Mining, land restoration and sustainable development in isolated islands: An industrial ecology perspective on extractive transitions on Nauru

In this empirically grounded perspective, we explore how, if managed correctly, mining might go beyond a straight conversion of finite natural capital to financial resources. We suggest a process where mineral extraction could act as a catalyst for more diversified growth and even serve as a basis to restore forms of 'natural capital' it had previously diminished. The case in point-small in scale but significant in consequence-is the particularly challenging instance of the small-island state of Nauru, which has a very negative history of socio-ecological impacts of phosphate mining. Yet, the degraded landscape requires capital investment which could be reaped from restoration of the land using revenues generated from exporting the waste rock pinnacles as branded household counter-tops and pavement stone products with an "island provenance premium". Furthermore, we use an industrial ecology method to show that Nauru's secondary phosphate can be shown to be less environmentally impactful than comparable phosphate from other sources. This has potential for further "green branding" of the Island's products. We contend that implementing such a restoration approach that harnesses the remaining mineral capital with care has the potential, to diversify the island's economy from one dependent on extractive industries and donors to agroforestry, fishing and tourism. A holistic approach is offered that considers prudent use of Nauru's remaining mineral resources towards an agenda of ecological restoration and economic diversification that will allow the island to prosper after the phosphates it has traditionally relied upon are depleted.

Rigid-body modelling of shaken baby syndrome

Recent reassessment of the literature on the shaken baby syndrome (SBS) has revealed a lack of scientific evidence and understanding of all aspects of the syndrome. In particular, studies have been unable to clarify the mechanisms of injury, indicating that impact, rather than shaking alone, is necessary to cause the type of brain damage observed. Rigid-body modelling (RBM) was used to investigate the effect of neck stiffness on head motion and head-torso impacts as a possible mechanism of injury. Realistic shaking data obtained from an anthropometric test dummy (ATD) was used to simulate shaking. In each study injury levels for concussion were exceeded, though impact-type characteristics were required to do so in the neck stiffness study. Levels for the type of injury associated with the syndrome were not exceeded. It is unlikely that further gross biomechanical investigation of the syndrome will be able to significantly contribute to the understanding of SBS. Current injury criteria are based on high-energy, single-impact studies. Since this is not the type of loading in SBS it is suggested that their application here is inappropriate and that future studies should focus on injury mechanisms in low-energy cyclic loading.

Total hip replacement combined with bone grafting for acetabular dysplasia causing severe osteoarthritis of the hip joint

Over a 10 year period 18 total hip joint arthroplasties (THJA) were performed on 15 patients with disabling osteoarthritis of the hip joint secondary to congenital dislocation or subluxation. In all cases reconstruction of the deficient acetabulum was necessary in order to provide total bony containment of the acetabular prosthesis. This was achieved using a bone graft, fashioned from the femoral head and securing it above the true acetabulum. At follow-up all patients were pain free. Radiographically, there had been no loosening of the acetabular prosthesis and all grafts appear to have united. The operative technique is described in detail.