ABSTRACT Export market selection (EMS) is a critical strategic decision that significantly impacts the success or failure of exporting companies. This study presents an innovative multi-criteria decision-making framework that integrates Fuzzy Delphi, Best-Worst Method (BWM), and Fuzzy TOPSIS to tackle complex decision-making challenges in the context of export market selection for liquefied natural gas (LNG) and naphtha. Through a comprehensive literature review, the most important criteria for EMS are identified and ranked, culminating in an evaluation of five potential export markets. The findings reveal that ”market potential/elasticity” is the foremost criterion for EMS, with China emerging as the optimal export market for LNG and naphtha. This research not only offers a systematic methodology for export market selection but also highlights practical implications for businesses and policymakers striving to enhance export performance while aligning with broader sustainability goals, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By providing valuable insights into market prioritization and decision-making frameworks, this study contributes to the fields of international business and petrochemical exports.

BACKGROUND: Egypt and nearby countries have been discovering new sources of natural gas (NG) leading to proven increased reserves. Egypt has two liquefaction stations for exporting Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), while nearby countries do not have such stations AIM: Egypt adopted a policy to export LNG to major importing countries in Europe. Hence, this article aims to analyse the dynamics of the factors affecting the LNG export supply chain, and the main elements of adequate policies needed to optimise decisions related to LNG export in Egypt SETTINGS: The input data for this study were obtained from official national and international reports METHOD: A system dynamics simulation model is used as a decision support system model to optimise decisions related to LNG exports in Egypt RESULTS: The model gives insight into the effect of investment in new discoveries, investment in renewable energy and changes in population, gross domestic product (GDP) and LNG export prices, as well as the quantity of LNG re-export on the dynamics of LNG export Present Value and quantity CONCLUSION: The research provides a novel decision support system that can be used in adopting adequate policies along the LNG industry supply chain targets, optimising decisions related to exports of LNG. For Egypt, investments in new discoveries and making a long-term agreement to buy NG to be re-exported, are recommended strategic decisions to consider when targeting the optimisation of decisions related to the export of LNG. Investment in the generation of renewable energy and decreasing the home usage patterns come next in importance

Resumen La matriz energética mundial está basada en combustibles fósiles que emiten enormes cantidades de GEI causantes del cambio climático, con graves consecuencias sobre nuestro planeta. En las últimas dos décadas, las energías renovables han aumentado su participación para mitigar los efectos sobre el clima. En este trabajo se evalúa el rol del gas natural en la transición energética, considerando políticas energéticas e innovaciones tecnológicas. Se utilizó el método Delphi contando con expertos en energía y ambiente. Los resultados muestran tres factores clave: gas natural como combustible fósil más amigable con el ambiente, energías renovables no podrán satisfacer el 100 % de la demanda y alta variabilidad del suministro eléctrico basado en energías eólica y solar. Además, se visualizan dos oportunidades relevantes: crecimiento del consumo de energia y expansión del negocio del GNL. Estos hallazgos permiten senalar que el gas natural fungirá como combustible-puente en la transición hacia energias más limpias.

Abstract The global energy mix is based on fossil fuels that emit enormous amounts of GHGs causing climate change and serious consequences on our planet. Over the last two decades, renewable energies have increased their share for mitigating effects on the climate. In this work, the role of natural gas in the energy transition is evaluated considering energy policies and technological innovations. The Delphi method was applied using experts in energy and environment. Results showed three key factors: natural gas as a more environmentally friendly fossil fuel, renewable energies will not be able to satisfy 100 % of the demand, and the high variability of the electricity supply based on new clean sources: wind and solar. In addition, two relevant opportunities are seen: growth in energy consumption and expansion of the LNG business. These findings indicate natural gas will act as a bridge fuel in the transition to cleaner energies.

Along with the load-shedding problem that Eskom is having with the current generation system, the operator is forced to use its peaking plants at Ankerlig and Gourikwa in the Western Cape much more than planned. The two plants are set up for dual fuel operations, able to be fuelled with diesel as well as gas. As Eskom does not have access to natural gas, both plants have been fuelled with diesel. For the last three years, 2019 through 2021, Eskom has expended an average of over R4 billion per year on diesel fuel for its peaking plants, with the majority of this at Ankerlig and Gourikwa. For 2022, in their request for a rate increase, Eskom noted that their anticipated diesel fuel expenditures will increase to over R6.5 billion. This could be reduced by more than half if the plants were fuelled with natural gas. The problem Eskom faces is sourcing natural gas to fuel these plants. There has been consideration of liquefied natural gas importation into the Western Cape that could be utilised to fuel the Ankerlig plant. However, the high capital cost for this option has led to delay in the commencement of this project. There is another alternative that can be implemented in a short time-frame, using currently available gas, in the form of liquefied petroleum gas. With this fuel, the Ankerlig peaking plant could be switched to gas fuel and Eskom would have a significant reduction in the cost of fuel. In this study the economic benefit of this fuel change option is analysed.

