This paper studied the extensive margin (EM) and intensive margin (IM)of liquefied natural gas(LNG) imports in Europe over the period 1996-2015. Two econometric models were used, a prob it estimation for the EM and an OLS for the IM. A time-varying approach was conducted to analyse the stability of the models in the studied time frame. The models were constructed through the application of known determinants of LNG trade as well as new factors that previously was unused in the investigation of LNG trade. The results indicated an overall stable EM, but a highly varying IM over the period. The findings inform that the EM is driven by income, diversification and lower bounds technological development and we found that itis inhibited by pipeline imports, domestic production and higher bounds technological development. The IM is determined by favourable pricing opportunities, lower bounds technological development and the diversification aspect of LNG. IM is negatively affected by domestic natural gas production and the higher bounds of technological development.

Endometriosis is a chronic disease that is thought to potentially begin at menarche and progress through a woman’s reproductive years. Adolescents with endometriosis present with dysmenorrhea and chronic pelvic pain. Endometriosis can be treated with medical and surgical management. Levonorgestrel intrauterine devices (LNG-IUD) are an effective option for medical management in adolescents. The primary objective of this study was to determine the rate of IUD insertion after laparoscopy for endometriosis in adolescents. The secondary objective was to compare the characteristics of the adolescent population with and without an IUD placed at the time of surgery. The medical records of 109 adolescent patients </= 21 years old were retrospectively reviewed for patient demographic information and surgical information. In our cohort, 36% of patients had an IUD placed at the time of laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis. Patients with an IUD placed at the time of surgery had a significantly higher BMI than patients who did not have an IUD placed (p = 0.004). The most reported symptoms were dysmenorrhea (77.1%) and chronic pelvic pain (94.5%). Patients with an IUD placed had higher rates of excision of endometriosis while patients who did not have an IUD placed had higher rates of ablation of endometriosis (p = 0.003, p = 0.05). Dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain are commonly reported by adolescent patients with endometriosis. LNG-IUDs are often placed at time of excision of endometriosis surgery for adolescents and further studies are warranted to see if they are effective in the long term postoperative medical management of adolescents who have completed surgery.

Syftet med arbetet var att undersöka hur ett nyproducerat batterihybridfartyg av PSV-typ (plattform supply vessel) bör operera för att uppnå en så energieffektiv drift som möjligt utan att äventyra säkerhet eller redundanskrav. Att framföra ett fartyg så energieffektivt som möjligt är något som är av hög prioritet till sjöss, dels ur ett ekonomiskt perspektiv men även ur miljösynpunkt, då sjöfartsbranschen ständigt arbetar för en minskad miljöpåverkan. Även nyproducerade fartyg, byggda med modern teknik som ger goda förutsättningar för en energieffektiv drift ställer stora krav på att det tydligt framgår hur fartyget ska framföras för att nyttja fartygets fulla potential och uppnå optimal drift. För att ta fram procedurer över hur fartygen bör operera har loggade och teoretiska data från fartyget Coey Viking sammanställts, och presenteras i samråd med Viking Supply Ships. Resultatet innefattar generatorkombinationers specifika bränsleförbrukning, lågtrycks-dual-fuel-motorers generella miljöpåverkan med avseende på metanslip och fartygets loggade effektförbrukning till kaj. Resultatet visade att hög generatorlast resulterade i optimal specifik bränsleförbrukningen, att låga generatorlaster genererade stort metanslip samt att en förändrad elkraftstyrning tillsammans med fartygets energilagring möjliggör en förbättrad drift till kaj med en minskad miljöpåverkan. Arbetet öppnar upp för vidare forskning inom optimal peak-shaving-effekt, hur energilagringens storlek påverkar driftsmöjligheter och hur peak-shaving till kaj på ett stabilt sätt reglertekniskt bör styras. / The purpose of this undertaking was to investigate a new built battery-hybrid-vessel of PSV-type (platform supply vessel) and its operational ability to achieve the most energy efficient operation without jeopardizing safety or redundancy. The energy efficient operation of a vessel is of great priority in the maritime industry, not only because of economical profit but also based on environmental perspective, since the maritime industry is constantly aiming towards a decreased environmental impact. Newly built vessels containing modern technology opens up great opportunity in achieving energy efficient operation, though it sets high standard regarding correct operation of the vessel to use its full potential and achieve optimal running. To be able to present procedures regarding the vessel’s operation, logged and theoretical data from the vessel Coey Viking has been compiled and is presented in consultation with Viking Supply Ships. The results refered to different generator combination’s specific fuel consumption, the general environmental impact of low pressure dual fuel engines with respect to methane slip and the vessel’s logged power consumption in port.  The result indicated that a high generator load resulted in optimal specific fuel consumption, while low generator loads resulted in poor specific fuel consumption together with an increase in methane slip. The result also showed that the vessel’s energy storage together with a change in the PMS-system (Power Management System) would enable an improved power supply in port with shore connection. The paper raises questions to be answered in further research regarding optimal peak-shaving effect, what impact the size of the energy storage would have on operational capability and how peak shaving in port with shore connection appropriately should be regulated.

