Thesis (MSc (Mathematical Sciences))-- University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / It is an open question whether or not one can always lift Galois extensions of smooth algebraic curves in characteristic p to Galois extensions of smooth relative curves in characteristic 0. In this thesis we study some of the available techniques and partial solutions to this problem. Our studies include the techniques of Oort, Sekiguchi and Suwa where the lifting problem is approached via a connection with lifting group schemes. We then move to the topic of singular liftings and for this we study the approach of Garuti. Thereafter, we move to the wild smooth setting again where we study the crucial local − global principle, and apply it by illustrating how Green and Matignon solved the p2-lifting problem.

The material handling industry is facing new challenges with the divergence from the established EUR-pallet. In correlation with the autonomous technology which is becoming more advanced, available and affordable than ever before, new demands are created. The industry calls for innovative material handling automated guided vehicles to meet the requirements. These vehicles will increase the owners profit by being more efficient in terms of time, size and cost. The aim for this study is to develop suitable lifting mechanisms for an ultra-compact automated guided vehicle. A generic product development process is utilized. The requirements for the lifting mechanism is defined and presented in a specification. A selection of employees are involved in the ideation and concept generation to add in-house knowledge and experience. The concepts are developed with component research, 3D visualizations and concept descriptions. The concepts are evaluated and the most promising are selected. The selected concepts are further developed with CAD-models, calculations and a selection of components. The concepts are compared with each other and the initial specification to assess the most suitable lifting mechanism. The single acting hydraulic system, including a Micro Power Pack and four small hydraulic cylinders, is considered the best suitable choice for an ultracompact material handling automated guided vehicle.

The objective of the present study was to investigate and compare the human responses to two load carriage tasks performed with three different load masses and on three different gradients. The task of carrying hydrogel in one hand was observed in a silviculture industry and crude physiological and perceptual responses were measured. This task was simulated in a laboratory setting together with a suggested intervention of backpack carriage. Eighteen conditions were established which consisted of the two modes of carriage and a combination of three load masses (9kg, 12kg and 15kg) and three gradients (5%, 10% and 15%). Twenty eight Rhodes University female students comprised the sample and the experimental procedures were conducted on a Quinton treadmill. Each participant was required to complete nine of the eighteen conditions which were each four minutes in duration. Postural changes were assessed using lateral and posterior digital images taken at the second and fourth minute and compression and shearing forces were estimated with the ErgolmagerTM Physiological responses (heart rate, ventilation and metabolic responses) were measured continuously with the Quark b² and perceptual responses ('central' and 'local' RPE) were measured every minute during the experimentation and body discomfort was rated at the completion of each condition. Overall responses revealed that hand carriage (146 bt.min⁻¹ , 25.09 mIO₂. kg-l.min⁻¹) was generally found to be more physiologically stressful than backpack carriage (130 bt.min⁻¹, 22.15 mIO₂.kg⁻¹ .min⁻¹) independent of load mass and gradient. Physiological responses were higher (113 bt.min-1 to 174 bt.min⁻¹ ) in responses to increasing gradient as opposed to increasing load mass (104 bt.min-1 to 153 bt.min⁻¹ ) for both backpack and hand carriage. Categorisation using the guidelines of Sanders and McCormick (1993) allowed for classification of conditions, with respect to physiological responses, into 'moderate', 'heavy' and 'very heavy' stress. For almost all of the physiological responses the majority of conditions which were classified as 'moderate' were backpack carriage conditions and the conditions classified as 'very heavy' were mostly hand carriage conditions. In terms of postural responses hand carriage resulted in more strain and greater compression and shearing forces on the spine. In terms of the compression forces increasing gradient had a greater affect on backpack carriage (681 N to 935 N) compared to hand carriage (570N to 793N). In contrast, increasing load mass had a larger affect on hand carriage postures and compression forces (751 N to 935N) in comparison to backpack carriage (723N to 780N). Shearing forces were found to be worse in hand carriage conditions overall. Although participants generally underrated perceived exertion in relation to cardiorespiratory responses, these perceptions revealed that backpack carriage, with a mean 'central' RPE of 12 compared to 11 for hand carriage, was somewhat preferred to hand carriage and that increasing gradient was perceived to be marginally more straining than increasing load mass.

