebola.

Copper Sheet/Plate

 

Copper Foil Sheet

 

Shanghai Metal Corporation is an international manufacturer and supplier of metal products. We produce customized copper to fit any requirements. Discover our wide range of selection in our website and do not hesitate to contact us for any question. Our English-speaking staff will be more than glad to help you. Follow us on Social Media to discover more about us and be updated about our products.

Original article and credits to : naturalnews, healthline, University of Southampton, journals.plos.org

    

 

Ayu P.//SMC Editor

The Benefits of Bamboo Plywood

In many countries, bamboo is utilized as a building material. It is strong as steel in tension and stronger than concrete in compression. It is also easy to work with because it is much more lightweight than wood, concrete or steel. It has therefore a great ration of strength to weight.

Other than its strong physical properties, bamboo has the advantage to be easily available. Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plant on Earth, with reported growth rates of 250 cm in 24 hours, depending on local soil, climatic conditions and species. Bamboo grows so fast that it can produce 20 times more timber than tress on the same area of land.

Bamboo also has environmental benefits, it can grow and spread quickly without fertilizers, pesticides or much water. A bamboo grove releases 35% more oxygen into the air than similar-sized trees.

Main uses of bamboo plywood :

Given the increasing awareness of global environment, bamboo, as a fast-growing, high-yielding and sustainable natural resource is gaining more and more advantage over timber and steel.

Architectural cement formwork

Photo from : www.peluangproperti.com

Used as a substitute for steel,  bamboo plywood formwork can improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of concrete. It is strong, lightweight, does not rust, has smooth surface, low heat conductivity and low water absorption.

Floorboards

 Photo from : made-in-china.com

Bamboo is as dense as the largest hardwoods, making it water resistant, longer lasting and therefore more sustainable. Bamboo flooring is more resistant, harder and more stable than oak!

Bamboo Packing Board

Photo from www.envirogadget.com

In places where wood resources are difficult, bamboo packing board is the solution.

Check out this website to see other inspirations of using bamboo plants.

In Shanghai Metal Corporation, you can find many types of bamboo plywood to create beautiful furniture, cabinets and the ideal building material. Our products can be customized according to your need. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact us. We have English-speaking staff that will be very glad to help you. To find out more about us, follow us on social media.

    

Sources :  life.gaiam.com, www.tristantiteux.com, www.fao.org, permaculturenews.org

Ayu P.//SMC Editor

Stainless Steel VS Carbon Steel Knives

Today, typical metals used to manufacturing knives come from the carbon steel or stainless steel families.

Each materials has its pros and cons. The battle between these two types of metal is equal to a fight between maintenance and performance. Stainless steel is a popular because it resists corrosion and is easy to maintain. Carbon steel is also a popular choice because it tends to be much tougher, durable and easier to sharpen than stainless steel, It is also well known to have a sharper edge than stainless.

The problem with non-stainless knives is that they rust very fast if you don’t take care of it. If you don’t have the habit to dry or wipe your knife often during the use, then you might choose the option stainless steel. The rust resistance property of stainless, though, comes at a price. Stainless tends to be a softer form of steel. Carbon steel stays sharper longer than stainless and is easier to sharpen. For some, this might be important, because knives don’t stay very sharp for long when frequently used. Of course they stay sharp enough to do their job reasonably well, but they won’t be highly precised sharp that can cut a super thin piece of onion.

If you’re willing to invest more time and care, than the carbon steel knife is for you. Additionally, carbon steel knives can be sharpen more easily and have a sharper edge than most of stainless steel knives.

The downside of carbon steel knives is that they are more fragile and also rusts and stains easily. For Daniel Gritzer (culinary director), this downside part of carbon steel can only be a good thing. As knife is one of cook’s most important item, it should be treated with great care. So carbon steel won’t let you get lazy because it demands to be treated well, and in return it gives you that wonderful sharp edges that you could ever hope for.

Shanghai Metal Corporation is the leading manufacturer of materials that you need to make the perfect knife, whether if it is the stainless steel or carbon steel one. For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We have English speaking staffs that will be very glad to help you. Don’t forget to follow us on social media to get the latest news of our products.

