Medico-legal aspects in anesthesia: how to lead a happy life.

This article discusses medico-legal aspects in anesthesia. It underlines the standards of care by which anesthesiologists should abide by, as well as define malpractice, its causes, and ways to avoid it. The role of the expert witness is explained and the ethical guidelines to follow are outlined.

Human resources development and its population dimensions in the Arab world.

PIP: After tracing the genesis and evolution of human resources development and its role in economic development, the study provides a definition of this multi-disciplinary concept at the micro and macro-level. Human resources development is an economic concept. It does, however, expand the traditional economic approach by providing for the allocation of investment resources to improve human inputs, which are basically social in nature. In this sense it is a step towards humanizing development, but it still falls short of human development since resource allocation continues to be based solely on economic criteria, which is bound to set priorities for investments in human beings on the exclusive basis of economic ability, without taking into account the most vulnerable groups in society. It goes on to describe the human resources situation in the Arab world at the macro-level and stresses that, in the context of underdevelopment, strict economic criteria should not be applied to human resources development. Finally, the study outlines a number of urgent measures that need to be undertaken in the Arab region.^ieng

Challenges in Arab demography.

PIP: Arab demography is discussed in terms of an overview of Arab population and development capabilities, the distinct differences in Arab demography from other regions, a summary of some important but generally unrecognized reasons for the differences, and the responsibilities of Arab demographers as individuals and within the Arab Demographers' Association. There is need for demography that is specific to Arab conditions. The economic and social problems occurring due to migration of workers to the Gulf area is one such problem. Much of the demographic literature is based on conventional theories or subjects that may not be a top priority. A balance between theory and practical research is desirable. An explanation for the nature of Arab research is the tendency for training of Arab demographers in European and American universities and institutions. These educational facilities tend to focus more on fertility and mortality, and less on migration problems. Skills are gained in mathematical and applied demography rather than in theory. Curriculum changes are needed in order to introduce Arab demographic literature into syllabuses and to provide content that pertains to Arab demographic reality. Funding for demography still comes from Europe and the US which have different priorities. Appeals need to be made to secure funding that can be directed to Arab priorities. Training efforts should be directed to theory and understanding the relationship between population and development. Unity of purpose among demographers is important along with collegial relationships and exchanges fostered within the region. Some basic facts are that the Arab Region comprises the 2nd largest country in the world after the former USSR at 14 million sq km. The United Arab States (UAS) has high fertility at 3%/year. 28% are in the work force and 25% economically active according to the International Labor Organization definition. Illiteracy of women is 70%. UAS infant mortality is 90/1000. Variation exists by state. Crude birth rates are very high at 45-55/1000. Crude death rates are very low. The demographic transition is different from developing countries in general and the patterns prior to industrialization in developed countries. The urbanization, international migration, and the social and economic conditions are characterized as distinct.^ieng

Population, human resources, and development in the Arab world.

PIP: An important consequence of the over-abundance of capital resources in relation to land and labor is the pressure being placed in Arab development on the other factors of production, particularly human resources. The purpose of this discussion is to provide a brief analysis of this aspect of Arab development and to suggest, in broad terms, an outline for a course of action that would improve the contribution of human resources to development and promote the rationalization of the Arab development process. Attention is directed to the following: the meaning of human resources development; socioeconomic consequences of oil; population trends and issues; and the utilization and development of human resources. Human resources development is defined on both the micro and the macro levels. On the micro level, human resources development focuses on the individual in a society and on the institutions that give him/her the skills and other basic requirements needed for a dignified existence and an adequate degree of social participation. Human resources development on the macro level concentrates on aggregate concepts relating to the supply and utilization of human resources. The discovery of oil in relatively small Arab nations created a yet unknown development situation in which of the 3 factors of production--land, labor, and capital--the latter was in great abundance relative to the other 2 factors. 1 of the 1st results of this situation was the present transitional stage with its tremendous gap between the social and economic aspects of development, specifically a very high level of per capita income and wealth associated with an underdeveloped social and human resources infrastructure. To place Arab development on the right track, action needs to be taken on several fronts. The following are among the items that must be included on such an agenda: efforts to improve knowledge of the human resources supply, requirements, problems, and policy options through intensified activities in data collection, training, and research; and the creation of institutions that would insure the channelling of funds into social and cultural projects within the Arab world and contribute to the speedy elimination of the gap between the social and economic aspects of development.^ieng

Population research and research gaps in the Arab countries.

PIP: The responsiveness of population research in the Arab countries to the development needs of these countries was studied. The needs are determined on the basis of official government positions and an analysis of the population and development situations prevailing in the countries. Population research is research that deals primarily with 1 or more of 5 categories of variables generally considered the main concern of the population field: 1) the size, growth and structure of the population; 2) morbidity and mortality; 3) reproduction and family formation; 4) population distribution and internal migration; and 5) international migration. An intensive search was made to locate published and unpublished population research undertaken between 1960 and 1976 dealing with the Arab countries. Except for Egypt and Maghreb countries (Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia), interest in population concerns is generally of relatively recent origin in the Arab countries. The population issues of major concern to most Arab countries relate to population distribution and internal migration, international migration, and the shortage of qualified demographers. There is also general concern for differential mortality and the persistence of high mortality rates among certain socioeconomic groups and in certain geographic areas; and, in a few countries, for high rates of fertility and population growth. Egypt, Tunisia, and to some extent Morocco should be singled out for their long-term preoccupation with questions of overpopulation and their relatively long interest in the control of fertility and the implementation of family planning programs.^ieng