Transportation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Transportation - Essay Example This paper seeks to explore general aviation and its influence on flight training as its sub-topic (Williams, 2011). Flight training uses Fits Approach, which focuses to modify safety. The program emphasizes on pilot decision making, flight simulation, flying skills learned in a cockpit, and self evaluation. It uses bad pun to counter challenges presented by the current, diverse environment hindering learning to fly. Virtual aviator also uses Fits approach in virtual flying-acting as a scoring system used to gauge series of adventures that help hone basic flying skills. The core concepts of Fits program entail situational awareness, risk management, single management of resource pilot, and decisions of aeronautical nature. This approach works as an ultimate goal that decreases aviation accidents, and address perennial crashes caused by pilot errors. It helps in measuring certain goals, missions to fly, address challenging situations prompting routine flights like changes in weather, passenger pressures, and equipment malfunctions (Williams, 2011). Modern aircrafts are tested to limit the load, wings and airframes that an aircraft carries. The airframe structure is mounted on a test fixture where it flexes for hours. The FAA profile controls loads in an airplane, especially, during flight. The tests take years because they have divisions of safety factor. The FAA also has an intensive aging aircraft program for inspecting the airplane. The program is thorough than for younger airplanes. A pilot receives training to acquire a certain rating administered by an examiner with authority. A pilot goes through certain raining and checks to pass certain types ratings (Williams, 2011). Online delivery of training expands the aviation business prospects. It brings engineers and aviation maintenance experts from all over the world. There are online classes where students learn, track their performance and get certified. The students are diverse in their

Electronic Health Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Electronic Health - Research Paper Example E-Health provides services which let the doctors have an access to their patients’ data by maintaining their records and information about their diseases in databases and other e-Health tools, rather than using paper documents. They can assess the data, prepare prescriptions to be sent to the pharmacies via communication technology, get instant and accurate results from the laboratories directly, communicate with their patients on a regular basis no matter which part of the globe they live in, and give better suggestions regarding their health and lifestyle. On the other hand, the patients, here referred to as ePatients, can have access to doctors all around the world with the use of information and communication technology, telemedicine and e-Health systems, get diagnosis (known as remote diagnosis) and treatment regarding their diseases, and thus, remain better informed about their problems in particular and health care in general. There are a lot of e-Health forums, softwar e and web links on the internet which allow e-patients to communicate with their doctors and with other fellow patients as well. ... It has created a trustworthy doctor-patient relationship as e-Health systems ensure the patients’ privacy. It has also made it possible to achieve online education about healthcare through online sources. It provides tools, known as e-Health tools which facilitate health services like diagnosis and treatment. These include electronic databases, mobile monitors, health portals, and many more. E-Health is also cost-effective as money is not spent on staffing and traveling resources. The European Union (EU) is the leader in the development of e-Health systems and tools. According to a rough estimate, EU has spent almost â‚ ¬500 million of research funding on e-Health since 1990 (Europa). Unfortunately, there are a lot of people out there who do not have access to computer and internet, or they have less knowledge about technological advances, and thus they cannot benefit from the services of e-Health, despite the fact that such people are the most deserving of getting proper h ealthcare. In short, E-Health not only acts as a platform where the health care providers, authorities and hospitals can work closer to each other, but also acts as a medium between the doctors and patients- a medium that is just in accordance with the latest technology and the modern era. E-Health is not merely a big step in the new technology, it is also â€Å"a state-of-mind, a way of thinking, an attitude, and a commitment for networked, global thinking, to improve health care locally, regionally, and worldwide by using information and communication technology† (Eysenbach). Table 1 summarizes the advantages of e-Health described so far. Why the issue is important to me? The issue of e-Health is important to me because it can

English Language Learners Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

English Language Learners - Essay Example The paper analyzes that primary language teaching helps both teachers and students. It helps teachers and students properly communicate with each other. Students can ask questions to their teachers in their native languages, which is not easy if the communication language is other than their native languages. Moreover, students can also share their ideas more effectively with their teachers. Teachers are able to transfer knowledge to their students easily. It is also easy for the students to understand the concepts in their native languages because of their familiarity with those languages. Today, most of the companies prefer to hire such individuals who are proficient in speaking the English language. Those students, who have less understanding of English, are unable to get high paying jobs. Thus, the number of job opportunities decrease for such students, which is a major disadvantage of being less proficient in speaking English. Today, a major portion of the working class from the underdeveloped countries is working in the developed countries, such as America, England, and Canada. In all of these countries, English is the language, which people use in every social, political, and professional matter. Those people, who go from other countries to these countries for any purpose, need to have a good understanding of the English language in order to be successful. Therefore, we can say that English should be the global language because of its present and predicted widespread use in every part of the world.

