Inferior Position Research Articles

Diagnostic Accuracy of MRI Evaluation of Patellar Position According to the Physeal Line in Pediatric Patients

Aim: Abnormal positioning of the patella, of which the superior position is defined as patella alta (PA), whereas the inferior position is defined as patella baja (PB). Most of the measurements of patellar position evaluations are time-consuming. In this study, we aimed to examine the diagnostic accuracy of visual evaluation of the patellar position according to the physeal line and to determine the inter- and intraobserver agreement of this evaluation in MRI examinations. Material and Methods: Knee MRI examinations performed between 2019-2021 with different knee symptoms and prediagnoses were retrospectively analyzed in this study. As a reference test, Insall-Salvati Ratio was calculated by the following formula: Tendon length/patellar length. Two visual evaluation methods were used; physis line to the patella (PLP) and physis line to patellar joint cartilage (PLC). Results: Three hundred and sixty consecutive children aged 60-215 months were included in the study. There was excellent an agreement of both intra- and interobserver on PLP and PLC for two observers (κ > 0.800, for all). When we evaluated intra- and interobserver agreements according to groups, almost perfect agreements were detected (κ > 0.750, for all). Diagnostic accuracy for both two observers on the visual evaluation of PLP was almost perfect (Sensitivity 95.5%, specificity 87.2% for observer 1, and Sensitivity 94.7%, specificity 87.2% for observer 2), and on the PLC evaluation was also good (Sensitivity 89.3%, specificity 82.9% for observer 1, and Sensitivity 88.1%, specificity 85.5% for observer 2). Conclusion: Even though direct radiography is used in the diagnosis of PA and PB, it has been shown that MRI can also be used in pediatric patients in daily practice. Instead of the time-consuming measurements used in MRI, it may be kept in mind to use these methods in our study for practical and accurate diagnosis.

Preoperative imaging for hyperparathyroidism often takes upper parathyroid adenomas for lower adenomas

We retrospectively evaluated how accurately preoperative imaging localizes parathyroid adenoma in superior versus inferior parathyroids. Over 6 years, 104 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism underwent parathyroid surgery in a single centre. Of these, 103 underwent ultrasound, 97 [99mTc]pertechnetate/MIBI SPECT/CT and 30 [18F]fluorocholine (FCH) PET/CT. One patient with a unilateral double adenoma was excluded from the analysis. Surgical findings with histopathologic confirmation of adenoma were used as the standard. Ultrasound misjudged 5 of 48 detected lower adenomas as upper, but 14 of 29 upper adenomas as lower (error rate 10 vs 48%, p = 0.0002). The corresponding error rates for [99mTc]pertechnetate/MIBI SPECT/CT were 3 versus 55% (p = 0.000014), and for [18F]FCH PET/CT 17 versus 36% (p = 0.26). Our results suggest that about half of the superior parathyroid adenomas which are detected, are erroneously assigned to the inferior position by both ultrasound and SPECT/CT imaging whereas the opposite mistake is significantly less frequent with ultrasound and SPECT/CT.

Analysis on trade-in strategy of manufacturers competing with informal recycling enterprises.

Considering the competition of informal recycling enterprises in the waste and old product recycling market, this paper analyzes the trade-in strategy of manufacturers and discusses the effect of implementing trade-in on the competition in the recycling market by comparing changes in recycling market shares, recycling prices, and profits before and after the implementation of a trade-in program. Without a trade-in program, manufacturers are always in an inferior position in the competition with informal recycling enterprises in the recycling market. With the implementation of a trade-in program, the recycling prices provided by manufacturers and shares of recycling market of manufacturers not only increase with the earnings of processing a unit old product, but also increase with the total profit margin of sales of new products and recycling of old products. The implementation of a trade-in program can enhance the competitiveness of manufacturers in their competition with informal recycling enterprises, causing manufacturers to obtain more shares and profits in the recycling market, and promoting the healthy and sustainable development of manufacturers in the sale of new products and the recycling of old products.