Sources : Wikipedia, zknives.com, seriouseats.com, seriouseats.com

    

Ayu P.//SMC Editor

Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year is approaching and people in China are all getting ready to travel back to their hometown and meet their families. The Chinese New Year, also called the Spring Festival, is the most important traditional festival and most important celebration for families in China. The Chinese calendar is associated with the Chinese Zodiac, it is a repeating cycle of 12 years where each year being represented by an animal and 2015 is the year of goat.

Chinese New Year Decorations and symbols

Before the D-day, family buys presents, decorations, food, new clothes, people have their hair cut and the houses are cleaned. The aim is to get rid of any bad luck from the previous year and clear the way for good luck.

Lights like Christmas lights will light up homes and doors & window are often newly painted in red. On New Years Eve, both narrow strips of red paper (Chunlian or Spring Couplets), and bunches of firecracker decorations are hung on doors to bring good luck. The Chunlian decorations are marked with messages of good luck. In the first 3 days of Chinese New Year celebrations, people light firecrackers, making a series of loud bangs, which is believed to scare away bad luck.

Spring couplets (photo from www.cits.net)

The color red is chosen because it is believed to be a lucky color and it is supposed to chase off the monster Nian, who is thought to come on New Year Eve. The color gold symbolizes wealth.

A red lantern is a symbol of luck and prosperity but also as a mean of “lighting the way” for the family’s Kitchen God on an important annual mission to see the Jade Emperor. People want the Kitchen God to give a good report of their family to the Jade Emperor so that they will have a good harvest and make more money in the coming year.

Red lanterns in Thean Hou Temple (photo from teewallpapers.net)

Chinese New Year Food

Certain dishes are eaten during the Chinese New Year for their symbolic meaning, which is based on their pronunciations or appearance.

The word “fish” in Chinese sounds like surplus. For Chinese, it is good to have a surplus at the end of the year, because it is thought that if you save something at the end of the year, then you can make more in the next year.

Dumplings are a classic Chinese food. Different dumpling fillings have different meanings. On New Year’s Eve it is a tradition to eat dumplings with cabbage and radish, implying that one’s skin will become fair and one’s mood will become gentle.

Dumplings (photo from magazine.fourseasons.com)

The longevity of noodles symbolize a long life. Longevity noodles are longer than normal ones.

Spring rolls get their name because they are traditionally eaten during the Spring Festival. Fried spring rolls look like gold bars and symbolizes a wish for prosperity.

Spring rolls (photo from www.sheknows.com)

Shanghai Metal Corporation would like to wish you a wonderful Chinese New Year celebration, good health, luck and much happiness in the year of Sheep. Gong Xi Fa Cai !

Original article : www.chinahighlights.com, www.topmarks.co.uk

    

Ayu P.//SMC Editor

The Stainless Steel Soap !

Our soaps are obtained by treating vegetable or animal oils and fats, mixed with alkaline solution. There exist another type of soap that has different characteristics from others : the stainless steel soap.

Photo from titchykitch

This soap is simply a piece of stainless steel and has the surprising ability to neutralize or reduce strong odors from hands, such as from handling garlic, onion, durian or fish. It’s really simple, you just need to rub your hands with it. But how can that be ?

Photo from curejoy

Unfortunately there isn’t a lot of satisfying scientific data that explains the ability of stainless steel to reduce odor. Anne Marie Helmenstine, a chemistry expert tested it herself and wrote a possible explanation about it in this website. The stainless steel soap helps diminishing the scent but only if it’s from onions, garlic or fish. This can probably be explained by the ability of stainless steel to attract and bind the sulfur from onion, garlic or fish. These compounds are responsible for burning  your eyes while cutting onions and also for their characteristic scent. If the sulfur compounds bind to the steel, then the odor is removed from your finger.

Are you interested to try this soap ? For that we can supply you with the best material of stainless steel ! As an industry-recognized specialists, Shanghai Metal Corporation manufacture and supply various sizes of stainless steel, according to your requirement. Please contact us if you need further information, our English speaking staff will be more than glad to help you. Follow us on social media to discover more products.

    

Sources :chemistry.about.com, wikipedia

Featured image : 21gents

Ayu P.//SMC editor