Oil, coal, and gas account for approximately 80% of global primary energy, but only a portion of total airborne CO2eq (approx. 35% at GWP20 to 65% at GWP100), even though they account for 95% of total measured CO2 emissions. The benefits of these energy sources, as well as their related costs, are not all incorporated in current energy policy discussions. Global greenhouse gas policies must include documented changes in measured airborne CO2eq to avoid spending large amounts of public funds on ineffective or sub-optimal policies. The authors examined airborne CO2, which is less than half of emitted CO2, as well as reported CH4 emissions and the global warming potential of CH4 as published by the IPCC for coal and natural gas. The surprising conclusion is that surfaced-mined coal appears 'better for the climate' than the average natural gas, and all coal appears beneficial over LNG. Therefore, current CO2-only reduction policies and CO2 taxes are leading to unintended consequences and the switch from coal to natural gas, especially LNG, will not have the desired impact of reducing predicted future global warming; in fact, quite the contrary. A large portion of anthropogenic global warming is attributed by the IPCC and IEA to CH4, but it must be noted that CH4 emissions from natural sources and from agriculture account for approximately 40% and 25% of annual global CH4 emissions respectively. Energy accounts for about 20% of documented CH4 emissions. CO2 contributes only approximately 35% of annual airborne anthropogenic GHG emissions after accounting for CH4, over a 20-year horizon. At a 100-year horizon, the contribution of CO2 increases to approximately 60%. Energy policies that do not consider all GHG emissions along the entire value chain will lead to undesired economic and environmental distortions. All carbon taxation and CO2 pricing schemes are incorrect and need to be revised. At IPCC's GWP20 an approximately 2%¹ higher loss of CH4 across the value chain prior to combustion of natural gas versus coal will lead to 'climate parity' of coal with natural gas. According to public data, natural gas value chains have high CH4 and undocumented CO2 losses. On a global average, using only IEA-documented CH4 data, natural gas emits approximately 15% more CO2eq than surface-mined coal, over a 20-year horizon. This difference will increase as the use of shale gas and LNG expands. Investors should support all energy systems in a manner that avoids an energy crisis, including intermittent renewable energy systems where they make sense. If CO2 emissions need to be reduced, one of the most effective ways would be to install ultra-supercritical power plants with CCUS technology. However, the undisputed benefits of increased CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere because of its promotion of photosynthesis and plant growth effects (fertilization) need to be considered in energy policy decisions as well. The authors suggest that future research and development should concentrate on reducing net emissions from fossil fuel power plants and providing cost-effective and reliable new conventional power generation capacity, utilizing clean coal and clean natural gas technology.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Definir la incidencia de deseo sexual hipoactivo (DSH) en mujeres que planifican con el implante subdérmico de levonorgestrel (LNG) después de 12 meses, y conocer otros efectos adversos. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de cohorte, cuyas participantes fueron mujeres mayores de 18 años sin hijos ni embarazos previos y con pareja estable, a quienes se les había insertado el implante de LNG al menos tres meses previos en una clínica privada de carácter universitario en Armenia (Quindío), Colombia, entre 2014 y 2019. Se excluyeron mujeres con antecedentes de disfunción sexual, infecciones de transmisión sexual en los últimos 6 meses, peso mayor a 89 Kg y dificultades para el seguimiento. El muestreo fue consecutivo. Se describieron las características de la población estudiada, se estimó la incidencia acumulada de DSH y efectos adversos relacionados con el implante subdérmico de LNG Resultados: Participaron 238 mujeres cuya edad media fue de 24,69 (DE ± 5,82) años. Se determinó una incidencia de deseo sexual hipoactivo del 18,82%. El 60,25% de las mujeres fueron diagnosticadas con DHS en los primeros 6 meses de seguimiento. Los efectos adversos se hicieron presentes desde los primeros 3 meses de la inserción del implante, el sangrado irregular (62,34%) fue el más frecuente, seguido de la amenorrea (38,91%) y el aumento de peso (33,89%). Conclusiones: Es importante que los médicos y las usuarias se informen sobre la presencia del trastorno de deseo sexual hipoactivo y los efectos adversos que pueden surgir con el uso del implante subdérmico de levonorgestrel. Las futuras investigaciones deben confirmar estos hallazgos, así como su eventual base fisiológica.