O presente estudo analisou o comportamento eletromiográfico de vários níveis dos músculos póstero-mediais do tronco, bilateralmente, para verificar a ocorrência de ativação elétrica simétrica e em busca de padrões de comportamento para embasar modelos biomecânicos. A amostra foi composta por 16 indivíduos saudáveis de ambos gêneros. Todas as execuções foram filmadas para análise cinemática, enquanto a atividade elétrica foi coletada com 14 pares de eletrodos de superfície dispostos lateral e simetricamente ao longo da coluna vertebral nos níveis da sétima vértebra cervical (C7), terceira, sexta e nona vértebras torácicas (T3, T6 e T9) e primeira, terceira e quinta vértebras lombares (L1, L3 e L5). Somente os gestos considerados simétricos através da cinemetria foram analisados. Para a análise do sinal eletromiográfico o gesto de levantar a carga foi dividido em quatro fases, considerando-se apenas a fase de subida com carga. A atividade elétrica dessa fase foi normalizada pela contração isométrica voluntária máxima. Utilizando uma ANOVA, os níveis vertebrais adjacentes foram agrupados em busca de ativação elétrica similar, foi adotado o nível de significância de p<0,05. Os resultados demonstraram que a ativação eletromiográfica não ocorre de maneira simétrica e que é possível identificar zonas com comportamento elétrico distinto entre elas, sendo que as maiores médias estavam localizadas nas regiões mais inferiores do tronco. / The present study analysed the electromyographical behaviour at various levels of posterior medial muscles on trunk, bilaterally, during load lifting to verify the occurrence of symmetry on electrical activation and to search patterns which could provide or supply biomechanical models. Sixteen healthy subjects were videotaped the 2D movement and the EMG signal was registered from 14 pairs of surface electrodes arranged symmetrically and bilaterally throughout trunk, specifically at seventh cervical vertebra (C7), third, sixth and ninth thoracic vertebra (T3, T6 and T9) and first, third and fifth lumbar vertebra (L1, L3 and L5). Only the symmetrical movements, from kinematical point-of-view, were analysed. The EMG analysis was divided in four phases and it was used in the present study the load lifting part. The electrical activation values of this phase were normalized by maximal voluntary isometric contraction. ANOVA was used to provide the adjacent groups in which electrical activation were similar. Differences were considered significant at a p<0.05. The results demonstrated the electromyographical activation does not occur in symmetrical way and, besides it was possible identify zones based on different electrical behaviours, taking into account the largest means were located on lower trunk region.

O presente estudo analisou o comportamento eletromiográfico de vários níveis dos músculos póstero-mediais do tronco, bilateralmente, para verificar a ocorrência de ativação elétrica simétrica e em busca de padrões de comportamento para embasar modelos biomecânicos. A amostra foi composta por 16 indivíduos saudáveis de ambos gêneros. Todas as execuções foram filmadas para análise cinemática, enquanto a atividade elétrica foi coletada com 14 pares de eletrodos de superfície dispostos lateral e simetricamente ao longo da coluna vertebral nos níveis da sétima vértebra cervical (C7), terceira, sexta e nona vértebras torácicas (T3, T6 e T9) e primeira, terceira e quinta vértebras lombares (L1, L3 e L5). Somente os gestos considerados simétricos através da cinemetria foram analisados. Para a análise do sinal eletromiográfico o gesto de levantar a carga foi dividido em quatro fases, considerando-se apenas a fase de subida com carga. A atividade elétrica dessa fase foi normalizada pela contração isométrica voluntária máxima. Utilizando uma ANOVA, os níveis vertebrais adjacentes foram agrupados em busca de ativação elétrica similar, foi adotado o nível de significância de p<0,05. Os resultados demonstraram que a ativação eletromiográfica não ocorre de maneira simétrica e que é possível identificar zonas com comportamento elétrico distinto entre elas, sendo que as maiores médias estavam localizadas nas regiões mais inferiores do tronco. / The present study analysed the electromyographical behaviour at various levels of posterior medial muscles on trunk, bilaterally, during load lifting to verify the occurrence of symmetry on electrical activation and to search patterns which could provide or supply biomechanical models. Sixteen healthy subjects were videotaped the 2D movement and the EMG signal was registered from 14 pairs of surface electrodes arranged symmetrically and bilaterally throughout trunk, specifically at seventh cervical vertebra (C7), third, sixth and ninth thoracic vertebra (T3, T6 and T9) and first, third and fifth lumbar vertebra (L1, L3 and L5). Only the symmetrical movements, from kinematical point-of-view, were analysed. The EMG analysis was divided in four phases and it was used in the present study the load lifting part. The electrical activation values of this phase were normalized by maximal voluntary isometric contraction. ANOVA was used to provide the adjacent groups in which electrical activation were similar. Differences were considered significant at a p<0.05. The results demonstrated the electromyographical activation does not occur in symmetrical way and, besides it was possible identify zones based on different electrical behaviours, taking into account the largest means were located on lower trunk region.