Master thesis "Czech Republic and its connection to new LNG terminals - strengthening of the gas security" examines the level of gas security in the Czech Republic. Dependency of the Czech Republic on gas supplies from foreign countries is almost 100 %. Russian federation is dominant supplier with roughly 75 % of the supplies. High dependency on one exporter is considered hazardous from energy security perspective. The Czech government should strive to change and improve this situation. The diversification is considered as a useful tool to improve the gas security. Currently there are new gas projects built in neighboring countries, which may influence energy security of the Czech Republic. The study researches the impact of these new projects on the Czech Republic. Namely we focused on gas pipeline Nord Stream and its Czech connection Gazelle, which will connect North Germany and Bavaria through the Czech Republic. Second project is gas network called "the North - South Corridor" connecting Baltic and Adriatic Sea. The North - South corridor may be potentially linked up to the new LNG terminals Świnoujście in Poland or Adria in Croatia. Furthermore, there are long-lasting plans to open new "South" gas route from Caspian region to Europe. The main goal of this thesis is to explore real...

No Brasil a geração de energia elétrica é predominantemente baseada no uso de fontes renováveis e obtida por meio de centrais hidroelétricas. Ainda assim é necessária a diversificação das fontes de suprimento de energia para a geração de eletricidade quando o recurso hídrico for escasso. Uma alternativa é utilizar gás natural como combustível para as usinas termoelétricas, como vem sendo introduzido na matriz energética de outros países, permitindo a diversificação das fontes energéticas dos mesmos. A indústria do gás natural, assim como outras atividades industriais, não está isenta de acidentes que podem provocar graves consequências à integridade das pessoas e das propriedades. Por este motivo, é necessário desenvolver estudos para determinar quais são as possíveis causas que poderiam ocasionar estes acidentes, e quais são os possíveis cenários associados a estas falhas especificamente na área do transporte de GNL (Gás Natural Liquefeito). É neste contexto que este trabalho de pesquisa tem por objetivo desenvolver um método, baseado nas técnicas de análise de risco, que permita identificar os principais cenários de falha associados à ocorrência de um vazamento de GNL ou de boil-off durante as operações de carga e/ou descarga de navios. Neste cenário, considera-se a presença das barreiras de proteção destinadas a conter esse evento iniciador de perigo no sistema de carga e descarga do navio transportador de GNL, quando o navio está atracado no porto. Adicionalmente à apresentação do método, e como resultado do trabalho, são identificados quais os componentes que pertencem ao circuito de carga e descarga de GNL, e que tenham uma categoria de risco denominada como Crítica (C), Moderada (M) ou Não Crítica (NC). Finalmente, a implantação do método propõe medidas que ajudam a diminuir o nível de risco associado aos componentes denominados críticos, a fim de garantir uma operação segura e livre de acidentes que ponham em risco a integridade dos operadores, dos equipamentos e do ambiente. / Although the electricity generation in Brazil is predominantly based on renewable sources and obtained by means of hydroelectric power plants, it is still necessary to diversify sources of energy supply to generate electricity when the water resource is scarce. An alternative is the use natural gas as fuel for power plants, once it has been introduced in the energy matrix of other countries, allowing the diversification of their energy sources. The natural gas industry, as well as other industrial activities, is not free from accidents, which can cause serious consequences to the integrity of people and properties. For this reason, it is necessary to develop studies to determine what are the possible causes that could lead to serious accidents and what are the possible scenarios of these faults specifically in the area of LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) transportation. In this context, this research aims to develop a method based on risk analysis concepts which identifies the main failure scenarios given the occurrence of LNG or boil-off leakage during ship loading and unloading operations, considering the presence of containment barriers designed to hold this hazard initiator event in loading and unloading system of the LNG carrier when the ship is in harbor. In addition to the method presentation this research identifies which are the components of LNG loading and unloading circuit, which have a risk category classified as Critical (C), Moderate (M) and NonCritical (NC). Finally, the method implementation allows the proposal of safety and maintenance measures to help reducing the risk level in order to ensure safe operation, free of accidents that endanger the integrity of the operators, the equipment and the environment.