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the incidence of low libido in women using the levonorgestrel (LNG) sub-dermal implant for contraception after 12 months and to identify other adverse effects. Materials and methods: Cohort study that included women over the age of 18, with no children or prior gestations and in a stable relationship, with an LNG implant inserted at least three months before in a private teaching hospital in Armenia (Quindío), Colombia, between 2014 and 2019. Women with a history of sexual dysfunction, sexually transmitted infections in the past six months, weighing more than 89 kg and difficult to follow were excluded. Consecutive sampling was used. The characteristics of the study population were described, the cumulative incidence of low libido and the adverse effects related to the LNG sub-dermal implant after 12 months of follow-up were estimated. The tool used was the Female Sexual Dysfunction Index (FSFI). Descriptive statistics were applied. Results: The participants were 238 women with a mean age of 24.69 (SD ± 5.82) years. An 18.82% incidence of low libido was found. In 60.25% of the women were diagnosed with low libido in the first 6 months of follow-up. Adverse effects manifested as early as 3 months after the insertion of the implant, the most frequent being irregular bleeding (62.34%), followed by amenorrhea (38.91%) and weight gain (33.89%). Conclusions: It is important for practitioners and users to become aware of the presence of low libido disorder and the adverse events that may occur with the use of the levonorgestrel subdermal implant. Future research is required to confirm these findings and the underlying physiological cause.

Is Karoo shale gas an economically viable option for providing the gas needed for the South African power grid? Dispatchable power generation is essential for the implementation of a renewable based electric grid system. Natural gas-fuelled generation is proposed to meet this need, with the gas being sourced from the Karoo. However, no exploration has been conducted on this resource and it is not known if it can be produced economically. Based on information from shale developments in other parts of the world and using publicly available information, this analysis calculates the likely price that this gas would require to be economically viable. The likely steps in the process to get to commercial development would be a baseline survey period, a period of exploration and appraisal drilling, followed by a pilot development. The extensive exploration programme would take about four years and likely cost over USD 450 million. This would be followed by a pilot production programme costing approximately USD 180 million. Once commercial development is achieved, a price for the gas of USD 13.67 per GJ would be required. There are a number of factors, including well recovery, well costs, royalties and operating costs that could add to this price and make this gas development less attractive.Highlights • South Africa has significant shale gas potential in the Karoo. • Internationally, LNG delivered prices are currently below USD 10 per GJ. • South Africa shale gas breakeven price would be over USD 13.7 per GJ. • An extensive and expensive exploration programme is required prior to development.

Abstract Background: Levonorgestrel (LNG) is a progesterone receptor agonist used in both regular and emergency hormonal contraception; however, its effects on the endometrium as a contraceptive remain widely unknown and under public debate. Objective: To analyze the effects of LNG or mifepristone (MFP), a progesterone receptor antagonist and also known as RU-486, administered at the time of follicle rupture (FR) on endometrial transcriptome during the receptive period of the menstrual cycle. Methods: Ten volunteers ovulatory women were studied during two menstrual cycles, a control cycle and a consecutively treated cycle; in this last case, women were randomly allocated to two groups of 5 women each, receiving one dose of LNG (1.5 mg) or MFP (50 mg) the day of the FR by ultrasound. Endometrial biopsies were taken 6 days after drug administration and prepared for microarray analysis. Results: Genomic functional analysis in the LNG-treated group showed as activated the bio-functions embryo implantation and decidualization, while these bio-functions in the T-MFP group were predicted as inhibited. Conclusions: The administration of LNG as a hormonal emergency contraceptive resulted in an endometrial gene expression profile associated with receptivity. These results agree on the concept that LNG does not affect endometrial receptivity and/or embryo implantation when used as an emergency contraceptive.

