Exercise Motivation for Breast Cancer Risk Reduction

According to The International Agency for Cancer Research (IARC), 25% of worldwide breast cancer cases are due to having a sedentary lifestyle and being overweight or obese (2002). Unfortunately, less than 50% of women participate in physical activity as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American College of Sports Medicine and more than 25% do not participate in any physical activity at all (CDC, 2005). Perceptions of increased personal risk and self-efficacy have been shown to promote exercise participation, and as such, are key elements of protection motivation theory, used as the theoretical framework to guide this study (Courneya & Hellsten, 2001; Dishman & Buckworth, 2001; Petro-Nustas, 2002; Rippetoe & Roger, 1987; Rogers, 1983). The purpose of this study was to determine whether risk and/or health information could motivate a woman to exercise and to explore the accuracy of a woman¿s perception of breast cancer risk in relationship to her Gail risk score. Women were blocked by Gail risk status into one of two groups, high risk (n = 46) or average risk (n = 50), and then randomly assigned to one of two treatments: control (general written health information) or experimental (specific written health information) to determine which treatment was more effective in motivating women (high risk versus average risk) to exercise. Pearson¿s chi-square test and analysis of variance were used to assess statistical differences between groups. Multiple regression analysis was used to understand the effects of the independent variables (actual risk, perceived risk, and self-efficacy) on the dependent variable (exercise behavior). Self-efficacy, but not Gail risk made a significant unique contribution to the prediction of exercise behavior, F(2, 80) = 7.15, p = .001. Self-efficacy alone correlated with exercise behavior, accounting for 15.0 % of the variance; perceived susceptibility did not predict exercise behavior or predict above and beyond Gail risk estimates. However, a positive correlation was found between Gail risk and perceived susceptibility. The current study provides support for the potential role of the health care provider in promoting physical activity by providing individuals with tailored instructions to achieve greater levels of self-efficacy

Emergency Response Planning for Chemical Accident Hazards. Key points and conclusions for Seveso enforcement and implementation.

Emergency response combines with prevention and mitigation to form the risk management triad of control measures for reducing chemical accident risks. In fact, standard good practice dictates that appropriate emergency response measures are identified for every major accident scenario of a hazardous operation. Consistent with this philosophy, emergency planning has been taken on board as an essential component of the Seveso Directive since its inception in 1982. Within the current Seveso Directive (2012/18/EU), under Article 12, emergency planning for upper-tier sites is assigned as a direct obligation to both the operator (for internal emergency planning) and the authorities (for external emergency planning). These obligations present considerable challenges for the authorities, in particular, in verifying that internal emergency planning of each upper tier site is conducted in accordance with Seveso requirements and existing performance standard; that a parallel process for external emergency planning is established; and an appropriate strategy is defined to inform populations potentially at risk from the accident scenarios of concern. To bring improvements and consistency to Member State practices in this regard, the European Commission and the Irish Health and Safety Authority organised a workshop in 2012 for Seveso inspectors from EU and aligned countries to exchange information on challenges and successes in implementing emergency planning obligations. This publication summarizes the main conclusions and observations from the workshop discussions.JRC.G.5-Security technology assessmen

Risk Mapping in the New Member States, A Summary of General Practices for Mapping Hazards, Vulnerability and Risk

In 2003 the Joint Research Centre conducted a survey of mapping practices in eleven (11) new Member States (Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia) for eight (8) major natural and technological hazards such as floods, forest fires, storms, landslides, earthquakes, industrial installations, transport of dangerous goods and contaminated lands. This activity was funded as part of the project entitled "Management of Natural and Technological Risks". One fundamental project objective was to examine the existing situation in each of the surveyed countries, and compare different mapping methodologies in order to define guidelines for establishing compatible risk mapping systems, in particular multi-hazard risk mapping. Therefore, a portion of this survey was targeted to improve general understanding of mapping practices in the different countries for identifying types and locations of relevant natural and technological hazards. This report summarises the findings from this survey on general practices for mapping of selected hazards, vulnerability and risk in PECO countries.JRC.G.7-Traceability and vulnerability assessmen