A elevação de uma carga leva ao surgimento de uma força de contato a região lombar (L5-S1) que pode atingir algumas vezes o valor do próprio peso do indivíduo, valor este que depende da carga elevada. A análise das forças (musculares, peso, carga), considerando a coluna como uma haste rígida, cuja extensão é feita unicamente pelo eretor espinhal, representa uma aproximação muito pobre para o sistema, uma vez que as diversas forças musculares envolvidas não são adequadamente analisadas e o movimento de retificação da coluna vertebral é desprezado. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi o desenvolvimento de um modelo biomecânico simplificado em 2 dimesões, para a avaliação das forças atuantes durante atividades de levantamento impróprio de carga e o movimento de flexão/extensão a coluna lombar. A coluna vertebral foi modelada como um conjunto de três segmentos retilíneos rígidos articulados e entre si. Utiliza do o método da dinâmica inversa, aplicado a um modelo de segmentos articulados simplificado, foram estimadas as forças musculares médias e a força de contato articular na articulação vertebral L5-S1 como função dos â ângulos de inserção da musculatura extensora da coluna. Para a construção do modelo foram identificados: musculatura principal, dados antropométricos, ângulos de inserção musculares, modelo antropométrico e registro da imagem do levantamento de peso. O modelo matemático forneceu um sistema de equações que avaliam as forças que atuam na coluna vertebral durante o movimento de extensão, em função de dados a atômicos. / Load lifting yields a contact force in the lumbar region (L5-S1) that can sometimes reach the value of the body weight, depending upon the elevated load. Force analyses (muscular, weight, load), the spine being consided as a rigid shank, with extension beimg done only by the erector spine musculature, represent a poor approximation, since the several muscular forces involved are not adequately analysed and the rectification movement of the spine is not taken into account. The purpose of this study was to develop a simplified two dimensional biomechanical model in order to evaluate the forces during activities of improper load bearing and the movement of flexion/extension in the lumbar spine. The spine was assumed as a linear rigid array of articulate segments. Using inverse dynamics applied to a simplified link segment model,the average muscular forces and bone-to-bone contact force in the L5-S1 vertebral joint were evaluated as a function of the back extension muscles insertion angles. For the model construction the main musculature, the anthropometric data, and model the muscle insertion angles, and the image acquisition register of the weight loading movement were identified. The mathematical model yielded a system of equations that evaluates the acting forces on the spine during the extension movement, as a function of the a atomical data.