En el último lustro, el debate respecto a las explotaciones de hidrocarburos no convencionales por fractura hidráulica o fracking no solo se ha dado a nivel de los Permisos de Investigación solicitados y concedidos dentro del territorio español. Estados Unidos ha desarrollado una estrategia de exportación hacia los países de la Unión Europea de parte de sus producciones de gas natural no convencional (shale gas), obtenido por fracking, a través de buques metaneros. Estas exportaciones energéticas estadounidenses hacia Europa tienen como objetivo la disminución del papel de Rusia como principal suministrador gasístico en los países del centro y este del continente dentro de la disputa geopolítica inter-imperialista desarrollada entre ambas potencias en los últimos años. Por otra parte, estas importaciones han suscitado el rechazo de grupos ecologistas dentro de las demandas de políticas de mitigación del cambio climático y de transición energética. En el presente trabajo, se realizará un estudio de la evolución de las importaciones de gas natural licuado en España y el conjunto de la Unión Europea en los últimos años, y específicamente, el aumento de los suministros procedentes de las explotaciones de fracking de Estados Unidos. Además, se analizará el papel de España en la geopolítica mundial de los flujos de suministro energético como uno de los principales importadores de gas natural licuado, tras Japón, Corea del Sur, China, India, Taiwán y Reino Unido. El estudio de dichas estadísticas muestra que, en 2017, Estados Unidos se convirtió en el sexto mayor exportador mundial de gas natural licuado (GNL) y España sería el quinto principal destino de esos emergentes intercambios. Por su parte, la Unión Europea recibió el 11,2% del total del GNL exportado por la primera economía mundial.

Au cours des cinq dernières années, le débat sur le fracking a été plus large que la question des permis de recherche d’hydrocarbures délivrés en Espagne. Les Etats-Unis ont mis au point une stratégie d’exportation vers les pays de l’Union Européenne de ses productions de gaz naturel non conventionnel (gaz de schiste) obtenus par fracturation hydraulique. Ces exportations d’énergie des États-Unis vers l’Europe visent à réduire le rôle de la Russie entant que principal fournisseur de gaz dans la partie centrale et orientale du continent Européen. En outre, ces importations ont soulevé des groupes environnementaux rejetant la demande de permis en raison de la politique de changement climatique et de transition énergétique. Dans cet article, nous analyserons l’évolution des importations de gaz naturel liquéfié en Espagne et à l’Union Européenne, en particulier les importations en provenance des États-Unis. En outre, le rôle de l’Espagne dans la géopolitique mondiale des flux d’approvisionnement en énergie sera analysé comme l’un des principaux importateurs de gaz naturel liquéfié, après le Japon, la Corée du Sud, la China, l’Inde, Taiwan et le Royaume-Uni. En 2017, les États-Unis sont devenus le sixième exportateur de gaz naturel liquéfié (GNL) et l’Espagne était la cinquième destination exchanges émergentes. En outre, l’Union Européenne a reçu 11,2% du total de GNL exporté par la première économie mondiale.

In the last five years, the debate about fracking has been wider than the question of hydrocarbon research permits granted in Spain. The United States has developed an export strategy for shale gas production to European Union countries. These exports to Europe are aimed at reducing the role of Russia as the main gas supplier in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. On the other hand, these imports have been rejected by environmental groups. This article studies the evolution of liquefied natural gas imports in Spain and the European Union, especially imports from the United States. In addition, I will analyse the role of Spain in the geopolitics of energy. Spain is one of the main importers of liquefied natural gas, after Japan, South Korea, China, India, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. In 2017, the United States became the sixth largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and Spain was the fifth main destination of these emerging exchanges. In addition, the European Union received 11.2% of the total LNG exported by the world’s first economy.

RESUMO Dos atendimentos ortopédicos realizados em aves no HCV-UFRGS, 86% são fraturas, sendo aproximadamente 30% delas cominutivas com perda óssea expressiva, justificando a importância da utilização de enxertos em fraturas de aves. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar dois aloenxertos e enxerto sintético de hidroxiapatita em defeito ósseo de galinhas. Utilizaram-se 30 galinhas separadas em três grupos: aloenxerto congelado em ultra-freezer (GUF), aloenxerto congelado em nitrogênio líquido (GNL) e enxerto sintético de hidroxiapatita deficiente em cálcio (GHA). Nos três grupos, os enxertos foram aplicados com placas e parafusos bloqueados de 2mm na ulna direita das aves, avaliando-se a evolução por meio de exames radiográficos até serem completados 90 dias de pós-operatório e o resultado final mediante exame histológico. A média e desvio-padrão relacionando o tempo de consolidação óssea radiográfica foi: GNL 61,67±21,79 dias (90% de consolidação), GUF 47,14±13,50 dias (70% de consolidação) e GHA 70±18,17 dias (60% de consolidação). Houve diferença significativa no tempo de consolidação óssea entre o GUF e o GHA. Histologicamente, os enxertos do GUF foram os que estavam em consolidação mais avançada. Os aloenxertos do GNL foram superiores no preenchimento de falha óssea ulnar de galinhas.

