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Abstract: This paper introduces the presentation of several works carried out, in France, in the field of transport ergonomics and psychology. It aims at pointing out the original features of the French ergonomics approach of dynamic situations; these features are related to the method used (the analysis of an activity in actual working conditions is emphasized) and the specific definitions of several concepts such as the concepts of ‘work activity’, ‘task’ and ‘situation’. This introductory paper proposes to define these notions and to show their relevance to an analysis of driving activities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article focuses on risk taking among kayakers. A case study of kayakers who decided to travel down France's Ubaye river rapids is provided. This river was not even attempted until the 1970s, according to the article. While usually more than one person is in the kayak and the risk is shared, the decision to face the risks posed by the rapids and the rocks is an individual one, the author argues.

The article reports on the proposal to study the influences of lifestyle characteristics and health-related quality of life (HRQL) on unsafe sex with casual partners in a representative sample of HIV-infected gay men in France. It was concluded that risky sexual behavior with casual partners is frequent among HIV-infected gay men. The behavior of this kind is related to poor mental HRQL.