A transcriptomics model of estrogen action in the ovine fetal hypothalamus: evidence for estrogenic effects of ICI 182,780

Estradiol plays a critical role in stimulating the fetal hypothalamus?pituitary?adrenal axis at the end of gestation. Estradiol action is mediated through nuclear and membrane receptors that can be modulated by ICI 182,780, a pure antiestrogen compound. The objective of this study was to evaluate the transcriptomic profile of estradiol and ICI 182,780, testing the hypothesis that ICI 182,780 antagonizes the action of estradiol in the fetal hypothalamus. Chronically catheterized ovine fetuses were infused for 48 h with: vehicle (Control, n = 6), 17β‐estradiol 500 μg/kg/day (Estradiol, n = 4), ICI 182,780 5 μg/kg/day (ICI 5 μg, n = 4) and ICI 182,780 5 mg/kg/day (ICI 5 mg, n = 5). Fetal hypothalami were collected afterward, and gene expression was measured through microarray. Statistical analysis of transcriptomic data was performed with Bioconductor‐R and Cytoscape software. Unexpectedly, 35% and 15.5% of the upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEG) by Estradiol significantly overlapped (P < 0.05) with upregulated DEG by ICI 5 mg and ICI 5 μg, respectively. For the downregulated DEG, these percentages were 29.9% and 15.5%, respectively. There was almost no overlap for DEG following opposite directions between Estradiol and ICI ICI 5 mg or ICI 5 μg. Furthermore, most of the genes in the estrogen signaling pathway after activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor followed the same direction in Estradiol, ICI 5 μg or ICI 5 mg compared to Control. In conclusion, estradiol and ICI 182,780 have estrogenic genomic effects in the developing brain, suggesting the possibility that the major action of estradiol on the fetal hypothalamus involves another receptor system rather than estrogen receptors.Fil: Rabaglino, Maria Belen. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud; ArgentinaFil: Keller Wood, Maureen. University of Florida; Estados UnidosFil: Wood, Charles E.. University of Florida; Estados Unido

Risk Assessment for Natural-Hazard Impact on Hazardous Chemical Installations: Workshop Outcome Report

The impact of natural hazards on hazardous installations can cause major chemical accidents. This so-called “Natech” risk is increasing due to industrialisation and climate change. Capacity building in EU Member States, Candidate Countries and EU Neighbourhood Countries on Natech risk required for Natech risk reduction. This report summarises the findings of a training workshop on risk assessment for natural-hazard impact on hazardous chemical installations which the JRC organised in the frame of the JRC's Enlargement & Integration Action Programme in March 2016. It gives an overview of the presented materials and summarises the Natech risk management situation in new EU Member States, Candidate Countries and Neighbourhood countries.JRC.E.2-Technology Innovation in Securit

Seveso Lower Tier Establishments: Implementation of Article 7 of the Seveso II Directive in the European Union

The European Union hosts approximately 8500 industrial sites that are considered major hazards due to the potential accident risk associated with the presence of dangerous substances as defined by the Seveso II Directive. Approximately, half of these sites are classified as so-called lower tier sites because the quantity of the dangerous substances exceeds the lower threshold quantity stipulated in the Directive. Theoretically, the Seveso II Directive imposes a lower regulatory burden on lower tier sites than upper tier sites, whose quantity of dangerous substances exceed the higher threshold quantity given in the Directive. This lower burden is manifested particularly in Article 7, designed to apply exclusively to lower tier sites. In 2008-2009, on behalf of the Committee of Seveso Competent Authorities (CCA), the regulatory committee established by the Directive, the European Commission¿s Joint Research Centre (JRC) undertook a study of Seveso implementation in lower tier sites, through administration of a survey of competent authorities and subsequently co-organization of a workshop on the topic with DG-Environment and the Czech Republic. This paper summarizes the results of this study.JRC.DG.G.6-Security technology assessmen