No Brasil a geração de energia elétrica é predominantemente baseada no uso de fontes renováveis e obtida por meio de centrais hidroelétricas. Ainda assim é necessária a diversificação das fontes de suprimento de energia para a geração de eletricidade quando o recurso hídrico for escasso. Uma alternativa é utilizar gás natural como combustível para as usinas termoelétricas, como vem sendo introduzido na matriz energética de outros países, permitindo a diversificação das fontes energéticas dos mesmos. A indústria do gás natural, assim como outras atividades industriais, não está isenta de acidentes que podem provocar graves consequências à integridade das pessoas e das propriedades. Por este motivo, é necessário desenvolver estudos para determinar quais são as possíveis causas que poderiam ocasionar estes acidentes, e quais são os possíveis cenários associados a estas falhas especificamente na área do transporte de GNL (Gás Natural Liquefeito). É neste contexto que este trabalho de pesquisa tem por objetivo desenvolver um método, baseado nas técnicas de análise de risco, que permita identificar os principais cenários de falha associados à ocorrência de um vazamento de GNL ou de boil-off durante as operações de carga e/ou descarga de navios. Neste cenário, considera-se a presença das barreiras de proteção destinadas a conter esse evento iniciador de perigo no sistema de carga e descarga do navio transportador de GNL, quando o navio está atracado no porto. Adicionalmente à apresentação do método, e como resultado do trabalho, são identificados quais os componentes que pertencem ao circuito de carga e descarga de GNL, e que tenham uma categoria de risco denominada como Crítica (C), Moderada (M) ou Não Crítica (NC). Finalmente, a implantação do método propõe medidas que ajudam a diminuir o nível de risco associado aos componentes denominados críticos, a fim de garantir uma operação segura e livre de acidentes que ponham em risco a integridade dos operadores, dos equipamentos e do ambiente. / Although the electricity generation in Brazil is predominantly based on renewable sources and obtained by means of hydroelectric power plants, it is still necessary to diversify sources of energy supply to generate electricity when the water resource is scarce. An alternative is the use natural gas as fuel for power plants, once it has been introduced in the energy matrix of other countries, allowing the diversification of their energy sources. The natural gas industry, as well as other industrial activities, is not free from accidents, which can cause serious consequences to the integrity of people and properties. For this reason, it is necessary to develop studies to determine what are the possible causes that could lead to serious accidents and what are the possible scenarios of these faults specifically in the area of LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) transportation. In this context, this research aims to develop a method based on risk analysis concepts which identifies the main failure scenarios given the occurrence of LNG or boil-off leakage during ship loading and unloading operations, considering the presence of containment barriers designed to hold this hazard initiator event in loading and unloading system of the LNG carrier when the ship is in harbor. In addition to the method presentation this research identifies which are the components of LNG loading and unloading circuit, which have a risk category classified as Critical (C), Moderate (M) and NonCritical (NC). Finally, the method implementation allows the proposal of safety and maintenance measures to help reducing the risk level in order to ensure safe operation, free of accidents that endanger the integrity of the operators, the equipment and the environment.