Our Civilizing Mission: The Lessons of Colonial Education. By Nicholas Harrison

Nicholas Harrison’s excellent book is not only a fascinating study of colonial education in Algeria and an examination of literary texts which trace the impacts and influences of colonial teaching on writers and teachers. It is also an examination of the ‘critical anxieties about the historical and conceptual foundations of “humanities” education’ (p. 7), a topic of increasing urgency today as the humanities as an area of study is repeatedly under threat from governments who pour money into ‘profitable’ STEM subjects to the detriment of the humanities. In this highly relevant and multidisciplinary book, Harrison draws on concepts and debates from history, postcolonial studies, and literary studies. Some of the key questions he raises include: How were Algerian writers influenced by France’s ‘civilizing mission’ — France’s political rationale for empire as evoked in the title of the book — through their own education and the education they offered to their students? What might they have gained from their colonial education, what caused them anxieties, and how did their experiences as student and teacher help them to advance their writing career? The study is bookended in the Introduction and Conclusion by Harrison’s astute reflections on the value of humanities education and the teaching of literature at university level. In Chapter 1 he discusses Edward Said’s approach to the teaching of literature through his works, and he sees Said’s writing as ‘paradigmatic in its equivocal relationship to literary education and humanities education more widely’ (p. 10). The following chapter takes a historical approach to colonial education in Algeria. Chapter 3 explores writings by Mouloud Feraoun which give insight into what it was like to be a teacher during the Algerian War of Independence, while Chapter 4 focuses on texts by Feraoun, Mohammed Dib, Assia Djebar, and others which recount the culture of colonial schools through the lens of gender and laïcité. The final chapter analyses accounts of children’s experiences of learning French and French literature at school in Algeria. This thematic approach to literature about colonial education is one of the many strengths of the book, as Harrison deftly demonstrates the richness of his selected works of fiction and memoir and the complex relationship of the writers towards colonialism as contained in the texts. A further strength is that the book is very well researched; Harrison draws on many historical, biographical, literary, and critical sources, offering detailed close readings of the texts but also providing comprehensive contextualization of the period in which they were written. Furthermore, he nuances our understanding of colonial education in Algeria, arguing that many pro-colonialists were quite suspicious of using education as a colonial tool because they wanted to keep ‘indigenous’ people in an inferior position to the colonial French authorities. Harrison’s book is essential reading for scholars and students of Algerian literature and the history of colonial education; more broadly, it will be of interest to all advocates of literature and the humanities.

Critical Discourse Studies on Language and Identity of Social Actors Represented in UK Prime Minister Elizabeth Truss’ Speech of Announcing Resignation

The study aims to reveal the social actors, the discourse strategies, and the representation of the actors that UK Prime Minister, Elizabeth Truss, brought up in her resignation speech. Besides, the study also sees how she uses language to construct the identitiesof the social actors in the speech. The method used in the study is qualitative descriptive since the data are the language used in the speech, and they will be presented descriptively in analysis. The grand theory of this research is Theo van Leeuwen’s representation of social actors (2008), and it is also supported by MAK Halliday’s SFL theory (2004). The grand theory provides a set of analysis to reveal how the social actors are represented in the discourse; The set consists of two strategies, exclusion and inclusion. Exclusion means eliminating the social actors through some linguistic mechanisms while inclusion means putting the actors in the center of attentionand being presented in the discourse clearly. The results show that both strategies are used by Elizabeth Truss in her speech, but the most strategy used is inclusion. In addition, as for labeling the social actor's identity in her speech, she tries to do it proportionally; however, she also tries to post herself in a superior position to her political opponents and subordinates, and post herself in an inferior position to those she respects. In conclusion, from the study conducted it can be stated that through the resignation speech, Lizz Truss still tried to maintain her authority as prime minister by trying to be respectful and admitting her weaknesses while on duty, and also by constructing a proportional identity in the speech, she also tried to spread new optimism to the public in welcoming the new leadership that will replace her. Finally, the study can bring impacts on providing valuable insights of understanding political discourse, identifying the patterns of communication, and also evaluating the prime minister's legacy.

