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The main purpose of this study was to investigate relationships between self-report measures such as mood state, emotional recovery, and perceived exertion for a runner during a continental run. Second, the purpose was to examine psychological factors that enable an ultra-distance runner during an event. A case study report from a 49-year-old female ultra-distance runner, running a 3641 kilometre adventure event during a 10-week period was made. Data were collected during 15 weeks with three self-report questionnaires – more specifically, an initial report 3 weeks prior to the run, a weekly report during the 10 weeks of running, and, finally, a report 2 weeks after the run. In addition, a follow-up narrative interview was performed nine months after the run was completed. The main result showed that perceived exertion level had a statistically significant negative relationship with negative mood and a positive statistically significant relationship with positive mood. Results also showed a statistically significant difference between the three measurement points based on the variable perceived exertion level. In addition, the runner's narration suggested four main categories of psychologically assisting attributes: motivation, group cohesiveness, self-awareness, and mental stamina. The findings highlight the complex balance between extreme physical load and feelings of comfort and elevated mood. Another finding is that the joint effect of different psychological factors – especially the runner's high self-awareness, strong-minded attitude, and ability to use humour in problematic situations – was helpful during the run. Practical and methodological implications, as well strategies for further research, are provided.

We propose an optical method for non-invasive characterisation of wood samples based on two optical techniques: time-resolved diffuse optical spectroscopy and gas in scattering media absorption spectroscopy. While the latter is sensitive to gases present inside wood pores, the former extracts information on the bulk material regarding light scattering and absorption. Measurements on spruce samples, cut along different wood fibre directions, are presented to show an example of the advantages of this combined approach: by applying these two non-destructive techniques together, in fact, relevant information on wood such as porosity, permeability and moisture content can be assessed. Furthermore, the chemical composition, internal structure and the anisotropy due to the wood fibres can be investigated.

We propose an optical method for non-invasive characterisation of wood samples based on two optical techniques: time-resolved diffuse optical spectroscopy and gas in scattering media absorption spectroscopy. While the latter is sensitive to gases present inside wood pores, the former extracts information on the bulk material regarding light scattering and absorption. Measurements on spruce samples, cut along different wood fibre directions, are presented to show an example of the advantages of this combined approach: by applying these two non-destructive techniques together, in fact, relevant information on wood such as porosity, permeability and moisture content can be assessed. Furthermore, the chemical composition, internal structure and the anisotropy due to the wood fibres can be investigated.

A putative link between abdominal obesity and metabolic-vascular complications after menopause may be due to a decreased adipose tissue blood flow (ATBF). The present work aimed to analyze possible changes in ATBF with being overweight and menopausal and its putative link to endothelial dysfunction and autonomic nervous system balance.

Background:The objective of this study was to systematically review the evidence on the effectiveness of laser therapy as an adjunct to non‐surgical periodontal treatment in adults with chronic periodontitis. Methods:A search was conducted for randomized controlled trials comparing the outcome of periodontitis with laser as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in the treatment of chronic periodontal disease. The electronic databases, PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, were used as data sources. Screening, data abstraction, and quality assessment were conducted independently by three reviewers (MK, HJ, and CDL). The primary outcome measures evaluated were changes in clinical attachment level, probing depth, and bleeding on probing. Results:The search resulted in 25 abstracts; four randomized controlled clinical trials were included. Four different laser methods were used; consequently, it was impossible to conduct a quantitative data synthesis leading to a meta‐analysis. All studies included a limited number of subjects. Conclusions:No consistent evidence supports the efficacy of laser treatment as an adjunct to non‐surgical periodontal treatment in adults with chronic periodontitis. More randomized controlled clinical trials are needed.