Conducting Risk Assessments Research Articles

A Study on Predicting Vibration-Induced Damage of Overhead Oil Pipelines based on Abaqus

Abstract Earthquakes are sudden natural disasters that pose a serious threat to human lives and property. Lifeline systems are essential infrastructure and engineering systems that maintain the economic and social functions of cities or regions, including water supply and drainage systems, oil pipelines, gas systems, etc. In the event of a major earthquake, direct damage to lifeline systems can lead to significant economic losses and casualties. Therefore, exploring the deformation and damage characteristics of lifeline pipelines under seismic hazards and conducting risk assessments is of great practical significance. This study takes a typical overhead oil pipeline in Guangzhou as an example and uses the finite element software Abaqus to predict the vibration-induced damage. Ultimately, recommendations for disaster prevention and mitigation are proposed based on the research findings. The results can serve as a reference for seismic damage prediction, research, and disaster prevention and mitigation of urban lifeline systems.

Effectiveness of the community paramedicine at home (CP@home) program for frequent users of emergency medical services in Ontario: a randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of the Community Paramedicine at Home (CP@home) program, a community paramedicine home-visit intervention, on reducing emergency medical services (EMS) calls among frequent users.DesignA 6-month, open-label, pragmatic, randomized controlled trial with parallel intervention and control arms. An online automated platform (randomizer.org) was used to randomly allocate participants using a 1:1 allocation sequence.SettingIn homes of frequent EMS users in four paramedic services and regions across Ontario, Canada.ParticipantsEligible participants were frequent callers (≥ 3 EMS calls within six months and ≥ 1 EMS call within the previous month), or had ≥ 1 lift assist call within the previous month, or were referred by paramedics.InterventionCommunity paramedics conducted risk assessments, provided health education, referred appropriate resources, and reported to family physicians for up to three home visits. The control arm received usual care.Primary outcome measureEMS calls in 6 months during intervention.ResultsTwo thousand two hundred eighty four eligible participants were randomly allocated to the intervention and control groups, with 265 participants lost to follow-up due to inability to retrieve participant records from EMS databases. There were 1025 intervention participants (52.7% female, mean age 69.65 years [standard deviation (SD) = 19.98]) and 994 control participants (52.0% female, mean age 69.78 years [SD = 19.09]). In the post-intervention intention-to-treat analysis (zero-inflated negative binomial regression), the EMS call rate was not significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.76, 1.01). In the subgroup analysis, the intervention had a significant effect in the lift assist caller subgroup (IRR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.58, 0.92), but no significant effect among the frequent caller subgroup (IRR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.82, 1.14). The sensitivity analyses found a similar association for the lift assist caller subgroup. There was a significant subgroup effect (p-value for interaction < 0.01).ConclusionsCP@home had a significant impact on reducing EMS calls for those with a lift assist call but not for the overall sample. This program filled a healthcare gap by shifting primary care delivery, which could reduce the disproportionate number of EMS calls, thus reducing healthcare costs.Trial registrationRegistered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02835989 on July 14, 2016.

Systematizing the risk management process in clinical radiotherapy practice: Recommendations of the working group on risk management of the DGMP

PurposeThe Deutsche Gesellschaft für Medizinische Physik [German Society of Medical Physics] has recently published two coherent reports, No. 25 and No. 28, detailing the design and implementation of a risk management (RM) process for German radiotherapy (RT) departments. This study offers an overview and background of the efforts behind these reports. Methods and MaterialsFor three years, up to nine medical physicists (MPs) with practical RM experience held weekly meetings to develop recommendations for a clinical RM process. Care was taken to ensure that the recommendations were equally applicable to RT departments of various sizes. A process-based method derived from the failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) was created to identify and address risks from unintentional radiation exposure. This method was applied to exemplarily analyze the hazardous scenarios in breast RT using surface guidance and deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) techniques. Three common criticality methods—risk matrix, risk priority number, and action priority—were applied, and each step was schematically explained for first-time users. Each report was peer-reviewed by two radiation oncologists and 11 MPs. ResultsIn report No. 25, basic requirements were outlined for running the RM process, conducting risk assessments, and monitoring clinical procedures. A three-year plan-do-check-act cycle was proposed for continuous improvement. In report No. 28, general process lists for external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), brachytherapy, and radionuclide therapy were designed. Based on the EBRT process list, 45 hazardous scenarios in the surface-guided breast RT in DIBH were identified. Two scenarios were used to illustrate handling instructions for the three criticality methods. ConclusionsThe recommendations provide clinical MPs and other health professionals with a pragmatic approach to RM, balancing both the needs of smaller practices and larger clinics in Germany. The risk of unintended exposures of patients is viewed acceptable once it has been lowered to a state that is as low as reasonably achievable.