The gender-job satisfaction paradox: the evidence of Serbia

Research Question: This study investigates gender differences in job satisfaction among employees in Serbia. Motivation: The main goal of the research is examine and providing evidence the existence and scope of the paradox of gender job satisfaction. In his paper, Clark (1997)proves that women have greater job satisfaction than men. The author suggests that, in general, the higher satisfaction of women at work may be a consequence of lower job expectations as a result of the worse position in the labor market that women have had in the past. Idea:The starting point of this research is the assumption that employed women are on average more satisfied than men, despite the inferior position they occupy in the labor market. Data:The research was conducted among 468 employees in six privately owned IT and publishing companies and one state-owned company (The Pension and Disability Insurance Fund of the Republic of Serbia).The structured questionnaire was used and distributed during January 2021. Tools: The questionnaire has two parts. The first part pertains to the respondents’ demographic information such as gender, age, level of education, the sectoral structure of the company in which they are employed, management positions and years of work experience. The second part of the questionnaire referred to questions related to job satisfaction, ie it contained 8 questions in accordance with the Job Satisfaction Questionnaire(Clark, 1997), which measured the degree of satisfaction with aspects of job including general satisfaction with current job. Findings: The results research show the women are more dissatisfied with their job compared to men, despite the fact that the distinction in job satisfaction between women and men is statistically insignificant. Finding that women on the average more dissatisfaction with their jobs than man appears to be contradictory to the most of studies report that women more satisfaction with their jobs than men. Accordingly, the idea of the gender-job satisfaction paradox in conditions of high levels of gender inequality that characterizes the labor market in Serbia cannot be confirmed and accepted as a universal phenomenon.Contribution: The paper adds existing knowledge about the job-gender paradox. Evidence that there are no differences in job satisfaction between female and male employees suggests that gender discrepancies is becoming less significant.

A Study on Distinguishing between Using and Mentioning Derogatory Words- Taking the N-word as an Example

There has been a heated discussion on saying the N-word. Due to the history of slavery, the N-word has been carrying a derogatory meaning towards black people and it is used to put black people and white people into an inferior and superior position. There are many derivatives of the N-word and the meaning of it has changed from time to time which leads to the controversial situation of this word. Some people hold the view that the N-word should be banned and no one has the right to say it under any circumstances while other people think that people should realize the difference between using and mentioning the N-word. Mixing the use/mention may result in other kinds of discrimination. Therefore, based on Grice’s meaning and Tirrel’s language games theory, this paper analyzes the difference between use and mention and what consequences people may face if the use and mention are mixed.

ANATOMICAL PATTERN COURSE OF MANDIBULAR CANAL AND ITS FORAMINA LOCATION ON SAMPLE OF YEMENI PATIENTS USING CONE BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