Networking Concepts Essay Example for Free

Networking Concepts Essay Benefit of network Network: Network is very popular common word now. It is a collection of computers, printers, and other electronic devices which is linked by cables or wireless devices; it can make a situation for them to communicate with each other. For the welfare of network individuals are able to share and exchange information (files and programs), access common services (email and applications), and share hardware (printers, servers, image scanners, and fax machines). picture of LAN/MAN/WAN network The Name of Network LAN (Local Area Network: It is a small geographical area (Room, Building or a Campus) of networking MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): If network in a city than it is called MAN. WAN (Wide Area Network): If network spread geographically (Country of across Globe) than it is called WAN. Advantage of network: It offers a wide range of advantages. It help to transferee filesAA one computer to another, centralized printers, centralized information (an intranet web server, for example). For it programs can be run off a server, so updating means updating a single program, not one on each computer (which can be a nightmare if there are a few hundred computers), centralized data backup Disadvantage of network: To drive up network . there are many equipment needed which is much cost. Virtual Private Networking Service: Virtual Private Networking Service is failure for a secure network connection which can be taken on top of a public network, such as the Internet or Education Wireless Integrated Network. For the help of it Internet’s  infrastructure can move secured data to and from the campus network. It play an indispensable role    off-campus students and staff to access the Universitys online resources in the home computer,  through their ISP (Internet Service Providers) like Signet, Star Hub, etc. using dial-up or broadband service. We can also get the facility of Universitys  e-services or computing facilities that are not made available on  the Internet or WWW (World-Wide Web In this case we can do Laboratorys UNIX servers, network printers, file shares, personal web storage folders, etc for the help of network. Picture of Virtual private networ VPN on NTUwireless: There are also some risks in wireless network. So in this case to keep our privacy on NTUwireless, our campus wireless network, we can  use  this VPN service to dial-out of NTUwireless – as like as we normally use VPN on the Internet to access NTU network. To connect wired  network to the campus, VPN connection is not necessary. This service is not turned on for  the wired network. VPN client behind the corporate firewall: Most organizations and universities  have some form of firewall implementations on their  Internet gateway to except for Signet, Star hub or the overseas ISP If there is a firewall in your organization, you  should use SSL VPN to connect. or, If you want to connect NTU with Microsoft VPN, the organization’s Firewall  requires PPTP traffic  via TCP port 1723 ;amp; GRE protocol to  pass through the  Firewall. Network Installations: networking of a communications system through to planning, designing, installing and maintaining the system. (Picture of network installation Connect Systems work is able to provide the best computer network design and specification, meeting both present and ongoing requirements to each client and is closely with each client. We offer a wide number of benefit to all client . These include recommend, supply and install all the necessary hardware and software for your network installations, as well as we offer tuning and support system . To provide a total data and voice transport system including help and advice with the design and fitting of client’s computer rooms a structured wiring can be installed. The necessary thing or installation: Windows Vista/2003/XP * Cyrix Presentation Server ;amp; Access Essentials * Internet, Firewall and VPN connectivity solutions including Cisco PIX, Symantec Enterprise Firewall installation and configuration * E-mail products including Exchange, Lotus Notes and Outlook, Mobile email via Blackberry and Windows mobile devices * Back-up software including Arc serve and Backup Exec * An ti-virus solutions including Trend Micro * Content Checking technology such as Minesweeper and Super Scout * Supply and configuration of server and PC hardware. Operating system of network: Net work operating system: It is an operating system which has components and programs to allow a computer on a network to serve request from other computer in term of data providing access to other resources such as printer and file systems Some steps of simple file and print sharing: Content 1. File Sharing Basics 2. Naming Computers 3. Install File and Print Sharing 4. Disable Simple Sharing 5. Disable Firewalls and Other Software 6. Create User Accounts 7. Sharing the Folder 8. How to Check Which Folders are Shared 9. Mapping a Network Drive 10. How to Remove File Sharing 11. Sharing Printers with Others on Your Network 12. Troubleshooting File and Print Sharing Install file and print sharing: Our task is to go into your Network contractions under the Local Area Connection Properties window, and need check whether S the General tab is included or not. We can use the following items for this connection. Or the Components are checked by this connection section, we can check that File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks can list we have to be aware about that the checkbox is checked. If it is listed, the computer is already configured for file sharing; click Cancel. If it is not listed, then Click Install button. Click on Service. Click Add. What we need for instillation: . Click OK. We might need your Windows install CD and if the computer asks to restart, click yes. We can use the following operating system: We can use the following operating system: 1. JUNOS. Used in routers and switches from Juniper Networks. Cisco JOS (formerly ‘Cisco Internet work Operating System’) is a NOM having a focus on the internetworking capabilities of network device. It is used on Cisco System router and some network switches. 2.