The purpose of this study is to examine how Viking Line, Tallink Silja and Birka Cruises work with economic and environmental sustainability, and also to see how they work with new environmental legislations. In 2015 a new environmental legislation will be introduced, by the name Sulphur directive. The Sulphur directive entails a reduction in Sulphur dioxide emissions from ships where the emissions cannot exceed 0,1 percent. There are three alternatives to achieve the new environmental legislation, the use of Marine Gas Oil, LNG or scrubbers. All three alternatives will lead to increasing costs for the shipping industry. The three companies exerts its shipping traffic in the Baltic Sea, a sea that is highly sensitive to external impacts. In the study qualitative methods were used, three personal interviews and five telephone interviews. Five theories were used to understand how the companies work, their estimations and their decisions: Strategic Tourism Planning Process, the Triple Bottom Line, the COSO model, The Decision-making Process and Responsible Cruise Tourism. The results of the study show that all three companies are facing an uncertain economic sustainable future and the deciding factors will be technological development, fuel prices and competitiveness.

Este trabalho estuda a integração energética ancorada no gás natural entre os países que formam o chamado Cone Sul, ou seja: Argentina, Bolívia, Brasil, Chile, Paraguai e Uruguai. Inclui-se uma breve revisão histórica, bem como uma análise comparativa com outras realidades internacionais. O trabalho volta-se para o futuro e assume como pressuposto que a integração energética e econômica das nações representa uma estratégia fundamental para que nações e regiões possam aumentar sua competitividade em um mundo cada vez mais global. A partir de revisão e análise das experiências de integração energética norte americana e européia, com ênfase no gás natural, são avaliados os fatores que levaram esses países a atingirem o atual nível de integração, buscando os fatores coincidentes e eventuais diferenças, que ajudem a guiar no caminho de uma integração sul americana, especificamente no Cone Sul. Esse trabalho também se propõe a analisar os a formação das indústrias de gás natural nos principais países que formam o chamado Cone Sul, tentando entender as principais questões regulatórias e econômicas assim como quais foram as principais influências geopolíticas nessa formação. Também é avaliada a estrutura logística que conecta esses países e como eles se relacionam comercialmente e também na esfera geopolítica. A análise parte do princípio que novos pontos de recebimento Gás Natural Liquefeito - GNL através de navios no Brasil, Chile e, possivelmente, no Uruguai trarão, além de uma oferta adicional de gás natural, um sinal de preço até então inédito em toda região. Propõe-se então, que a partir desses novos fatores logístico e econômico, crie-se a motivação para que se produza uma regulação de transporte e comercialização de gás natural para todo Cone Sul e assim se inicie um processo integração baseado na racionalidade econômica. A proposta é verificar a possibilidade de que os países que formam o Cone Sul aproveitem o fato de já estarem interligados fisicamente através de gasodutos evoluam para uma integração econômica e regulatória na indústria gasífera. / This work studs the energy integration based on natural gas among the countries from the Southern Cone: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile Paraguay and Uruguay. It includes a short historic review as well as a comparative analysis with other realities. This work look to the future and assumes that the energy and economy integration represents a fundamental strategy for countries e regions to increase their competitiveness inside a global world. From the review and the analysis of North American and European Energy integration experiences, with emphasis on natural gas, the events that led these countries to accomplish the present integration degree will be evaluated, presenting coincident factors and eventual differences that could help guide to the way of South American integration, specifically in the so-called Southern Cone. This study also proposes to review the natural gas industries formation in the main countries that form the Southern Cone, trying to understand the most important regulatory and economic issues as well as the essential geopolitical influences on such formation. The logistics structure that connects these countries, the way they relate commercially and their geopolitical relation will also be assessed. The analysis supposes that new Natural Gas Liquefied - LNG reception terminals through Brazilian, Chilean and possibly Uruguaian vessels will bring both an additional supply of natural gas and a new price indication throughout the region. In view of that and considering these new economic and logistical factors, the creation of a motivation to construct a natural gas transportation and marketing regulation for all Southern Cone is proposed, starting an integration process based on economic rationality. This study purpose is to launch the stimulus for the Southern Cone countries to take advantage of the fact that they are already physically interconnected and thus also create mechanisms for economic integration.

