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We present the largest comparative biogeographical analysis that has complete coverage of Australia's geography (20 phytogeographical subregions), using the most complete published molecular phylogenies to date of large Australian plant clades (Acacia, Banksia and the eucalypts). Two distinct sets of areas within the Australian flora were recovered, using distributional data from the Australasian Virtual Herbarium (AVH) and the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA): younger Temperate, Eremaean and Monsoonal biomes, and older southwest + west, southeast and northern historical biogeographical regions. The analyses showed that by partitioning the data into two sets, using either a Majority or a Frequency method to select taxon distributions, two equally valid results were found. The dataset that used a Frequency method discovered general area cladograms that resolved patterns of the Australian biomes, whereas if widespread taxa (Majority method, with >50% of occurrences outside a single subregion) were removed the analysis then recovered historical biogeographical regions. The study highlights the need for caution when processing taxon distributions prior to analysis as, in the case of the history of Australian phytogeography, the validity of both biomes and historical areas have been called into question.

IMPORTANCE: Driving is a highly visual task and a primary mode of transportation for many people around the world. BACKGROUND: There appears to be little uniformity of vision standards across the world for driving. We reviewed the basic screening visual requirements for obtaining standard private and commercial driving licences for a total of 70 jurisdictions, and reviewed the evidence behind these standards. DESIGN: Systematic review of basic screening vision standards worldwide for driving and literature review. SAMPLES: Published online documentation on visual acuity and field requirements for driving. METHODS: Journal articles, government reports and websites obtained via a Google search were used to review the regulations for driving. This was limited by the comprehensiveness of resources, and countries were excluded if the requirements were unclear or unattainable. A literature review was performed using Medline with keywords vision, driving and visual field. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual parameters used for driving assessment. RESULTS: The results suggest significant variations across the world. The visual acuity requirements for a private licence range from a minimum of 6/9 to 6/60. The minimum binocular horizontal field requirement ranges from 110° to 150°. In general, standards for a commercial licence are stricter compared to a private licence. A literature review could not support the current driving standards as evidence-based. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The disunity of driving vision requirements worldwide likely reflects the inconclusive evidence base. Accounting for individual differences and the ability to predict individual risk is important in the context of determining driving licensure.

The Century Pb-Zn-Ag mine, Queensland, Australia, is a large open-cut mine approximately 2.5 km long, 1.5 km wide and 240 m deep, with an ultimate pit depth of 320 m. The mine experienced three failures in 2009, which began as small failures and progressively developed into significant multi-batter failures. On the south wall of the mine, a series of batter-scale wedge failures occurred in December 2007. Analysis of structure orientations and design changes were carried out to minimise the risk of failure extending over multiple batters, while accepting a risk of further small-scale failures. Design changes were constrained by a culturally sensitive area located south of the wall. As mining progressed shallow wedge failures developed over multiple batters and cracks were observed 60m back from the pit crest, indicating that a large-scale wedge failure was developing. Movement increased in January 2009 as a result of significant rainfall. The area was stabilised by a cut-back of the wall. Two multi-batter failures also occurred on the north wall as mining progressed through a structurally complex area. Both north wall failures began as small failures that progressively developed, and required a redesign of the wall below as well as practical management of safety aspects. The complex structural geology required geotechnical input into design changes as mining progressed. All three failures potentially had significant impact for ore recovery, and were managed by a combination of analysis, redesign and operational management. Monitoring involves visual inspection, crack monitoring and prism monitoring., The Century Pb-Zn-Ag mine, Queensland, Australia, is a large open-cut mine approximately 2.5 km long, 1.5 km wide and 240 m deep, with an ultimate pit depth of 320 m. The mine experienced three failures in 2009, which began as small failures and progressively developed into significant multi-batter failures. On the south wall of the mine, a series of batter-scale wedge failures occurred in December 2007. Analysis of structure orientations and design changes were carried out to minimise the risk of failure extending over multiple batters, while accepting a risk of further small-scale failures. Design changes were constrained by a culturally sensitive area located south of the wall. As mining progressed shallow wedge failures developed over multiple batters and cracks were observed 60m back from the pit crest, indicating that a large-scale wedge failure was developing. Movement increased in January 2009 as a result of significant rainfall. The area was stabilised by a cut-back of the wall. Two multi-batter failures also occurred on the north wall as mining progressed through a structurally complex area. Both north wall failures began as small failures that progressively developed, and required a redesign of the wall below as well as practical management of safety aspects. The complex structural geology required geotechnical input into design changes as mining progressed. All three failures potentially had significant impact for ore recovery, and were managed by a combination of analysis, redesign and operational management. Monitoring involves visual inspection, crack monitoring and prism monitoring.