Background and aim: Failure of inferior dental anesthesia, increased sensorineural disturbances, and postoperative bleeding in the mandibular canal region has amplified the demand for preoperative planning and appropriate evaluation to prevent these complications. The aim of the study was to reveal the locations and anatomical course pattern of the mandibular canal, as well as the cross-sectional diameter and positions of the mandibular and mental foramina, between a sample of Yemeni patients. Material and methods: A retrospective descriptive cross sectional study was performed to evaluate 165 CBCT images taken from the archives of Diagnostic Radiology Centers in Sana'a City, using EZ3D plus software. Data were retrieved from February 2017 to January 2021. Recorded data were collected, tabulated and statistically analyzed by SPSS (version 24). Results: The mean diameter of the mandibular foramen vertical and horizontal were measured to be 4.15±0.84 mm and 3.46±0.71 mm, respectively. The mandibular foramen was located approximately 2.87 mm above the midpoint of vertical ramus and 3.0 mm behind the midpoint horizontally. The mean diameters of the vertical and horizontal mental foramen were measured to be 3.46±0.78 mm, 3.54±1.5 mm, respectively. The mental foramen was located approximately in the middle of the mandibular body vertically. The most common anteroposterior position for the mental foramen was A (HP3) between the first and second premolars of the mandible (50.6%). The most common superior- inferior position for the mental foramen was (VP3) below the level of the root apices of the first and second mandibular premolars (62.2%). The inferio-superior position of the mandibular canal showed that the superior measurements ranged from 12.3-14.4 mm. Conclusion: This CBCT study reveals differences in the position of the mandibular canal course and the location of the mandibular and mental foramina among Yemeni patients. Therefore, careful evaluation and planning using cone-beam CT before any surgical intervention in the mandibular canal area is highly recommended to avoid unwanted complications among Yemeni patients. Peer Review History: Received: 20 December 2022; Revised: 24 January 2023; Accepted: 5 March 2023, Available online: 15 March 2023 Academic Editor: Prof. Dr. Gorkem Dulger, Duzce University, Turkey, gorkemdulger@yandex.com Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 5.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Dr. Bilge Ahsen KARA, Ankara Gazi Mustafa Kemal Hospital, Turkey, ahsndkyc@gmail.com Dr. Amany Mohamed Alboghdadly, Princess Nourah bint abdulrahman university, Riyadh, amalbgadley@pnu.edu.sa Similar Articles: RADIOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF THE COURSE AND VISIBILITY OF THE MANDIBULAR CANAL BY PANORAMIC RADIOGRAPHY PREVALENCE OF PREMATURE LOSS OF PRIMARY TEETH AT THE AGE OF 6-10 YEARS IN SANA'A CITY, YEMEN

Assessment of three-dimensional rotation of the shoulder complex and scapulohumeral rhythm during sagittal movement.

Due to the influence of spinal and respiratory movements, it is difficult to accurately measure the range of motion of each joint. To conduct a three-dimensional (3D) measurement of each joint in the shoulder complex in different postures in the sagittal plane of the upper extremity. Thirteen healthy adults with no history of shoulder surgery for trauma or chronic pain were enrolled in the present study. The computed tomography (CT) imaging data of the shoulder complex were acquired in four postures via the reconstruction and alignment of 3D images. The angles of the postural changes were measured, and rotation vectors were used for descriptions and statistical analyses. There was a statistical difference in the rotation angles between the dominant and non-dominant sides of the sternoclavicular joint when the posture changed from a resting position to a posterior inferior position. During the postural change from a resting position to a horizontal position, the regression coefficient (β) of the humerothoracic joint to the sternoclavicular joint was 0.191, and the β of the humerothoracic joint to the glenohumeral joint was 0.621. During the postural change from the horizontal position to the rear upper position, the β of the humerothoracic joint to the sternoclavicular joint was 0.316, and the β of the humerothoracic joint to the glenohumeral joint was 0.845. During the postural change from the resting position to the rear lower position, the β of the humerothoracic joint to the glenohumeral joint was 0.991. The application of the image alignment technique enabled the direct and accurate measurement of the bony structures of the shoulder joint. The helical approach accurately described the scapulohumeral rhythm during 3D motion. There was a scapulohumeral rhythm of the shoulder complex during 3D composite sagittal movement, with different ratios for different joints and postures.

A comparative study between 10-MHz and 15-MHz ultrasound probes for retinal evaluation in silicone-oil-filled globes