Post-release monitoring pathway for the deployment of gene drive-modified mosquitoes for malaria control in Africa

BackgroundGene drive-modified mosquitoes (GDMMs) have been promoted as one of the innovative technologies that may control and eliminate malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases. Several products are in early stages of development, targeting either population suppression or population modification of the mosquito vector. However, there is no direct experience of conducting risk assessment for environmental releases and subsequent policies regarding conditions for post-release. This study was carried out to gain additional insights on the possible post-release concerns that may arise, as they may inform future risk assessment and planning for deployment.MethodsThis study involved desktop reviews on post release monitoring experiences with previously released biological control products. Stakeholder consultations involving online surveys, and face to face workshop with experts from selected African countries from Eastern, Western, and Southern African regions was then carried out to establish post-release monitoring concerns for GDMMs.ResultsReview of genetic biocontrol technologies showed only limited lessons from post-release monitoring regimes with a focus largely limited to efficacy. For genetically modified organisms general surveillance and case-specific monitoring is expected in some of the regions. A number of post-release monitoring concerns in relation to the protection goals of human and animal health, biodiversity, and water quality were identified.ConclusionBased on established- protection goals, several post-release monitoring concerns have been identified. Subject to a rigorous risk assessment process for future GDMMs products, the concerns may then be prioritized for post-release monitoring.

Optimizing shutdown and startup procedures in oil facilities: A strategic review of industry best practices

Shutdown and startup procedures in oil facilities are critical processes that significantly impact operational efficiency, safety, and environmental compliance. This strategic review examines industry best practices for optimizing these procedures to minimize downtime and enhance productivity. Effective shutdown and startup operations are essential not only for maintaining equipment integrity but also for ensuring the safety of personnel and compliance with regulatory standards. The complexities of oil facility operations necessitate a thorough understanding of the interdependencies between various systems and processes during these phases. This review identifies key factors that contribute to successful shutdown and startup procedures. First, comprehensive planning and preparation are vital. Establishing a detailed shutdown/startup plan that outlines specific tasks, timelines, and responsibilities helps mitigate risks associated with unplanned events. This includes conducting risk assessments and ensuring that all personnel are adequately trained to execute their roles effectively. Second, the implementation of advanced monitoring and control technologies is crucial. Utilizing automation and real-time data analytics allows for precise control over processes during shutdowns and startups, enabling quicker responses to anomalies. This technological integration can significantly reduce the time required for these operations while enhancing safety measures. Third, collaboration and communication among teams are essential components of successful operations. Encouraging a culture of open communication fosters teamwork and ensures that all stakeholders are aligned throughout the shutdown and startup phases. Regular debriefings and feedback sessions post-operations also play a vital role in continuous improvement. In conclusion, optimizing shutdown and startup procedures in oil facilities is paramount for enhancing operational efficiency and safety. By adopting industry best practices, including thorough planning, leveraging technology, and promoting effective communication, organizations can achieve significant improvements in their operational performance. This review serves as a resource for industry stakeholders aiming to refine their shutdown and startup strategies to achieve operational excellence. Keywords: Shutdown Procedures, Startup Procedures, Oil Facilities, Operational Efficiency, Safety, Environmental Compliance, Risk Assessment, Automation, Real-Time Data Analytics, Industry Best Practices.

Evaluation of Nurses' attitudes, behaviors, and barriers toward pressure ulcer prevention in neonatal and pediatric intensive care units.