O presente estudo analisou o comportamento eletromiográfico de vários níveis dos músculos póstero-mediais do tronco, bilateralmente, para verificar a ocorrência de ativação elétrica simétrica e em busca de padrões de comportamento para embasar modelos biomecânicos. A amostra foi composta por 16 indivíduos saudáveis de ambos gêneros. Todas as execuções foram filmadas para análise cinemática, enquanto a atividade elétrica foi coletada com 14 pares de eletrodos de superfície dispostos lateral e simetricamente ao longo da coluna vertebral nos níveis da sétima vértebra cervical (C7), terceira, sexta e nona vértebras torácicas (T3, T6 e T9) e primeira, terceira e quinta vértebras lombares (L1, L3 e L5). Somente os gestos considerados simétricos através da cinemetria foram analisados. Para a análise do sinal eletromiográfico o gesto de levantar a carga foi dividido em quatro fases, considerando-se apenas a fase de subida com carga. A atividade elétrica dessa fase foi normalizada pela contração isométrica voluntária máxima. Utilizando uma ANOVA, os níveis vertebrais adjacentes foram agrupados em busca de ativação elétrica similar, foi adotado o nível de significância de p<0,05. Os resultados demonstraram que a ativação eletromiográfica não ocorre de maneira simétrica e que é possível identificar zonas com comportamento elétrico distinto entre elas, sendo que as maiores médias estavam localizadas nas regiões mais inferiores do tronco. / The present study analysed the electromyographical behaviour at various levels of posterior medial muscles on trunk, bilaterally, during load lifting to verify the occurrence of symmetry on electrical activation and to search patterns which could provide or supply biomechanical models. Sixteen healthy subjects were videotaped the 2D movement and the EMG signal was registered from 14 pairs of surface electrodes arranged symmetrically and bilaterally throughout trunk, specifically at seventh cervical vertebra (C7), third, sixth and ninth thoracic vertebra (T3, T6 and T9) and first, third and fifth lumbar vertebra (L1, L3 and L5). Only the symmetrical movements, from kinematical point-of-view, were analysed. The EMG analysis was divided in four phases and it was used in the present study the load lifting part. The electrical activation values of this phase were normalized by maximal voluntary isometric contraction. ANOVA was used to provide the adjacent groups in which electrical activation were similar. Differences were considered significant at a p<0.05. The results demonstrated the electromyographical activation does not occur in symmetrical way and, besides it was possible identify zones based on different electrical behaviours, taking into account the largest means were located on lower trunk region.

This thesis examines the impact of financial liberalisation on the capital structure of non-financial firms listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). The research hypotheses have been formulated and tested by using various econometric estimation procedures. The empirical assessment begins by resolving some methodological issues relating to the dating of financial liberalisation and the measurement of leverage. Next, a panel of 100 non-financial firms is constructed for the period 1989 to 2007. The pooled Ordinary Least Squares, fixed (within), and random effects (Generalised Least Squares) models are used to estimate the impact of various aspects of financial liberalisation on firm capital structure. Robustness checks are performed by using the instrumental variable technique and the Arellano and Bond (1991: 277) two-step Generalised Method of Moments (GMM) procedure. Irrespective of the procedure used, the lifting of international sanctions and stock market liberalisation is associated with a reduction in leverage for all sets of firms. Capital account liberalisation causes firms to access more debt, and there is mild support for domestic financial sector liberalisation. Stock market liberalisation provides avenues for firms to increase their debt maturity structure. The size of the stock market is positively associated with leverage, and banking sector development is negatively correlated to leverage. The effect of financial liberalisation is more pronounced for larger firms, suggesting that the process of financial liberalisation causes a wedge between small and large firms. Furthermore, regime dummies are interacted with firm specific determinants of capital structure. The notable facts arising out of the interactive dummy variable exercise reveal that the lifting of international sanctions and stock market liberalisation cause significant structural shifts in the profitability, growth and tax rate variables. This is evident for the book and market value of the debt to equity ratio. The results of the dynamic model of capital structure document evidence of transaction costs for both the pre and post liberalisation regime. However, it appears that transaction costs reduce dramatically in the post liberalisation regime. The associated coefficient of adjustment increases accordingly. This suggests that a developed financial system promotes competition amongst the issuers of capital, thereby lowering borrowing and transaction costs. The empirical significance of firm specific determinants in a closed economy appears to be weaker than that of the post liberalised regime. Furthermore, firm size speeds up the adjustment to the target level of leverage for firms operating in both the pre and post liberalisation regimes. Finally, the results confirm most of the theoretical predictions of capital structure theories. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Financial Management / unrestricted