PurposeTo compare 10-MHz and 15-MHz B-scan probes regarding the detection and localization of retinal detachment (RD) in silicone-oil-filled eyes.MethodsThis cross-sectional observational study included 100 eyes (98 patients) -having media opacity precluding fundus examination- scheduled for silicone-oil removal. Patients were examined in the sitting-position using both frequencies one week preoperatively. Longitudinal and transverse scans were taken in primary-gaze, inferior, inferonasal, and inferotemporal positions to detect the presence/absence and extent of RD. Patients were sub-grouped according to axial lengths (AXLs), state of silicone emulsification, and globe filling. Agreement between sonographic and intraoperative observations was compared.ResultsNo statistically significant differences were found between 15-MHz and intra-operative findings regarding RD detection (P = 0.752) and accurate localization of inferior, inferonasal, and inferotemporal RD (P = 0.279, 0.606, and 0.599). There were statistically significant differences between 10-MHz and intra-operative findings regarding RD detection and localization (P < 0.001). The 15-MHz probe was superior to 10-MHz probe regarding the accuracy of RD detection and localization (94% and 47%, respectively). The accuracy of 15-MHz probe was 88%, 83%, and 85% in detecting and localizing inferior, inferonasal, and inferotemporal RD compared to 45%, 60%, and 62% with 10-MHz probe. The 15-MHz probe showed better sensitivity while 10-MHz probe showed better accuracy in eyes with short AXLs. The 10-MHz probe showed better sensitivity in patients with sonographic emulsification while15-MHz probe had better sensitivity in detecting vitreoretinal-interface disorders.ConclusionThe 15-MHz B-scan probe is more accurate in detecting and localizing recurrent RD in silicone-oil-filled globes with higher sensitivity in detecting vitreoretinal-interface disorders.

Effect of Strong Passport on Economic Growth: How African Politics Have Incapacitated Their Passports

African states and few Asian nations accepted an inferior position by allowing their citizens to seek visas when they want to travel to western countries, while their peers from western nations can enter the said nations at a will. The problem is that Africans did not reciprocate the demands of visa requirement by westerners. The article will disseminate how African passports became useless at the expenses of western countries and how they mint billions of dollars from the wealthy citizens of the world who seek these strong passports to enable them travel for leisure and business purposes without deterrent. Thus sabotaging the economy of African countries. The study found that top 40 African countries in terms of their population have an average passport rank of 90, which means that these 40 most populous countries can access only 58 countries without visa. These 40 African countries have an average population of 32.7 million, and average land area of 726,801km². On the same note, forty top European countries in terms of population have an average population of 14.8 million, and land area mean of 147,085. But these European countries have average passport rank of 16, and average access without visa of 172 countries. This means that African countries do not reciprocate visa conditions in the European countries meaning that they allow European citizens to enter visa free in their countries, while African citizens have to struggle in order to get European visas.

Indonesian Nationalism in Three Acts: The Intertwined Narratives of National Identity and the Subaltern Woman in Three Iconic Indonesian Novels

This article examines the evolution of the intertwined narratives of nation and womanhood in three iconic Indonesian novels: Belenggu (1940), Sri Sumarah (1975), and Durga Umayi (1991), each of which, respectively, depicts female protagonists wrestling with life challenges during three different historical epochs of the Indonesian nation-state. I argue that these novels portray three distinct conceptions of an evolving Indonesian nationalism as reflected through the struggles of these characters. The first of these, Belenggu, highlights the hybrid nature of emerging Indonesian nationalism through the symbolic deployment of hybrid music–keroncong–as a central trope. The second novel, Sri Sumarah, depicts the culturally idealized qualities of a submissive woman–embodied in its titular character–and the gendered nature of nationalism. The third, Durga Umayi, kaleidoscopically maps the biography of its heroine onto the triumphs and defeats of the nation as experienced from the perspective of the subaltern subject, thus depicting the project of nation-building as seen, experienced, and lived from an inferior social position. Taken together these three novels dramatize three different stages of Indonesia as “imagined community”: from the promise and the peril of the early years as an emerging nation-state, to its division along ideological lines before and after the 1965 coup, and ultimately to the failed promises attending the spread of neoliberalism and globalization in subsequent decades.

Evaluation of congruency of condyle convexity and fossa concavity and interrelationship bony components in temporomandibular joint anterior dislocation.