Denna studie bestod i att undersöka den rådande situationen för LNG som ett alternativt bränsle för industri, sjöfart och kraftproduktion. Informationsinsamling och granskning genomfördes i enlighet med en litteraturstudie, och dess resultat gav en övergripande bild av vad som hänt på området fram till nu. Man fick även viss insikt i hur LNG som bränslealternativ förväntas utvecklas framöver. Syftet med undersökningen var att kunna påvisa hur långt utvecklingen har kommit, med avseende på LNG och dess infrastruktur. Slutsatser som kunde dras var att man kommit en bra bit på väg, där vissa sektorer hunnit längre än andra. Ekonomiska och miljömässiga skäl framstår som drivande faktorer för de parter som överväger att introducera LNG i sin verksamhet. Bristande infrastruktur anges av många som den främsta orsaken till att man inte kommit längre i utvecklingen. Flertalet mottagningsterminaler för LNG har redan etablerats runt om i Nordamerika och i nordvästra Europa, varav en hittills har färdigställts i Sverige. Sannolikt kommer fler att uppföras under de kommande åren, med ökad tillgänglighet för industri, sjöfart och kraftproduktion som följd. / The main focus of this study was to examine the current state of LNG, and its applications as an alternative fuel for industry, shipping and power production. Gathering of data, and the subsequent scrutiny of the collected material, was performed in accordance with the methodology of a literary study. The result offered an overall view of what has happened up until now. It also suggested what possible developments might follow in the near future. The purpose of the study was to describe how far the development has progressed, with regards to LNG and its infrastructure. The conclusions that could be drawn from the study were that things are moving forward. Some sectors have however reached further than others. Economic and environmental reasons appear as main driving factors for those who are considering LNG as a part of their plan of operations. Lack of infrastructure is said to be a key reason why LNG still hasn´t gained momentum. Numerous LNG-terminals have been built in North America and around northwestern Europé, including one in Sweden. More facilities are being built in the years to come as well, steadily improving the availability of LNG.

There has been, and will continue to be, tremendous growth in the use and distribution of liquefied natural gas (LNG). As LNG poses the hazard of flammable vapor cloud formation from a release, which may result in a massive fire, increased public concerns have been expressed regarding the safety of this fuel. In addition, regulatory authorities in the U.S. as well as all over the world expect the implementation of consequence mitigation measures for LNG spills. For the effective and safer use any safety measure to prevent and mitigate an accidental release of LNG, it is critical to understand thoroughly the action mechanisms. Water spray curtains are generally used by petro-chemical industries to prevent and mitigate heavier-than-air toxic or flammable vapors. It is also used to cool and protect equipment from heat radiation of fuel fires. Currently, water spray curtains are recognized as one of the economic and promising techniques to enhance the dispersion of the LNG vapor cloud formed from a spill. Usually, water curtains are considered to absorb, dilute, disperse and warm a heavier-than-air vapor cloud. Dispersion of cryogenic LNG vapor behaves differently from other dense gases because of low molecular weight and extremely low temperature. So the interaction between water curtain and LNG vapor is different than other heavier vapor clouds. Only two major experimental investigations with water curtains in dispersing LNG vapor clouds were undertaken during the 1970s and 1980s. Studies showed that water spray curtains enhanced LNG vapor dispersion from small spills. However, the dominant phenomena to apply the water curtain most effectively in controlling LNG vapor were not clearly demonstrated. The main objective of this research is to investigate the effectiveness of water spray curtains in controlling the LNG vapor clouds from outdoor experiments. A research methodology has been developed to study the dispersion phenomena of LNG vapor by the action of different water curtains experimentally. This dissertation details the research and experiment development. Small scale outdoor LNG spill experiments have been performed at the Brayton Fire Training Field at Texas A&M University. Field test results regarding important phenomena are presented and discussed. Results have determined that the water curtains are able to reduce the concentration of the LNG vapor cloud, push the vapor cloud upward and transfer heat to the cloud. These are being identified due to the water curtain mechanisms of entrainment of air, dilution of vapor with entrained air, transfer of momentum and heat to the gas cloud. Some of the dominant actions required to control and disperse LNG vapor cloud are also identified from the experimental tests. The gaps are presented as the future work and recommendation on how to improve the experiments in the future. This will benefit LNG industries to enhance its safety system and to make LNG facilities safer.