The thermal and exercise tolerances of 165 Sudanese cane cutters were measured in the laboratory and related to work performance and productivity in the cane fields. The results showed that the amount of cane cut per minute in the field was significantly correlated with changes in body weight (r = +0-53) during the third hour of work, aerobic energy expenditure (r = + 0-43), and cardiac frequency during work. These variables in turn were associated with predicted maximal power output (VO2 max) measured in the laboratory. The average energy expenditure during cane cutting was 1-66 +/- 0-33 1/min-1 (34-9 kJ/min-1) which represents approximately 60% of the workers predicted VO2 max. This rate of energy expenditure was sustained in the cane fields for at least three hours without significant pauses for rest. The sweat losses measured in 32 cane cutters during the two and three hours of work averaged 637 +/- 221 and 770 +/- 282 g/h-1 respectively, while the mean urine temperature immediately on cessation of effort was 37-74 +/- 0-46 degrees C. Despite the additional environmental heat load of the tropics, it would seem that cane cutters performing a self-paced task demanding heavy physical effort, are able to sustain work levels well in excess of those recommended for most European factory workers without obvious signs of fatigue or heat stress.

One of the problems of designing basic science courses is to define objectives relevant to the future needs of the graduates. A simple approach is described whereby a series of clinical problems were identified by physiologists and practising physicians. Priority areas were then identified to provide a basis for defining objectives for the medical physiology courses and for the selection of materials and methods. It is argued that the question of relevance, emotional involvement and effective facilitation of learning will be served by the approach described. Finally, the usefulness of this exercise to the selection and orientation of appropriate evaluation tools is discussed.

The results of a mixed cross-sectional and longitudinal anthropometric survey of Sudanese children up to the age of sixteen years are reported. Weight velocity, height velocity, mid arm circumference velocity, and mid arm muscle circumference velocity, and the age at which 50% of females have reached menarche have been calculated. Growth velocities are lower than for English children and the puberty growth spurts occurs about one year later in Sudanese than in English children

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The advent of new trends in medical education makes it necessary for new and established medical schools to evaluate their curricula. The changing needs of society emphasize that this process should be continuous. There are, however, many difficulties which impede the initiation of curriculum evaluation. The College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences at King Abdulaziz University initiated and carried out a plan for programme evaluation in 1984-85. The pathway selected for this experience was based on existing models which were modified to suit the local needs. The formulation of the plan was guided by general principles aiming at participation, communication, data-gathering from numerous sources and utilization of appropriate resources. The main direction of the evaluation was formative in nature and was carried out internally. The results were analysed and revealed major problems in the existing design and the teaching/learning environment. The recommendations for change were guided by educational criteria concerned with promotion of learning, problem-solving and community orientation. The main emphasis in the presentation of this report is on the process more than the content of curriculum evaluation.