This study aimed to compare the congruency of surface geometry of the articulating bones and morphologic differences in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) structure, between patients with TMJ anterior dislocation and healthy controls. The study included 15 patients with TMJ anterior dislocation and 15 controls who underwent cone-beam computed tomography. The surface angle of the articular fossa (fossa-concavity) and condyle (condyle-convexity) and joint spaces were measured from both sagittal and coronal views. The articular eminence morphology and horizontal condyle position were also evaluated. Coronal fossa angles were significantly lower in controls than in patients (p < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between coronal condyle and fossa angle values in controls and in patients' joints (p < 0.05), however, the fossa-condylar congruence was higher in controls than in patients. Superior joint space was significantly higher in controls than in patients (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in articular eminence measurements, mean condyle angle variables and condyle position between the patients and controls (p > 0.05). The findings of this study which include lower joint congruency, higher fossa concavity and superior joint space distance in patients with anterior dislocation may be related to the inferior positioning of the condyle away from the fossa and potentially the elongation of the capsular ligament.

The Influence of Chinese Patriarchal Society on Men and Women

Patriarchal societies have evolved over a long period of time to become the prevailing system in today’s society and maintain a relatively balanced state. During the 21th century, more and more people pay attention to the social question of gender, especially in Southeast Asian countries. In the history of most countries, most of them were patriarchal societies. The authors chose China as the main research object. The groups which are affected by the patriarchal society is not only female, but also males. However, patriarchy ultimately puts men in a dominant position in society and women in a position of inferiority and subordination, so it has certain effects on both men and women. Because of the foundation laid by the patriarchal society, it is a system that is difficult to overthrow, and therefore, radical feminism has emerged in the process of women protesting and fighting for their rights, and at the same time, it has certain effects on society.

DYNAMIC 3D ANIMATION OPTIMIZING GLENOSPHERE CONFIGURATION IN REVERSE SHOULDER ARTHROPLASTY

Scapular notching is a common problem following reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). This is due to impingement between the humeral polyethylene cup and scapular neck in adduction and external rotation. Various glenoid component strategies have been described to combat scapular notching and enhance impingement-free range of motion (ROM). There is limited data available detailing optimal glenosphere position in RSA with an onlay configuration. The purpose of this study was to determine which glenosphere configurations would maximise impingement free ROM using an onlay RSA prosthesis.A three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) scan of a shoulder with Walch A1, Favard E0 glenoid morphology was segmented using validated software. An onlay RSA prosthesis was implanted and a computer model simulated external rotation and adduction motion of the virtual RSA prosthesis. Four glenosphere parameters were tested; diameter (36mm, 41mm), lateralization (0mm, 3mm, 6mm), inferior tilt (neutral, 5 degrees, 10 degrees), and inferior eccentric positioning (0.5mm, 1.5mm. 2.5mm, 3.5mm, 4.5mm). Eighty-four combinations were simulated. For each simulation, the humeral neck-shaft angle was 147 degrees and retroversion was 30 degrees.The largest increase in impingement-free range of motion resulted from increasing inferior eccentric positioning, gaining 15.0 degrees for external rotation and 18.8 degrees for adduction. Glenosphere lateralization increased external rotation motion by 13. 6 degrees and adduction by 4.3 degrees. Implanting larger diameter glenospheres increased external rotation and adduction by 9.4 and 10.1 degrees respectively. Glenosphere tilt had a negligible effect on impingement-free ROM.Maximizing inferior glenosphere eccentricity, lateralizing the glenosphere, and implanting larger glenosphere diameters improves impingement-free range of motion, in particular external rotation, of an onlay RSA prosthesis. Surgeons’ awareness of these trends can help optimize glenoid component position to maximise impingement-free ROM for RSA. Further studies are required to validate these findings in the context of scapulothoracic motion and soft tissue constraints.