ABSTRACT Of the orthopedic visits performed on birds at HCV-UFRGS, 86% are fractures, and approximately 30% of them are comminuted with expressive bone loss, justifying the importance of the use of grafts in bird fractures. The objective of this work was to test two allografts and a synthetic HADC graft on finishing in Gallus gallus domesticus. 30 laying hens were used, divided in three groups: frozen allograft in ultrafreezer (UFG); frozen allograft in liquid nitrogen (LNG); calcium deficient synthetic hydroxyapatite graft (HAG). The three graft groups were exposed to serial radiographs until the 90 postoperative days, as well as the histological examination at the end of the experiment were: LNG 61.67±21.79 days (90% consolidation), UFG 47.14±13.50 days (70% consolidation) and HAG 70±18.17 days (60% consolidation). There was a significant difference in bone healing time between GUF and GHA. Histologically, GUF grafts were the ones that were in the most advanced consolidation. LNG allografts were superior in filling ulnar bone failure of fowl.

Abstract This paper presents a modification of the Multi Depot Multi Period Vehicle Routing Problem with heterogeneous fleet (MDMPVRPHF) to consider capital expenditures and operating expenses (MDMPVRPHFMR). The aim is to design a product distribution network and minimize the total delivery cost. The MDMPVRPHF only considers transportation costs with transportation restrictions. In this paper, the purpose is to solve a real-life freight distribution problem that considers capital expenditures and operations expenses. The MDMPVRPHFMR is formulated as a mixed integer programming model. The results of the application of both models to a real case of study demonstrate the advantages presented by the MDMPVRPHFMR over the MDMPVRPHF. Hence, management restrictions must be considered when designing a real-life freight distribution problem. The study case is to develop a liquefied natural gas distribution model based on a real company operating in Mexico.

En Sudamérica la comercialización de gas natural por gasoductos ha sido un motor de numerosos proyectos de integración bilaterales y multilaterales desde la década de 1970 en tres etapas: geopolítica, neoliberal y postliberal. Sin embargo, la crisis de los acuerdos bilaterales y la falta de concreción de las iniciativas multilaterales condujeron en la última década a una proliferación de terminales de gas natural licuado (GNL) en varios países de la región, que permiten comercializar el fluido con países extrarregionales. Para algunos analistas, el abastecimiento de GNL en detrimento de los gasoductos ha favorecido una desintegración energética a nivel regional. El objetivo de este artículo es discutir en qué medida existe un proceso de desintegración regional a partir de datos oficiales del mercado de gas natural.

The commercialization of natural gas by pipelines in South America, has been the engine of several bilateral and multilateral integration projects since the 1970s in three stages: geopolitical, neoliberal and post-liberal. However, the crisis of the bilateral agreements and the lack of concreteness of the multilateral initiatives led in the last decade to a proliferation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals in several countries of the region, which allow to commercialize the fluid with extra-regional countries. For some analysts, the supply of LNG in detriment of the supply by gas pipelines has favored a regional energy disintegration. This article aims to discuss to what extent there is a process of regional disintegration,based on official data of the natural gas market.

Resumo O principal objetivo deste estudo foi criar um ambiente marítimo virtual com as características técnicas necessárias para simular exercícios de navegação com navios virtuais tipo GNL na Baía de Cartagena. Se desenvolveu uma ferramenta virtual em 3D chamada “Terminal Marítimo El Cayao” e posteriormente testada com a execução de manobras no simulador de ponte Transas NTPRO 5000 do Centro de Pesquisa, Desenvolvimento e Inovação para as Atividades Marítimas da Escola Naval (CIDIAM). Os resultados permitiram determinar que a ferramenta desenvolvida é eficaz para a simulação virtual de manobras com navios virtuais. Conclui-se que o uso deste tipo de ferramenta permitirá que as tripulações de navios de grande porte possam ter uma melhor compreensão da complexidade das manobras a serem executadas na Baía de Cartagena, contribuindo na mitigação de riscos e erros humanos que se apresentam durante a navegação.