rates of chemical reactions- lo3 questions

rates of chemical reactions- lo3 questions Rates of Chemical Reactions- LO3 Questions 1.1 Two Grand-Pa tablets would have the same effect as one Grand-Pa powder this is because Grand-Pa Headache Tablets each contain, Aspirin: 226,8mg, Paracetamol: 162,0mg and Caffeine: 32,4mg where as Grand-Pa Headache Powders each contain Aspirin: 453,6mg, Paracetamol: 324,0 mg and Caffeine: 64,8 mg thus to obtain the same dosage of ingredients, twice the dosage, thus one would have to take two tablets to equal one powder. 1.2 Drinking them with warm water will allow for a faster reaction rate thus allowing the effect of the pain killer to work faster. Also, if the powder is dissolved into a small amount of water then the solution will be more concentrated and will therefore be able to get to work in a more effective manner quicker, which will allow for the powder to work quicker in relief of pain. 1.3 The granules in the powder have a larger combined surface area than that of a tablet, which results in a reaction with the water to be done quicker with the powder for, resultant of the larger exposed surface area of the granules, more reactions occur/are allowed to occur at a quicker rate between the reacting particles. The tablet, being comprised of compounded granules together, the collisions between the reacting particles is limited for the surface area of one whole tablet is less than the combined surface area of granules. Therefore less reactions are allowed/do occur, therefore the powders provide faster relief than the tablets for they react faster with the water and thus will work faster in supplying pain relief. 1.4Total: 453.6mg+324.0mg+64.8mg=842.4mg Aspirin: (453.6mg/842.4mg) * 100/1=53.85% Paracetemol: (324.0mg/842.4mg)*100/1=38.46% Caffeine: (64.8mg/842.4mg)*100/1=7.69% 1.5 Symptoms of Overdose Aspirin: These include dizziness, tinnitus, sweating, nausea, vomiting, mental confusion, hyperventilation, respiratory alkalosis, metabolic acidosis, ketosis and depression of the central nervous system. In children serious signs of overdosage may develop rapidly. May include: burning pain in the throat/stomach, confusion, mental/mood changes, fainting, weakness, ringing in the ears, fever, rapid breathing, change in the amount of urine, seizures and loss of consciousness. Paracetamol: Liver damage which may be fatal may only appear after a few days. Symptoms of overdosage include nausea and vomiting. Acute intoxication causes kidney failure. Pallor, nausea, vomiting, anorexia and abdominal pain. Liver damage may become apparent 12 to 48 hours after ingestion. Abnormalities of glucose metabolism and metabolic acidosis may occur. In severe poisoning: hepatic failure may progress to encephalopathy, haemorrhage, cerebral endema (brain swelling), and death. Cardiac arrhythmias and pancreatitis have been reported. Caffeine: Large doses may cause restlessness, excitement, muscle tremor, tinnitus, scintillating scotoma, tachycardia, extrasystoles, restlessness, nervousness, excitement, insomnia, flushed face, dieresis (frequent urination), gastrointestinal disturbance, muscle twitches, rambling flow of thought and speech, tachycardia or cardiac arythmia (fluctuating heart patterns), periods of inexhaustibility (continuous awareness) and psychomotor agitation ( trouble sitting still and being calm). 1.6 I would advise them not to, because they are already coffee addicts they are probably taking in a lot of caffeine already thus to take the Grand-Pa powders would increase their risk of an overdose. It also has the ability to enhance the effects of paracetamol and aspirin so not only will the caffeine have an effect on the persons body in an overdose situation, but the other contents of the Grand-Pa powders, namely the aspirin and the paracetamol will also have an effect on the body, and the combination of all three of them in an overdose situation will result in certain kidney failure and death resultantly. 2.1 The surface area of wood flour is great, because it is composed of grains which are very small this would cause for a large, sudden explosive effect should the cigarette ignition come into contact with the wood flour. The concentration of the reactants (the wood flour) is great having the granules that are very small and in piles together. Should the ignition/flame from the cigarette come into contact with the piles of the wood flour an explosive effect, resultant of the concentration of the wood flour. The application of the heat to the piles of wood flour will result in the reaction, for the increase in heat will result in a reaction and will work in supplying the sudden reaction of the wood flour parts. The smoking of a cigarette is also banned because cigarette ash can serve as a catalyst and when coming into contact and mixing with wood flour it can become a highly volatile blend. The owners of these mills do not wish to lose their supply and suffer damages to their faciliti es thus; they prohibit people from smoking or bringing fire or ignited material into the mill. A dust explosion is the explosive combustion of a dust suspended in air in an enclosed location, which results in harmful effects of overpressure, thermal radiation, and ensuing projectiles. Many materials which are commonly known to combust can generate a dust explosion, such as coal, sawdust, and magnesium. However, many otherwise mundane materials can also lead to a dangerous dust cloud such as grain, flour, sugar, powdered milk and pollen. Mining of coal leads to coal dust and flour mills likewise have large amounts of flour dust as a result of milling. A similar problem occurs in saw mills and other places dedicated to carpentry. The dust must also consist of very small particles, where the surface area is very large, and so will support combustion. Dust is defined as powders with particles less than about 500 micrometres in diameter, but finer dust will present a much greater hazard than coarse particles by virtue of the larger surface area. There are five necessary conditions for a dust explosion: A combustible dust; (Flour or Wood Flour) The dust is suspended in the air at a proper concentration; (Possible) There is an oxidant (typically atmospheric oxygen); (Possible) The dust is confined; (Yes) There is an ignition source. (Provided by cigarette) Thus there is a high risk of a dust explosion already and the cigarette would just complete the necessary conditions by providing an ignition source. 2.2.1 Use of Oxidant Concentration Reduction Use of Deflagration venting through a dust retention and flame-arresting device 2.2.2 Use of Deflagration venting Use of Deflagration pressure containment Use of Deflagration suppression Use of masks to ensure the reduction of the inhalation of the wood flour. 2.3 1. As an absorbent Absorbent qualities are utilized in cleansers to remove unwanted water, oils, or greases from such articles as delicate machinery parts, jewellery, and furs, or to carry cleansing, poisonous, or other chemical agents to an object. In the manufacture of dynamite, the extreme sensitivity of the explosive agent can be reduced to safe levels by solidifying the liquid nitro-glycerine by absorbing it in a solid medium such a3 wood flour. 