Between paradise and prison: External secrecy and visibility in terrorist organisations

AbstractThe secret is essential for terrorists. Aware of their position of political and military inferiority towards their adversary, terrorists typically have no choice but to operate clandestinely, emerging from the shadows to carry out acts of violence in order to attract attention. However, the social organisation of the secret has not been the subject of a thorough reflection in the literature on political terrorism. Following Simmel's classic investigation into secrecy and secret societies, this article intends to shed light on “external secrecy”, understood as the social practice of intentionally hiding information and knowledge from external actors that do not belong to the terrorist organisation. The paper explores how external secrecy takes the form of a sort of barrier system that can be crossed by individuals and can be built and removed by organisations. It also examines how external security in terrorist organisations can produce both opportunities for deliberate deception and risks of undesired manipulation by external actors. Finally, the article focuses on the inherent trade‐off between the need for external secrecy and the quest for visibility in terrorist organisations. Overall, this discussion suggests the opportunity to develop a research programme on the management of secrecy in terrorism.

The inter-provincial trade inequality in China: An assessment of the impact of changes in built-up land and carbon storage

Inter-regional trade contributes to the expansion of built-up land and carbon storage loss, which results in inequality in unequal exchange. Revealing this inequality can help socio-environmental sustainability be better achieved. This paper uses a multi-regional input-output model to analyze the virtual built-up land flows embodied in the inter-provincial trade in China, and calculates the carbon storage loss caused by the expansion of built-up land. The inter-provincial trade inequality in China is discussed subsequently. The results show that regional unfair trade exists in China, and less developed regions are in an inferior position. Compared to less developed regions, developed regions obtain more benefits from inter-provincial trade, in both economic and environmental aspects. Regionally, the expansion of built-up land mainly occurs in the eastern and southern regions, which lost much carbon storage, especially Guangdong and Yunnan. Coastal regions had a high built-up land utilization efficiency, followed by the central regions. The built-up land interactions are mainly concentrated in the central and eastern regions, and the degree of trade participation in less developed regions is low.

Conceptual Metaphor “WOMEN ARE ANIMALS” In 20th-century Vietnamese Literature

From the perspective of Cognitive Linguistics, the paper analyzes the conceptual metaphor WOMEN ARE ANIMALS in 20th-century Vietnamese literary works. The theoretical framework for this study includes the Conceptual Metaphor Theory of Lakoff and Johnson (1980), the Great Chain of Being model of Lakoff and Turner (1989), and the Metaphor Identification Procedure of Pragglejaz Group (2007). Through a survey of 50 short stories and novels written by famous Vietnamese authors, 6 low-level metaphors as well as the mapping mechanism from the source domain to the target domain, is discovered and explained. The findings reveal that women are mainly portrayed as wild animals, livestock, pets, or birds. Metaphorical linguistic expressions, then, convey a biased view towards the low and inferior role and position of women in the family and society. Negative ideological values in the representation of women are explored to show that women are considered to be small, weak, dependent on men, and serve as their recreation. Vietnamese people's thinking and cultural characteristics are also reflected in this metaphor.

The choice of remanufacturing strategy for the OEM with third-party remanufacturers’ advantages

Outsourcing remanufacturing is a commonly adopted business practice under which original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) outsource remanufacturing to third-party remanufacturers (TPRs) and focus on new products. Motivated by different advantages from TPRs, we develop two models to characterize the features: (1) the TPR has a cost advantage by improving remanufacturing system and device (Model C); (2) the TPR has a quality advantage from brand guarantee (Model Q). The results suggest that in-house remanufacturing seems to be in an inferior position, but actually it is better than outsourcing if TPRs’ advantages and the customers’ perception of returned quality are unobvious. Both repairing cost and customers’ perception of returned quality are essential for the OEM’s optimal remanufacturing strategy. The outsourcing is dominant in the relatively high repairing cost or customers’ perception of returned quality. Moreover, the obvious quality advantage plays the dominant role in outsourcing. Furthermore, we analyze the environmental impact and consumer surplus of remanufacturing strategies and identify the condition under which strategy benefits the environment and customers. When the environmental impact (acceptance) of the remanufactured product is relatively high (low), the optimal strategy presents a conflict between environment and customers’ benefit.

The Philosophy of Envy

<i>The Philosophy of Envy</i>