Pressure ulcers are a significant concern in pediatric intensive care units, with prevalence rates ranging from 0.8% to 27%. They pose serious physical and psychological challenges, particularly in neonatal and pediatric intensive care units (NICU and PICU). This study explores nursing strategies, attitudes, and barriers toward pressure ulcer prevention in NICU and PICU settings. Using a descriptive study design, data were collected from 80 nurses working in NICU and PICU through validated questionnaires, including a demographic profile and a pressure ulcer survey. Descriptive statistics were employed to calculate mean scores and percentages, while inferential statistics assessed associations between variables. The study revealed specific nursing strategies, along with significant barriers and attitudes toward pressure ulcer prevention in NICU and PICU. The total attitude mean score was 3.57, with the highest positive response (mean = 4.29) for "most pressure sores can be avoided", and the highest negative response (mean = 3.86) for "pressure sore prevention is a low priority for me". Among participants, 72.5% conducted risk assessments on all patients, 60% had written prevention care plans, and 76.3% implemented preventive strategies. Barriers such as staff shortages and time constraints were reported by 76.2% of nurses. Multivariate analysis indicated that nurses with more than 10 years of qualification (OR = 3.67) and permanent staff with over 10 years of employment (OR = 4.31) were significantly more likely to engage in preventive practices. The use of a pressure ulcer grading tool (OR = 2.49, P < 0.05) and participation in formal training (OR = 3.14, P < 0.05) were also positively associated with preventive practices. These findings underscore the importance of structured assessment tools, ongoing education, and the need to foster positive attitudes among nurses to effectively reduce pressure ulcer prevalence and enhance patient outcomes in NICU and PICU settings.

Prediction of Sediment Transport and Deposition in the Stone Buddha Temple Reservoir Based on HD and ST Bidirectional Coupling Model

Reservoirs deliver vital ecological services, including water storage and drainage. However, these functions are increasingly compromised by the dual pressures of climate change and human activities. Among the most pressing concerns is reservoir sedimentation, highlighting the urgency of investigating hydrodynamic sediment scouring. This study focuses on the plain reservoirs of Liaoning Province, using the Shifo Temple Reservoir as a case study. An optimized sediment scouring scheme was developed based on the reservoir’s hydrodynamic characteristics to improve water and sediment management. A coupled hydrodynamic and sediment transport (ST) model was constructed to simulate runoff dynamics and sediment distribution within the Liao he River Basin, while the MIKE21 model was applied to simulate the interaction between the hydrodynamics and sediment transport. The study analyzed groundwater dynamics across different runoff scenarios, seasons, and representative years, offering a scientific foundation for optimizing water and sediment allocation strategies. The results demonstrated a strong correlation between simulated and observed data during validation, confirming the accuracy of the hydrodynamic simulations. Utilizing the coupled HD and ST modules, the study proposed a sediment transfer scheme. The analysis revealed that flow rates between 165 and 190 m3/s significantly enhance sediment scouring in the long term (2029–2039) compared to the short term (2024–2029), effectively reducing sedimentation, minimizing deposition length, and lowering silt removal costs. The findings offer critical insights for predicting reservoir evolution and conducting risk assessments, thereby contributing to the sustainable management and ecological restoration of water systems in Liaoning Province.

Guidance for establishing and applying tolerable upper intake levels for vitamins and essential minerals.

Vitamins and essential minerals are micronutrients that are required for the normal functioning of the human body. However, they may lead to adverse health effects if consumed in excess. A tolerable upper intake level (UL) is a science-based reference value that supports policy-makers and other relevant actors in managing the risks of excess nutrient intake. EFSA's principles for establishing ULs for vitamins and minerals were originally developed by the Scientific Committee on Food in 2000. This guidance from the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens provides an updated framework for UL assessments. A draft was published in 2022 and underwent a 2-year piloting period. The present document incorporates revisions based on the experience gained through its practical implementation. It covers aspects related to the planning of the risk assessment (problem formulation and definition of methods) and its implementation (evidence retrieval, appraisal, synthesis, integration, uncertainty analysis). As in the previous framework, the general principles developed for the risk assessment of chemicals in food are applied, i.e. hazard identification, hazard characterisation, intake assessment, risk characterisation. Specific to nutrients are their biochemical and physiological roles and the specific and selective mechanisms that maintain the systemic homeostasis and accumulation of the nutrient in the body. Such considerations must also be taken into account when conducting risk assessments of nutrients.

Teaching Case Combining Standards to Conduct Risk Assessment at SecureEnd Solutions

Teaching Case Combining Standards to Conduct Risk Assessment at SecureEnd Solutions

Huawei Is Quietly Dominating China’s Semiconductor Supply Chain

Huawei is emerging as the leader of China’s national team in semiconductors, dominating chip manufacturing and seeking to integrate the country’s entire supply chain. Its ambitions stem from both its placement on the U.S. Entity List and strong government support at the national and local level. Internationally, Huawei is coy about these ambitions, hiding its supply chain involvement and often operating under a different company’s name. Meanwhile, Huawei’s experience is also encouraging other Chinese technology companies to support China’s quest for chip self-sufficiency, developing new hardware and software for that purpose. The clandestine nature of Huawei’s involvement—it is not known who serves what role in semiconductor production—makes it more difficult for Western companies and governments to assess China’s progress in technology, vet potential partners and customers, and conduct risk assessments.