2. As decorative material Wood flour is used decoratively in the production of â€Å"oatmeal† and â€Å"velvet† wallpapers, where decoration by design and texture is provided by wood flour, coloured as desired, onto a prepared paper surf ace. 3.1Iron (a porous iron catalyst prepared by reducing magnetite, Fe3O4) Osmium is a much better catalyst for the reaction but is very expensive. 3.2 A catalyst such as an iron catalyst is used to speed up the reaction by lowering the activation energy so that the N2 bonds and H2 bonds can be more readily broken. The catalyst has no affect whatsoever on the position of the equilibrium. Adding a catalyst doesnt produce any greater percentage of ammonia in the equilibrium mixture. Its only function is to speed up the reaction. In the absence of a catalyst the reaction is so slow that virtually no reaction happens in any sensible time. The catalyst ensures that the reaction is fast enough for a dynamic equilibrium to be set up within the very short time that the gases are actually in the reactor. Catalysts lower the activation energy in a reaction by holding particles onto their surface and pointing them into the right direction for a product to form, which in this case is Ammonia. This catalyst, Iron (Fe3O4) , is used for it is ideal for allowing the nitrogen (N2 (g) ) and hydrogen (3H2 (g) )reactants to react and form the produ cts which entails Ammonia (2NH3 (l) ) rapidly. 3.3Ammonia; NH3 (l) 3.4 Fertilizer: Approximately 83% (as of 2003) of ammonia is used as fertilizers either as its salts or as solutions. Consuming more than 1% of all man-made power, the production of ammonia is a significant component of the world energy budget. Cleaner: Household ammonia is a general purpose cleaner that can be used on many surfaces. Because ammonia results in a relatively streak-free shine, one of its most common uses is to clean glass, porcelain and stainless steel. It is also frequently used for cleaning ovens and soaking items to loosen baked-on or caked-on grime. As a fuel: Ammonia was used during World War II to power buses in Belgium, and in engine and solar energy applications prior to 1900. Liquid ammonia was used as the fuel of the rocket airplane, the X-15. Although not as powerful as other fuels, it left no soot in the reusable rocket engine and its density approximately matches that for the oxidizer, liquid oxygen, which simplified the aircrafts design.

Foreign Aid Programs are a Great Investment :: Politics Political Essays

The United States has proven again and again that foreign aid can be a worthwhile venture. While donating less than one half of one percent of the federal budget towards economic and humanitarian assistance, the United States has been able to establish trading markets for the present as well as the future. Between 1990 and 1993 alone, U.S. exports to developing nations increased by $46 billion ("Ten Questions Commonly Asked About U.S. Foreign Assistance Programs"). This dramatic change would not have happened if it were not for foreign assistance programs. Trade opportunities do not simply materialize, the groundwork must first be put in place. Through business code reforms, the strengthening of commercial banks, and the setting of reasonable tax and tariff standards, USAID helps to create an environment that will attract American investment and trade. Take for instance, the example of South Korea. During the 1960s and 70s, South Korea was one of the United States' prime targets for foreign assistance. The U.S. now exports more to South Korea in one year than was donated during both the 1960s and 70s. Because of this, the two have become extremely close allies, and are now two of the best trading partners in the world ("Ten Questions Commonly Asked About U.S. Foreign Assistance Programs"). Likewise, financially aided agricultural research in developing countries has resulted in millions of dollars of improved yields for U.S. farmers ("USAID Research Helps U.S. Farmers" ). By 1992, two-thirds of the United States rice acreage was planted in varieties acquired through agricultural research funded through foreign assistance programs. With this technology, the United States is now the world's second leading rice exporter ("Agricultural Research"). As another example, while in Latin America, USAID invested less than $5 million in the research of greenbug resistant hybrids. By 1989, economic gains to the United States had reached almost $400 million. Due to a recent breakthrough, U.S. foreign assistance research has lead to a rust free wheat crop. Kansas and Oklahoma alone are expected to save over $90 million in harvest costs ("Agricultural Research" ). Furthermore, according to USAID at the International Development Conference on January 1995, 200,000 U.S. jobs were created through foreign aid programs. This was possible because USAID requires "nearly all foreign aid be spent on U.S. Foreign Aid Programs are a Great Investment :: Politics Political Essays The United States has proven again and again that foreign aid can be a worthwhile venture. While donating less than one half of one percent of the federal budget towards economic and humanitarian assistance, the United States has been able to establish trading markets for the present as well as the future. Between 1990 and 1993 alone, U.S. exports to developing nations increased by $46 billion ("Ten Questions Commonly Asked About U.S. Foreign Assistance Programs"). This dramatic change would not have happened if it were not for foreign assistance programs. Trade opportunities do not simply materialize, the groundwork must first be put in place. Through business code reforms, the strengthening of commercial banks, and the setting of reasonable tax and tariff standards, USAID helps to create an environment that will attract American investment and trade. Take for instance, the example of South Korea. During the 1960s and 70s, South Korea was one of the United States' prime targets for foreign assistance. The U.S. now exports more to South Korea in one year than was donated during both the 1960s and 70s. Because of this, the two have become extremely close allies, and are now two of the best trading partners in the world ("Ten Questions Commonly Asked About U.S. Foreign Assistance Programs"). Likewise, financially aided agricultural research in developing countries has resulted in millions of dollars of improved yields for U.S. farmers ("USAID Research Helps U.S. Farmers" ). By 1992, two-thirds of the United States rice acreage was planted in varieties acquired through agricultural research funded through foreign assistance programs. With this technology, the United States is now the world's second leading rice exporter ("Agricultural Research"). As another example, while in Latin America, USAID invested less than $5 million in the research of greenbug resistant hybrids. By 1989, economic gains to the United States had reached almost $400 million. Due to a recent breakthrough, U.S. foreign assistance research has lead to a rust free wheat crop. Kansas and Oklahoma alone are expected to save over $90 million in harvest costs ("Agricultural Research" ). Furthermore, according to USAID at the International Development Conference on January 1995, 200,000 U.S. jobs were created through foreign aid programs. This was possible because USAID requires "nearly all foreign aid be spent on U.S.

