Semi-chained rings and modules (Q1813382)

Let \(M\) be a module over a ring \(R\). Then \(M\) is said to be chained (often called uniserial) if the submodels of \(M\) form a chain under inclusion, and \(M\) is called distributive if the lattice of submodules of \(M\) is distributive. If \(X\) is a property of modules, then \(M\) is said to be semi-\(X\) if \(M\) is a direct sum of \(X\)-modules. It is well-known that all modules over an Artinian semi-chained ring are semi-chained. Motivated by results such as this, the author investigates the situation in which every \(R\)-module embeds in a semi-chained module. He shows that if \(R\) is semi-prime then the following are equivalent: Every right \(R\)- module embeds in a semi-chained module; ditto for left modules; \(R\) is a semi-chained Noetherian ring (on both sides). An example is given to show that this left-right symmetry does not extend in general to the non-semi- prime case. It is also shown that if \(R\) is a ring in which every right ideal is two-sided then the following are equivalent: Every right \(R\)- module embeds in a semi-distributive module; ditto for left modules; \(R\) is a finite direct product of chained Artinian rings and hereditary Noetherian integral domains. Note: The word ``semi-primary'' in the English translation should be ``semi-prime''.