Tracking Microplastics Contamination in Drinking Water Supply Chain in Haikou, China: From Source to Household Taps.

The presence of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environments has become a significant global concern due to their potential adverse effects on human health. This study aimed to investigate the contamination of MPs throughout the drinking water supply chain in Haikou City, China, and to conduct risk assessments regarding the relationship between MPs contamination and human health. The results revealed that the abundance of MPs in raw, treated, and tap water was 0.6 ± 0.6, 5.2 ± 2.7, and 1.2 ± 1.1 particles·L-1, respectively. Fragments were identified as the most prevalent shape across all samples, with the size category of 20-50 μm showing the highest abundance of MPs. Among the 11 types of polymers identified, polyethylene and polypropylene accounted for 50% and 29%, respectively. The potential risk index values were significantly higher for treated water (370.26) and tap water (303.85) compared to raw water (13.46), suggesting that plastic pipes may be a key contributor to MPs contamination in drinking water. Therefore, efforts should be directed toward developing pipes with low release rates of MPs, as well as improving detection methods for smaller particles and accurately assessing associated risks.

Assessment of tangible coastal inundation damage related to critical infrastructure and buildings: The case of Mauritius Island

Storm tides, which combine sea level rise (SLR), astronomical tides, and storm surges generated by tropical cyclones, pose significant threats to coastal zones, leading to flooding and substantial damage to property and infrastructure.There is a clear upward trend in the frequency of storms reaching tropical cyclone strength. A notable example is Cyclone Belal, which struck Mauritius on January 2024, during high tide, causing extensive infrastructure damage. This underscores the importance of conducting risk assessments to identify vulnerable areas and develop risk reduction strategies. However, quantitative risk assessments of storm tides are often challenging due to the lack of long-term projections. To address this, we developed a GIS-based flood model for Mauritius to simulate inundation areas and quantify the assets exposed to flooding. Under current conditions, the estimated damage exposure from extreme coastal flood events with return periods of 50–500 years is significant, with 6.2 % and 27.1 % of the area inundated, respectively. By 2100, damage exposure associated with these events is projected to increase by a factor of 1.1, with minimal variation between sea-level rise scenarios (0.3m). However, by 2200 and 2300, damage exposure is expected to rise by factors of 3.1 and 6.6, respectively. In the worst-case scenario for 2500, Mauritius could experience maximum inundation of 66.3 km2, with buildings covering 5.02 km2 submerged. Additionally, this study presents a detemporalized inundation scenario to assess impacts from any coastal flood event. This approach enables the identification of critical thresholds (1.5 m and 4.5 m) and, beyond which significant increases in damage exposure are likely, and allows for evaluating adaptation strategies against user-defined levels of change, rather than relying solely on predefined scenarios. These findings highlight the urgent need for strategic sectoral interventions to address the widespread consequences of coastal inundation, especially in light of critical thresholds for remedial action.

Occupational health risk assessment of exposure to major hazardous chemicals in copper and nickel smelting enterprises

Objective: To evaluate the risk of major chemical exposure positions in copper and nickel smelting enterprises, and provide a basis for risk assessment and prevention control measures. Methods: From September to October 2023, two copper nickel ore smelting enterprises in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region were selected as the research objects. Relevant information on chemicals was collected through occupational hazard field investigations. Qualitative analysis and exposure index methods were used in GBZ/T 298-2017 "Technical Guidelines for Occupational Health Risk Assessment of Chemical Hazardous Factors in the Workplace" to conduct risk assessments on the main chemical exposure positions. The qualitative risk assessment results were checked for consistency using the Weighted Kappa coefficient. Results: The positions with high risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals in copper nickel smelting enterprises are saponification positions exposed to hydrochloric acid in refining processes, black nickel positions exposed to sodium hydroxide, and tail suction positions. The consistency between the two occupational health risk assessment results is poor (Kappa=0.14) . Conclusion: The amount of major hazardous chemicals in copper-nickel smelting enterprises is large, and the occupational health risks caused by exposure are complex and diverse, so the effects of chronic occupational health should be strengthened.