Résumé L’objectif principal de cette étude était de concevoir un environnement maritime virtuel avec les caractéristiques techniques nécessaires pour simuler des exercices de navigation des navires LNG de type virtuel dans la Baie de Cartagena. S’a développé un outil 3D virtuel appelé « Terminal Maritimo El Cayao », puis testé en exécutant des manœuvres sur le simulateur de pont Transas NTPRO 5000 du Centre de Recherche, de Développement et de I ‘innovation pour les Activités Maritimes de Académie Navale (CIDIAM). Les résultats ont permis de déterminer que l’outil développé est efficace pour les manouvres de simulation virtuelle avec des navires. Il est conclu que l’utilisation de ce type d’outil permettra à des équipages de grands navires une meilleure compréhension de la complexité des manœuvres à effectuer lors de l’entrée à la Baie de Cartagena, contribuant ainsi à l’atténuation des risques et l’erreur humaine tout en naviguant.

Resumen El objetivo principal del presente trabajo fue diseñar un ambiente virtual marítimo con las características técnicas necesarias para simular ejercicios de navegación con buques virtuales tipo GNL en la bahía de Cartagena. Se desarrolló una herramienta virtual en 3D denominada Terminal Marítimo El Cayao y, posteriormente, se puso a prueba en la ejecución de maniobras en el simulador de puente Transas Ntpro 5000 del Centro de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación para Actividades Marítimas de la Escuela Naval (Cidiam). Los resultados permitieron determinar que la herramienta desarrollada es efectiva para la simulación de maniobras con buques virtuales. Se concluye que el uso de este tipo de herramienta permitirá a las tripulaciones de los buques de gran tamaño una mejor comprensión de la complejidad de las maniobras que deben realizar durante su ingreso a la bahía de Cartagena, lo cual contribuye a la mitigación de riesgos y errores humanos durante la navegación.

Abstract The main objective of this work was to design a virtual maritime environment with the necessary technical characteristics to simulate navigation exercises using virtual LNG carriers in the Bay of Cartagena. A 3D virtual tool was developed called “Maritime Terminal the Cayao,” which was later tested by executing maneuvers on the Naval Academy’s Center for Research, Development, and Innovation for Maritime Activities’ Transas Ntpro 5000 bridge simulator. The results showed that the developed tool is effective for the simulation of maneuvers using virtual ships. It is concluded that the use of this type of tool will provide large vessel crews a better understanding of the complexity of the maneuvers required during their entry into the Bay of Cartagena, contributing to the mitigation of risks and human errors during navigation.

Background: Emergency hormonal contraceptives (EHC) are contraceptives used to prevent unintended pregnancy following unprotected sexual intercourse (USI) or contraceptive failure. The EHCs available without a prescription include medicines containing levonorgestrel (LNG) in more than 80 countries and, recently, based on an EU-switch ellaOne®, which contains ulipristal acetate (UPA). EHCs work by stopping or delaying ovulation. Those containing LNG can be used up to 72 hours after USI or contraceptive failure, while UPA can be used up to 120 hours. In the context of the UPA implementation process, Germany switched LNG to non-prescription status as well. Objectives: To develop recommendations, a protocol, and a continuing education program for pharmacists to assure quality when giving advice and dispensing EHCs in community pharmacies without a medical prescription. Methods: The recommendations were developed by an iterative process of drafting, recognizing, and discussing comments and proposals for amendments as well a seeking agreement with a number of stakeholders such as the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG), Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), Federal Chamber of Physicians (BÄK), Drug Commission of German Physicians (AkdÄ), professional organizations/associations of gynaecologists, pharmaceutical OTC-industry as well as government-controlled, private, and church-based organizations and centres providing advice on sex education and family planning. Results: The recommendations were eventually endorsed by the BMG in consultation with the BfArM. Conclusions: The recommendations were made public, published in the professional journal and used in an uncounted number of continuing education programs based on the curriculum and provided by the State Chambers of Pharmacists.

ABSTRACT This work reports on modeling and numerical experience in solving the liquefied natural gas (LNG) planning for an oil and gas company. We developed a model to optimize said purchase, optimizing the amount of LNG bought on the spot and on the long-term markets, based on the predicted demand for the planning horizon. A stochastic approach to address uncertainties related to the LNG demand and spot prices is presented. The expected cost of the operation is minimized, considering stock costs and the possibility to export the surplus gas. Numerical experiments in a real-life case are assessed.