Effective Environmental Impact Management through Ecotourism

The world has seen the growth of tourism increase dramatically in the past fifty years and with this growth comes a concern for the cultural and environmental impacts associated with it. Ecotourism is the new breed of tourism based around the concept of nature and cultural appreciation, espoused by many to bring significant economic benefits to the host countries as well as being a sustainable alternative to mass tourism. The aim of this paper is to review the literature that focuses on the environmental impacts of ecotourism. This will be achieved through the discussion of five key areas. First, the multitude of definitions surrounding ecotourism will be examined with a view to identifying the core concepts. Second, the key players involved in the ecotourism industry will be identified. Third, the positive and negative impacts associated with ecotourism will be discussed. Fourth, the contributing factors that determine the level of environmental impact. Fifth, the future of ecotourism and how it can be managed. Finally, conclusions and recommendations for future research. World tourism is growing in terms of number of travellers as well as in economic expansion (World Tourism Organisation (W. T. O), 1997) and as the worlds largest industry (Nelson, 1993) it earns approximately $US 2. 5 trillion annually (Dearden, 1993). Tourism takes on many different guises and nature-tourism is one of these, which, in it's most sustainable form has been labelled ecotourism. Within the worldwide tourism industry ecotourism is one of the fastest growing sectors (Eagles, 1995) and according to a 2001 W. T. O and United Nations Environment Programme study ecotourism may represent between two and four percent of global tourism (W. T. O, 1997). Although this is a relatively small percentage share it is not the volume that is significant but the fact that it is a type of tourism that attempts to minimise the negative effects of traditional mass tourism, be these economic, social or environmental (Doan, 2000). There has been a proliferation of ecotourism-related articles in professional journals since the late 1980s (Sirakaya, 1999) and due to the expansive nature of ecotourism the literature covers a multitude of topics. It is for this reason that for the purpose of this paper I have focused on the journals that are concerned particularly with the environmental impacts of ecotourism. These journals take the form of definition articles (Edwards, 1998; Sirakaya, 1999; Fennel, 2000), articles on particular case studies (Burton, 1998; Doan, 2000; Thomlinson, 1996; Obua, 1997; Nianyong, 2001; Chin, 2000), and articles on impact related aspects from more of a resource point of view (Beaumont, 2001; Tyler, 1999; Acott, 1998). Section 1: Defining the Concept of Ecotourism Before even beginning to identify what environmental impacts ecotourism is having on the environment it is important to clarify the concept of what it is. The problems of defining ecotourism have been debated at length (Blamey, 1997), and there is a tremendous amount of literature exploring the definitions of ecotourism. It can be observed that Ceballos-Lascurain (1983) was one of the first people to provide a working definition (Sirakaya, 1999; Thomlinson, 1996; Edwards, 1998; Fennel, 2001). His definition was normative and he suggested that ecotourism incorporates the notions of travelling to relatively untouched natural areas with the objective of enjoying and admiring the area's natural and cultural manifestations. From that period on the definitions came to include the notion of ecological sustainability and that ecotourism should provide economic benefits for local people, as well as provide funds for conservation of the visited areas (Boo, 1990; Lindberg and Hawkins, 1993; Tyler, 1996). Researchers from the field of biological research tend to focus mainly on the environmental aspects of the definition (Tyler, 1999; Nianyong, 2001; Acott et al. , 1998) when using the term ecotourism in their research papers. While others have not included a definition of what they consider ecotourism to stand for (Obua, 1997; Burton, 1998), suggesting that people reading articles in the tourism journals are assumed to have a comprehensive understanding of what the term ecotourism means. In the recent years research focusing on the definitions of ecotourism have been performed through content analysis of pre-existing definitions, one such being by Sirakaya (1999) who looked at it from a supply side view and identified whether tour-operators in the America's viewed themselves in fit with their own ecotourism definitions and policies. These definitions took a normative and positive viewpoint that can also be seen in Fennels (2001) article. He also used a content analysis method and incorporated the concept of definition alterations over time as well as differentiating between definitions provided by government and individuals (researchers) mainly in the Americas. Perhaps the most exhaustive study of definitions was undertaken by Edwards et al (1998), who conducted a content analysis of the ecotourism policies employed by the government agencies of all the countries in the America's. All these content analyses provide a fresh insight into the definition of ecotourism although they are biased due to the fact that they use very few definitions provided by researchers and governments outside of the America's. A commonly cited definition that I think encapsulates the main findings of the three content analysis studies previously described (Sirakaya, 1999; Fennels, 2001; Edwards et al. , 1998) is one that originated from the Ecotourism Society (1993), and for the purpose of this review is the definition I shall be using. It is:- Purposeful travel to natural areas to understand the cultural and natural history of the environment, taking care not to alter the integrity of the ecosystem, while producing opportunities that make the conservation of natural resources beneficial to local citizens. Section 2: Identification of the Key Players in the Ecotourism Industry In this section I will identify four different groups who have key roles to play in the ecotourism industry; the communities residing in the host ecotourism country/area, the tourists, the tour operators, and the government agencies. All of the above groups are