Harmonizing Multisource Data to Inform Vector-Borne Disease Risk Management Strategies.

In the last few decades, we have witnessed the emergence of new vector-borne diseases (VBDs), the globalization of endemic VBDs, and the urbanization of previously rural VBDs. Data harmonization forms the basis of robust decision-support systems designed to protect at-risk communities from VBD threats. Strong interdisciplinary partnerships, protocols, digital infrastructure, and capacity-building initiatives are essential for facilitating the coproduction of robust multisource data sets. This review provides a foundation for researchers and practitioners embarking on data harmonization efforts to (a) better understand the links among environmental degradation, climate change, socioeconomic inequalities, and VBD risk; (b) conduct risk assessments, health impact attribution, and projection studies; and (c) develop robust early warning and response systems. We draw upon best practices in harmonizing data for two well-studied VBDs, dengue and malaria, and provide recommendations for the evolution of research and digital technology to improve data harmonization for VBD risk management.

Traditional Eye Cosmetics and Cultural Powders as a Source of Lead Exposure.

We aimed to describe the characteristics of traditional eye cosmetics and cultural powders, including the types, lead concentrations, origin, and regional variation in product names, and assess the differences in blood lead levels (BLLs) between product users and non-users. We analyzed 220 samples of traditional eye cosmetics and cultural powders collected in New York City between 2013 and 2022 during lead poisoning investigations and store surveys. We compared the BLLs of children who used these products with those of non-users. Lead levels in traditional eye cosmetics surma and kohl were much higher than levels in kajal and other cultural powders. Although the terminologies surma, kohl, and kajal are often used interchangeably, findings suggest regional variations in the product names. The majority of the surma in this study were from Pakistan, kohl was from Morocco, and kajal was from India. The results also show that these products can contribute to elevated BLLs in children. Our study reveals that traditional eye cosmetics and cultural powders are used among children as young as newborns, and exposure to these products can significantly add to their lead body burden. The study findings also reveal that lead concentrations in these products can vary by product type and product names can vary by region. Public health officials must be cognizant of these unique variations and use culturally appropriate terminologies for these types of products because such distinctions can be critical when conducting risk assessments, risk communication, and risk reduction activities.

Universally Applicable Methods for Comprehensive Risk Assessment of Elemental Impurities in Vitamin A and D Preparations

Background: Vitamin A and D deficiency in children is a common public health problem. In China, almost all children are administered vitamin A and D preparations daily and over the long term. Children are sensitive to elemental impurities, including heavy metals. However, there are no regulatory requirements or reports on the risk assessment of elemental impurities in marketed vitamin A and D preparations. Objective: The aim of this study was to propose an accurate and efficient method suitable for samples from different manufacturers to detect elemental impurities and conduct risk assessments according to the ICH Q3D guidelines. Methods: We developed a universally applicable digestion method for capsules and an ICP–MS method for quantitative analysis of 28 elemental impurities in vitamin A and D formulations. These methods were validated according to the USP 233 guidelines. Elemental impurities in 15 batches of vitamin A and D products from 10 manufacturers and their capsule shells were determined, and risk assessment was conducted according to the International Council for Harmonization Q3D guidelines. Results: All elemental impurities of toxicological concern met the Q3D requirements. However, the concentrations of various elements, including those of lead (not detected to 4.1 µg/g), arsenic (not detected to 7 µg/g), aluminum (not detected to 888 µg/g), and palladium (not detected to 36 µg/g), varied markedly. Moreover, the lead content in one batch from one manufacturer exceeded the control threshold. Conclusion: In this study, we successfully developed an effective digestion method for processing capsules containing samples from different sources and a sensitive ICP–MS method for quantitative determination of 28 elemental impurities in vitamin A and D preparations. ICP–MS should be implemented for the evaluation and control of elemental impurities in vitamin A and D preparations. This will ensure safe long-term vitamin A and D supplementation in children

Toxicity prediction and risk assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances for threatened and endangered fishes