2017 Chemical Accident Risks Seminar and Training Workshop : Summary Report of Proceedings and Outcomes

On 14-16 June 2017, the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) organized a landmark event at the JRC site in Ispra, Italy site to support exchange on emerging risks in chemical accident and Natech risk reduction between European Union (EU) and EU affiliated countries, that is, EFTA/EEA countries, EU Enlargement countriesand EU Neighbour Policy Initiative (ENPI) Countries. This combined seminar and training event was the first time that all EU and EU-affiliated competent authorities met all together to share perspectives on Seveso Directive (and equivalent) implementation, to identify areas of common concern and to seek opportunities for mutual support. The main purpose of the event was to exchange on common challenges in Seveso implementation and to give training to competent authorities on newly available JRC tools for assessing consequences and risks associated with chemical and Natech accidents. It also aimed to welcome EU affiliated countries, many of whom are on the path towards Seveso implementation, into the network of Seveso competent authorities to participate in these exchanges. An expected outcome was the identification of emerging risks and ongoing priorities that could be the focus of future collaborations in the Seveso community to improve risk management and enforcement. This report highlights the main points and conclusions derived from the presentations and discussions in the seminar and training sessions.JRC.E.2-Technology Innovation in Securit

Risk Mapping of Flood Hazards in New Member States

In 2003 the Joint Research Centre conducted a survey of mapping practices in eleven (11) new Member States (Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia) for eight (8) major natural and technological hazards such as floods, forest fires, storms, landslides, earthquakes, industrial installations, transport of dangerous goods and contaminated lands. This activity was funded as part of the project entitled "Management of Natural and Technological Risks". One fundamental project objective was to examine the existing situation in each of the surveyed countries, and compare different mapping methodologies in order to define guidelines for establishing compatible risk mapping systems, in particular multi-hazard risk mapping. This report describes the results of the flood section of the risk mapping activity. Responses to the survey provide important information about the current status of flood hazards and risk mapping in different countries and advantages and obstacles to developing a common methodology for multi-hazard risk mapping including this hazard in each country.JRC.G.7-Traceability and vulnerability assessmen

Risk Mapping of Landslides in New Member States

In 2003 the Joint Research Centre conducted a survey of mapping practices in eleven (11) new Member States (Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia) for eight (8) major natural and technological hazards such as floods, forest fires, storms, landslides, earthquakes, industrial installations, transport of dangerous goods and contaminated lands. This activity was funded as part of the project entitled ¿Management of Natural and Technological Risks¿. One fundamental project objective was to examine the existing situation in each of the surveyed countries, and compare different mapping approaches in order to define guidelines for establishing compatible risk mapping systems, in particular multi-hazard risk mapping. This report describes the results of the landslides section of the risk mapping activity. Responses to the survey provide important information about the current status of landslide hazards and risk mapping in different countries and advantages and obstacles to developing a common methodology for multi-hazard risk mapping including this hazard in each country.JRC.G.7-Traceability and vulnerability assessmen

Corrosion-Related Accidents in Petroleum Refineries: Lessons learned from accidents in EU and OECD countries

Petroleum refineries are generally acknowledged to be high hazard sites due to the nature of petroleum products and the processing technologies that produce them in the current era. For the most part, however, the risks are well-known and refinery operators have applied considerable knowledge and resources over the past decades to control and minimize risk potential. Nonetheless, major accidents in refineries tend to regularly occur with impacts not only on human health and the environment, but also in many cases on social and economic well-being. A recurring cause of accidents in petroleum refineries is well-known to be corrosion. This report studies corrosion-related accidents in refineries within the European Union (EU) and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), comparing accident occurring before and after 2000 and with the view to providing insights into recent causal trends and identifying lessons learned that could influence prevention strategies in future. The report highlights process and equipment conditions and potential risk management failures that were cited in 99 different corrosion-related accidents occurring between 1965 and 2008. In particular, the study provides some evidence to confirm concerns among experts in both government and industry that the risk of corrosion failures causing major accidents in EU and OECD countries remains a strong area of concern. The aim of this analysis is to aid particular inspectors by providing a concise summary of refinery corrosion hazards and examples of how they have been manifested in past accidents. The findings may be also useful to operators in renewing aspects of their risk management strategy or training personnel on how to recognize and evaluate potential corrosion risks.JRC.G.6-Security technology assessmen