interconnected and affect each other and in turn effect the environmental impact on ecotourism destinations, this will be discussed further in section four. The literature only provides very fleeting references into the nature of the communities that are affected by ecotourism. The main way that local communities would appear to get involved in the ecotourism industry is through being employed in the local tourist activities. Be it through building accommodation (Obua, 1997), guiding (Chin et al. , 2000), or by being involved in local conservation projects (Nianyong, 2001). Yet even descriptions of these activities are very minimal and so will not be addressed further in this review. On a general level of description about the tourist group the authors tend to refer to them as eco-tourists (Beumont, 2001; Acott, 1998), and they are observed to be mainly westerners (Chin et al. , 2000). It is agreed that all eco-tourists have the underlying wish to travel to natural areas with a view to appreciating the unspoilt environment (Tyler, 1999; Beumont, 2001; Acott, 1998) and within this concept is the discussion in the literature concerning the ‘spectrum' of nature based tourists (Burton, 1998). Beumont (2001) identified a range of different types of nature based travellers by suggesting that each eco-tourist is unique in terms of their knowledge of the nature and attitude towards it. This idea can be seen in a slightly different guise in Acott's (1998) research which takes a much more phenomenological approach and segments eco-tourists into ‘shallow' and ‘deep' groups. Shallow eco-tourists are of an anthropocentric frame of mind in that they view humans as separate from nature and that nature is an instrument that serves human ends. ‘Deep' eco-tourists adopt a much more holistic view of the world and view humans to be intrinsically linked with the environment. Burton (1998) identifies these differing types as ‘casual' and ‘dedicated' eco-tourists with ‘dedicated' ones having higher expectations in terms of the quality of the ecotourism experience. Eco-tourism as a product is delivered by the ecotour operators and companies (Thomlinson, 1996). They characteristically have the parent business located in the base country (predominantly western) who prepare nature tour packages and then co-ordinate with the other half of their business in the destination country (Higgins, 1996). The majority are small-scale operations (Blamey, 1995; McArthur, 1994). This enables the operators to practice environmentally responsible practices and to ensure high quality experiences for the tourists (Burton 1998; Thomlinson, 1996). In compliance with the definition of ecotourism ecotour operators ideally should act in an environmentally responsible manner yet many researchers suggest that they are masquerading as ecotour companies and use the term ecotourism as a marketing tool (Nianyong, 2001; Thomlinson, 1996; Beaumont, 2001; Burton, 1998). With respect to government agencies involvement and attitudes towards ecotourism the content analysis study conducted by Edwards et al. 1998) provides the most comprehensive insight into their agenda's. As well as this empirical study the literature identifies them as playing an important role in the management of the ecotourism industry with them being the creators of the policies which control the exploitation of natural areas (Nianyong, 2001; Chin et al. , 2000; Beaumont, 2001; Burton, 1998). This is especially true when the ecotourism activities take place in national parks as designated by governments (Obua, 1997; Nianyong, 2001; Woodward, 1996). The influence they have on environmental impact management will be discussed further in section 4. Section 3: The Positive and Negative Environmental Impacts. The positive environmental impacts are essentially indirect benefits that are derived from educating tourists on environmental issues, and providing economic benefits for the destination country/area to aid in conservation of their natural resources. With respect to issue of education Beumont (1998) cites the writings of Boo (1991) and Goudberg et al. 1991) who argue that ecotourism provides environmental education or interpretation for participants which in turn creates awareness and understanding of the natural environment therefore creating support for conservation. This idea is supported by Chin et al. (2000: 31) whose qualitative study based around a questionnaire completed by 210 eco-tourists who visited Bako national park in Borneo. It showed that â€Å"90% of respondents indicated the importance of learning about nature as part of their experience, suggesting that visitors to Bako would be highly receptive to educational strategies. It is the ecotour operators who are essentially the main providers of the environmental education and Blamey (1995) notes that ecotour operators in Australia primarily set up their businesses because of their personal interest in the environment. Economic benefits derived from ecotourism and that positively impact the environment take a number of forms. Boo (1990) argues that ecotourism can stimulate the economy and in turn generate direct funding for conservation. An example of this is where Doan (2000) cites Wells (1993) who talks about mountaineering fees that are being used for the cleanup of Sagmarth National Park in Nepal, and has led to increased ecological quality. An indirect environmental benefit derived from ecotourism is that it provides an alternative to more damaging types of industry (Thomlinson, 1996). This can be seen in a case study (Obua, 1997) where forest ecotourism was introduced in the Kibale National Park as a sustainable industry instead of ruining the environment through logging. The definition provided by the Ecotourism Society suggests that ecotourism should not alter the integrity of the ecosystem, yet as Tyler and Dangerfield (1999) argue almost any level of human exploitation has impacts on an ecosystem. His qualitative research took the viewpoint of resource management, the resource being the ecosystems that are exploited by ecotourism, and points out that most of the ecosytems that are visited have developed independently of human interaction and have to adapt rapidly to deal with the human incursion, depending on the level of human disturbance. Tyler (1999) does point out that marine environments are particularly susceptible