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are severely polluted in aquatic environments and can harm aquatic organisms. Due to the limitation of conducting toxicity experiments directly on threatened and endangered (T&E) species, their toxicity data is scarce, hindering accurate risk assessments. The development of computational toxicology makes it possible to assess the risk of pollutants to T&E fishes. This study innovatively combined machine learning models, including random forest (RF), artificial neural network (ANN), and XGBoost, and the QSAR-ICE model to predict chronic developmental toxicity data of PFASs to T&E fishes. Among these, the XGBoost model exhibited superior performance, with R2 of 0.95 and 0.81 for the training and testing sets, respectively. Internal and external validation further confirmed that the XGBoost model is robust and reliable. Subsequently, it was used to predict chronic developmental toxicity data for seven priority PFASs to T&E fishes in the Yangtze River. Acipenseridae fishes (e.g., Acipenser dabryanus and Acipenser sinensis) showed high sensitivity to PFASs, possibly due to their unique lifestyle and physiological characteristics. Based on these data, the predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) of individual PFASs was calculated, and the risk for T&E fishes in the Yangtze River was assessed. The results indicated that the risk of PFASs to T&E fishes is low (3.85 × 10−9∼8.20 × 10−4), with perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) as the high-risk pollutants. The risk in the middle and lower reaches of the river is higher than in the upper reaches. This study provides a new approach for obtaining chronic toxicity data and conducting risk assessments for T&E species, advancing the protection of T&E species worldwide.

Development of a Systems Safety Program for a Large Healthcare System

We describe a new program element in our Veterans Health Administration (VHA) healthcare system. The purpose is to pursue opportunities for efforts to complement existing VHA safety work with an emphasis on understanding how things go right and supporting activities or structures that contribute to system success. The program takes a holistic systems approach to safety by promoting system lifecycle activities that explore context of use and Work-As-Done, recognizing that the way work is performed reflects realities of the work environment, demands, resources, and organizational value system. It seeks to increase human factors capabilities with a goal of empowering design teams to understand and document current state prior to proposing changes and to explore opportunities and conduct risk assessments for current state, proposed redesigned state, and post-implementation state. An outcome should be enhanced staff ability to understand and adapt to changing demands and conditions that affect how they deliver care.

Cyber-Risk Management Menggunakan NIST Cyber Security Framework (CSF) dan Cobit 2019 pada Instansi XYZ

Current technological developments trigger companies or organizations to use Information Technology (IT) as a service base and optimize business processes. IT can provide opportunities in the government sector to develop state apparatus through implementing the Electronic-Based Government System (SPBE). Central and Local Government Agencies have implemented SPBE and contributed to the efficiency and effectiveness of government administration. Ensuring the sustainability of SPBE and reducing the impact of risk is the goal of risk management, with a process of identification, analysis, control, monitoring, and evaluation of risks based on risk management determined by the government. XYZ Agency is an agency that operates in the fields of communication and information, coding and statistics. XYZ Agency also implemented an Electronic Based Government System (SPBE). In this study, Cyber-risk management was designed using NIST CSF and COBIT 2019. In designing cyber-risk management, using 6 stages, namely Prioritized and Scope, Orient, Create a Current Profile, Conduct Risk Assessment, Create a Target Profile, and Determine, Analyze, and Prioritize Gaps. In this study, there are 28 assets, 17 threats, 13 vulnerabilities, and 12 controls implemented. With these results obtained 111 risks, there are 35 risks in the high category, 63 risks in the medium category, and 13 risks in the low category. The final result of this research is the preparation preparation of a cyber-risk management design by grouping the recommended actions based on Work Products (WP) and Generic Work Products (GWP) which become a work program for XYZ Agency.

Climate change adaptation in Norwegian businesses − Awareness, integration and barriers

Preventive measures adopted to protect buildings and infrastructure from extreme weather and natural hazard events may serve to mitigate extensive damage and thus avoid major expenditures to businesses and society. A survey of 1,001 representative companies across different sectors and regions in Norway reveals that most companies fail to prioritise the climate change adaptation of their buildings or infrastructure. Most respondents have not conducted risk assessments. The greatest focus is adopted by large companies, those that own their buildings and infrastructure, and businesses in the primary and energy sectors. Small companies, service sector businesses and companies that rent their buildings and infrastructure are the least well prepared. The largest perceived barrier to adaptation is costs, followed by a lack of knowledge and competence in the fields of climate change impacts and adaptation measures. The large majority state that they do not measure climate change adaptation at all. Less than 10 per cent use indicators or evaluate their climate change adaptation efforts. Survey results suggest that Norwegian businesses need stronger incentives and clearly defined responsibilities, combined with appropriate tools and guidelines relevant to the entire climate change adaptation cycle. These will include the performance of risk assessments, the tracking of their adaptation status, as well as the measurement and evaluation of their climate change adaptation actions with the help of indicators.