In this study, we investigated the aortic arch (AA) branching pattern in the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra). We performed arterial silicone casting of the AA of 18 Eurasian otters (8 males and 10 females). We analyzed the AA branching pattern at three levels: the AA, brachiocephalic trunk (BCT), and subclavian artery (SB), using different classification methods at each level. We introduced new criteria for classifying the SB branching pattern applicable for Eurasian otter and other carnivores based on the sequence of the four main branches: vertebral artery (VT), internal thoracic artery (IT), costocervical artery (CCT), and superficial cervical artery (SC). In all Eurasian otters, two major branches emerged directly from the AA, i.e., the BCT and left SB. The BCT branched off the left common carotid artery and terminated in the right common carotid artery and right SB in 17 of 18 Eurasian otters; the BCT formed a bicarotid artery in the remaining case. The SBs showed various branching patterns, with the main branching pattern involving branching to the VT and IT at the same position, followed by the CCT and SC. The SB branching pattern in the Eurasian otter differed from that in dogs in that the two first branching arteries were VT and IT, rather than VT and CCT. Here, we present the anatomical characteristics of the AA branching patterns in the Eurasian otter and new analysis methods applicable for comparative studies of other carnivores.

ABSTRACT This study aims to explore a model of customer equity and to examine the moderating effects of relationship age on relation between drivers of customer equity and customer loyalty for chain hotels. Data were collected from 947 guests at five stars of chain hotels which are located in Busan, South Korea and analyzed using structural equation modeling. A developed model endorsed that all three key drivers of customer equity were significant factors to develop customer loyalty in chain hotels and especially guest perceived value equity as the most forceful factor for loyalty development. The guests’ perception on drivers of customer equity for loyalty development shifts over time. Guests with early years of relationship with a chain hotel perceived value equity as the most influential driver for loyalty, those with middle years of relationship considered relationship equity as, and those with mature years of relationship rated brand equity as. This article ends with more of discussions for the implications and directions of future study.

Purpose: This study aims to investigate and collect literature related to the effects of depression intervention programs on depression of breast cancer patients in Korea, and review these precedent studies on the effectiveness of depression intervention programs through meta-analysis. Method: To achieve a systematic literature review, a review question was defined according to PICO-SD: “How do depression intervention programs affect depression reduction in breast cancer participants compared to the control group?” The subjects of this study were research papers on depression intervention programs, which were released in Korea between 1990 and February 2020. Through the literature quality assessment in accordance with the SIGN (2012) Guidelines on Quality Assessment, a total of 30 pieces were selected as the final subjects of this study. Result: The overall effect size of a total of 30 pieces was -3.92 (95% CI: -4.82, -3.03, p<.001), which indicates that these depression intervention programs have a great effect on depression reduction. Conclusion: Intervention in depression of breast cancer patients in Korea is considered to contribute to improving the quality of their life and the ability to manage their symptoms, thus helping them have a positive meaning of life.