to the development of ecotourism, a topic researched at length by Mason (1998) who, through the use of a qualitative research tool assessed the potential effects on two marine environments and found that predominantly negative biophysical effects occurred due to development of ecotourism. A study on forest degradation due to ecotourism (Obua, 1997) was the only quantitative research on the subject of environmental impact that was found in the literature. Perhaps an area for future research? Other environmental impacts of ecotourism outlined in the literature take the form of general comments about how animal behaviour is disrupted with particular reference to altered eating habits (Burger, 1998; Tyler, 1999; Thomlinson, 1996). Pollution created in the forms of rubbish as well as water and vehicle pollution which is also mentioned in the literature (Mason, 1998; Chin et al. , 2000; Nianyong, 2001) as well as damage done to vegetation due to trampling. An indirect environmental impact that is discussed in some depth by Burton (1998) and to a lesser extent Beaumont (2001) is the fact that most eco-tourists have the expectation of appreciating the natural environment without the presence of large numbers of people. This has led to the exploitation of previously untouched area in an attempt to provide ecotourists with quality experiences. Section 4: Determining the level of Environmental Impact In the literature one of the biggest debates is whether eco-tourism leads to mass-tourism and it's associated environmental problems (Beaumont, 2001; Doan, 2000; Mason, 1998; Obua, 1997). Even if it does not lead to fully-fledged mass-tourism it agreed throughout the literature that an increase in visitors to sensitive natural environments causes an increase in associated environmental impacts. Discussion on at what point the number of tourists is too much for a destination focuses on the concept of carrying capacity (Doan, 2000; Thomlinson, 1996). This is the theoretical limit to the number of tourists that an area can sustain without deleterious effects (Boo, 1990). They also refer to Butler's life cycle model and Burton (1998) cites Thomlinson's (1996) empirical evidence, and argues that once the number of tourists reach a certain level then ecotourism turns into mass-tourism. So as described, the number of tourists converging on a destination is a key factor on the level of environmental impact, yet what factors contribute to the differing numbers of ecotourists? A common idea in the literature is the attitudes of the governing bodies towards the development of ecotourism sites (Thomlinson, 1996; Obua, 1997; Chin et al. 2000; Nianyong, 2001). A common theme is that governments have been tempted by the prospect of making a ‘quick buck', and therefore do not put in place policies limiting exploitation of their countries natural resources, and policies limiting numbers of tourists. Although one country that has minimised environmental impacts through limiting the number of western tourists is Bhutan (Brunet, 2001), yet not totally as they s till allow an unlimited number of Indians to cross their borders, a policy controlled by the government! Nianyong (2001) also illustrates that governments should be instrumental in helping to develop environmentally responsible policies within their country as well as providing funds for research. Yet in the case of Nianyongs' research which was a survey conducted in China, he points out that a lot of ecotourism destinations are in the third world, this is can be seen in the way that most of the case studies on ecotourism are based in the third world. These host countries can't afford to provide funds for appropriate ecotourism development, a point corroborated by Chin et al. 2000) whose study was based in Malaysia. Yet paradoxically authorities were responsible for increasing the number of eco-tourists to the Bako national park in 1988 through tourism promotion. Chin et al. (2000) suggests that this was driven by economic interests. The next area of discussion focuses on how eco-tour operators affect the level of environmental impact that ecotourism destinations experience. As previous ly mentioned it is suggested that eco-tour operators are simply exploiting the concept of ecotourism by using it as a marketing tool. Burton (1998) cites a number of researchers who suggest that surveys indicate that a large number of eco-tour operators cannot be considered to act in an environmentally responsible manner (Botrill and Pearce, 1995; Weiler, 1992; Holden & Kealy, 1996; Jones, 1993). This obviously has serious implications for the level of environmental impact and in Belize supposedly ecotourism companies have destroyed large swaths of mangrove swamps in order to develop luxury bungalows (Thomlinson, 1996). Also although most eco-tour operators are small businesses there are so many of them they can negatively impact the environment through a cumulative effect (Thomlinson, 1996; Beaumont, 2001). As illustrated the number of ecotourists descending upon an area is one of the main factors determining the level of environmental impact Yet there are references in the literature that point out that it is the innate attitude of the actual eco-tourist towards pro-environmental causes that plays an important part in the level of environmental impact that ecotourism destinations experience (Acott, 1998; Chin et al. 2000; Beaumont, 2001). Acott (1998) who discusses ecotourism in terms of ‘shallow' and ‘deep' differentiates different types of eco-tourists in terms of the level to what extent they pursue environmentally sustainable lifestyles. He uses the example of a low impact eco-traveller who stays in very basic accommodation and pursues a minimal impact experience compared to a larg e group of bird watchers staying in a luxury hotel with the expectation of a westernised ecotourism experience. Section 5: The Future of Ecotourism The focus of this section is to identify the numerous variables correlated with the success of ecotourism as a sustainable option for the future, and the recommendations documented in the literature to ensure the long-term success of ecotourism. As it is recognised that large numbers of tourists have detrimental affects on the environment, many of the researchers talk about limiting visitor numbers (Burton, 1998; Thomlinson, 1996; Nianyong, 2001; Chin et al. 