Manual lifting is dynamic in nature and involves asymmetrical loading of the human body. This study investigated kinematic and kinetic characteristics of asymmetrical lifting in three dimensions, and then constructed a 3-D biomechanical force model of the lower back which is capable of quantifying torsional stress on the human spine. Eleven healthy adult male manual workers were recruited as subjects and lifted a 1 Okg load placed at the sagittal plane (0°) and at 30°, 60° and 90° lateral planes to the right, from 150mm and 500mm initial lift heights, respectively, to an 800mm high bench in the sagittal plane. Subjects' spinal motions and the trajectorial movements of the load in three-dimensional space were monitored simultaneously by a Lumbar Motion Monitor and a V-scope Motion Analyzer. Generally, the spinal motion factors increased as a function of increasing task asymmetry and differed (p < 0.05) between the lower (150mm) and higher (500mm) levels in the sagittal plane. In all asymmetrical conditions the motion factors showed a dramatic increase at the 500mm level compared to the increase at the 150mm level. The rates of increase in the horizontal and frontal planes were greater than those in the sagittal plane. Task asymmetry had a significant effect on the spinal kinematic parameters in the frontal plane at the two lift heights, and only at the high level (500mm) in the horizontal plane, with exception of average acceleration . Initial lift height exerted a significant effect on peak velocity and acceleration in both frontal and horizontal planes and on range of motion in the horizontal plane. Kinetic characteristics of the object being lifted in three-dimensions increased with an increase in task asymmetry. The increase was more dramatic in the lateral direction in the horizontal plane. However, motion factors in the vertical direction dominated the full range of the lift, irrespective of task asymmetry and lift height. The kinetic measures differed (p < 0.05) between the lower ( 1 50mm) and the higher (500mm) levels in the vertical direction except for average force. Task asymmetry had a significant effect on dynamic measures in the anterior-posterior direction. Both task asymmetry and lift height had a significant effect on dynamic motion factors in the lateral direction. From insights gained in the empirical study a three-dimensional biomechanical force model of the lower back was constructed based on a mechanism of muscle force re-orientation in the lumbar region. Acknowledging that the lower back is designed to be able to rotate around its longitudinal axis, the proposed model accounts for compression and shear forces and a torsional moment. The model has similar predictability to Schultz and Andersson's (1981) model when the human trunk exerts only a flexion-extension moment in the sagittal plane, but additionally predicts dramatic increases in shear forces, oblique muscle forces and torsional moment under asymmetrical lifting conditions which the Schultz-Andersson model does not. The increase rates in these forces and moment are not linearly related over task asymmetric angle.

Changes in the industrial job profile, from lifting and lowering to repetitive dynamic pushing and pulling have been facilitated through the use of manual vehicles, aimed at minimising the workload. Yet, the demands of pushing and pulling have not been well documented. Using measures of the horizontal component of the hand forces, spinal kinematics, muscle activity at various sites on the upper body and body discomfort ratings, this study aimed at quantifying the biomechanical and perceptual demands of various dynamic push/pull techniques. 36 healthy male participants performed two-handed forward pushing, two-handed backward pulling and one-handed forward pulling, employing an industrial pallet jack supporting two loads of 250kg or 500kg. While no single technique was definitively identified as preferable regarding hand forces, pushing at 500kg elicited higher initial and sustained forces (p<0.05) than one- and two-handed pulling respectively. Increments in load mass from 250kg to 500kg resulted in significant differences in the initial, sustained and ending forces. With regard to spinal kinematics in the sagittal plane, two-handed pulling elicited the highest trunk flexion, and may therefore expose individuals to prolonged forward bending. Generally this technique was found to evoke the highest sagittal responses. Spinal kinematic measures in the lateral and transverse planes suggested that one-handed pulling was accompanied by the highest measures, and hence the greatest risk of developing lower back disorders related to this plane. Although various combinations of muscles were active during each technique, one-handed pulling and pushing, most often induced the highest muscle activation levels and two-handed pulling, the lowest. While erector spinae evidenced no significant differences between techniques at each load or between loads for the same technique, activation levels were high under all conditions. Perceptual ratings of body discomfort revealed that not only is the upper body susceptible to injuries during pushing and pulling, but also that the lower extremities may have a considerable role to play in these tasks, with the calves being a particular area of concern. Findings concluded that symmetrical pushing and pulling tasks are preferable.