2000). Yet how many is too many? Tyler (1999) and to a lesser extent Doan (2000) suggest that the resource base (the ecotourism destination) as an ecosystem needs to be considered primarily, and to define saleable products that will have an absorbable impact. In relation to actually controlling the number of visitors it is generally agreed that government tourism agencies are ones who have the power to implement these controls. Thomlinson (1996) suggests that infrastructure should be limited thus discouraging large scale tours, this was actually achieved in Bako National Park Malaysia, whereby the authorities decided not to build a main road into the park and only allow tourists access to the park via river boats. Nianyong (2001) also suggests that operators wishing to establish ecotourism businesses in national parks should have to obtain licenses thereby maintaining the integrity of the industry. There are also suggestions that as ecotourism is after all a business, causing smaller eco-tour operators (who have less of an impact on the evironment) being forced out of the market by larger operators. These larger operators are seen to be the leading edge of mass tourism and achieve greater profits through economies of scale (Burton, 1998, Thomlinson, 1996). Therefore they argue that government agencies need to promote and perhaps subsidise the smaller operatives and restrict the growth of larger operators. Yet the tension that exists with governments, especially in third world countries, is that they lack funds and by limiting the number tourists they are limiting the economic benefits provided by the ecotourism industry. These government agencies have to realise that although increase in visitor numbers means greater profits, eco-tourists want to experience nature without being crowded by other humans (Burton, 1998). Boo (1990: 96) noted in reference to the environmental effects of ecotourism ‘that tourism, if not managed properly, can destroy tourism'. The issue of educating eco-tourists is the other fundamental tool that can be used in maintaining the sustainability of ecotourism. By creating positive attitudes towards environmental preservation amongst tourists it fosters awareness about the future implications of ecotourism amongst the very people who are the consumers of the product, and who directly impact the environment they are visiting. Fortunately according to Sirakaya's (1999) research ‘according to tour operators, ecotourism also includes involvement in after travel to inspire personal responsibility'. The raises the point addressed at length by Beaumont (2001) that it is the responsibility of the eco-tour operators to provide quality education to the tourists. Nianyong (2001) also points out that local communities in the host destination need to be educated and involved and encouraged to participate in environmental conservation. A point only briefly touched upon in other articles. Section 6: Conlusion Five lines of enquiry were discussed, each focusing on different aspects. However, these aspects are highly interconnected. The first section outlined how research into the definitions of ecotourism had mainly been qualitative. Recently however the research has tended to be functionalist in nature with quantitative studies employing content analysis techniques as a means to attempt to settle the definition debate. I observed definite core themes in the research yet felt as did the most recent researchers did that pinpointing an exact definition was act of futility, due to the global nature of ecotourism. Yet the definition I used at the bottom of section 1 provided the basis of reference for the duration of the review. In the second and third section the research findings illustrated the interconnectedness of the key players in the ecotourism industry and the effects they are having as a whole on the environment. The articles that were found to provide the best insight into the detailed effects of what environmental impacts ecotourism has on host countries were found in Case Study articles, where various regions were examined in depth. Although a problem with these case studies was that they were slightly limited in that they all examined ecotourism activities in national parks. I would suggest future research that focuses on areas that are not national parks, but which do accommodate ecotourism, one such place being Kodaikanal in southern India, a place where as an ecotourist myself, inspired this review. There was also a distinct lack of detailed quantitative research of a geographical nature into environmental impacts, yet research of this nature is inherently difficult due to the complex nature of ecosystems. Section four and five viewed ecotourism and it's capacity to minimise environmental damage in the context of ‘the bigger picture' by pulling together the previous sections. The literature acknowledged that ecotourism is a business after all and that market forces as with nearly everything in this world are driving factors behind whether ecotourism is a success or not in the future. Yet it can be seen just through observing the recent initiation of new journals such as the Journal of Sustainable Tourism that there is concern for the well-being the environment, especially with the dramatic annual growth of tourism. Therefore research into the ecotourism industry will almost certainly continue apace. This is fortunate as Tyler (1999) points out there are a multitude of dimensions and paradigms associated with ecotourism research, ranging from philosophy to ecological economics. To conclude, the future of ecotourism is an uncertain one. Negative environmental impacts have definitely been observed, although in other areas where effective policies have been implemented the environment has apparently not suffered and the sustainability of the industry is assured. There is evidence that supports the theory that ecotourism leads to mass tourism and it's associated problems. Yet, I would observe that the commonality amongst all these issues is that geographical location causes the differing variables associated with ecotourism development and is the deciding factor as to whether ecotourism can be implemented successfully to protect the environment. This is where further research should be directed enabling future ecotourism planners to have a reference point according to their global location.