Masters of Science - Msc (Physiotherapy) / Vocational rehabilitation relates to rehabilitating a person with an amputation back into actively participating in society. Although vocational rehabilitation is important, before it can be implemented, the participation restrictions should be identified. Even though lower limb amputation surgery is commonly performed in South Africa, and given the high unemployment rate in the country, no research has been done into the participation restrictions and vocational needs of a person with a unilateral lower limb amputation in the Western Cape. The aim of this study was to determine and explore the participation restrictions and vocational rehabilitation needs in terms of hobbies, sport activities, employment and employment needs of persons with a unilateral lower limb amputation (LLA) in the Western Cape. The objectives were to: 1) Determine the participation restrictions of persons with a unilateral LLA in the Western Cape. 2) To explore the vocational rehabilitation needs of persons with a lower limb amputation. A mixed methods approach, and an explanatory sequential design was used in this study. The study was conducted in two phases. The first phase utilised a quantitative approach and the WHODAS 2.0 was used as the instrument to collect data. The second phase aimed to explain the data collected in the first phase in more depth, and semi-structured telephonic interviews were utilized to collect the qualitative data. The study was set in the Cape Metropole region of the Western Cape. Participants were recruited from Tygerberg Tertiary Hospital and a private sub-acute rehabilitation centre. In the quantitative (first) phase of the study, 50 participants were conveniently recruited to participate. In the second phase eight participants were purposefully selected from the pool of 50 participants from the first phase of the study who consented to participate in the second phase. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS vs. 22 and analysed for descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data has been analysed using Creswell's seven step process of thematic analysis. Ethical clearance has been obtained from the University of the Western Cape, permission to access patients' details has been obtained from Tygerberg Tertiary Hospital and private sub-acute rehabilitation centre. Written informed consent as well as permission for audio recording during the telephonic interview was obtained.

This research studied the effects of the addition of ground granulated blast furnace slag (ggbs), activated by 2% calcium hydroxide (Ca(OHh, on the strength, permeability and porosity development of a laboratory prepared clay mix (kaolinite with and without 6% gypsum) and a natural sulphide-bearing clay soil, Lower Oxford Clay. Based on shear, compressive and indirect tensile strength testing, it was found that an increase in the stabiliser slag/lime ratio results in substantial strength increase even after short curing periods (up to 12 weeks). This increase in strength is more pronounced if curing is at elevated temperatures (30 °C). The presence of sulphates (6% gypsum=2.73% SO3) resulted in an accelerated increase in the strength development for stabilised kaolinite, which was comparable to that of stabilised Lower Oxford Clay. In the absence of sulphates, large ggbs additions were only activated effectively at higher curing temperatures (20 and 30 °C) after curing periods of 24 weeks and beyond, although it is suggested that 2% lime creates a sufficiently alkaline environment for activation. The degree of slag activation and thus the subsequent cementation process was reflected by an increase in the percentage of the pore volume occupied by pores with a radius ::s;0.0Sμm, which is usually associated with the pore fraction characteristic of cementitious gels. The increase in slag addition, for kaolinite mixes, was accompanied by a reduction in total porosity. Specimens made from Lower Oxford Clay exhibited a significant increase in pore volume at higher slag additions. This is interpreted as being due to the creation of pore space resulting from restrained shrinkage of gels by inert particles during drying in this coarser, natural clay. No significant trend in the effect of curing temperature on the pore size distribution could be identified from the data. The development of permeability, however, showed some sensitivity to curing temperature. Results from specimens cured at 20 and 30 °C showed an accelerated reduction in their k-values in comparison to samples which had been cured at 10 °C. However, little correlation between measured permeability and exhibited pore size distribution could be established which is believed to be due to the strong influence of shrinkage during drying prior to mercury intrusion porosimetry in the dimensionally semi-stable soil system. The volume stability of stabilised specimens during frost action was assessed in a series of 12 freeze-thaw cycles, which were carried out in accordance to the German proposal for a European Pre-Standard. Generally an increase in the curing period prior to frost action and higher overall sample porosity resulted in relatively better performance during frost action. The influence of the slag/lime and slag/gypsum ratio on the swelling potential upon soaking was assessed in long-term soaking tests and the underlying causes were identified by findings from microstructural investigations including SEM and TG analysis. These results contributed to a better understanding of the slag activation process. In an alkaline environment slag hydration appears to be triggered earlier by sulphate, due to the more intensive disturbance of a thin protective layer of cementitious products on the slag grains. Disruption of this layer, for example by ettringite formation, exposes more unreacted slag grain surface, which will subsequently start to hydrate. Findings were complemented by two case studies, one which investigated the cause of substantial heave on a German highway on a microscale and the other which assessed the technical performance and the economic implications of a full-scale trial utilising the stabilisation technique with lime and ggbs for a temporary diversion. The overall findings from the projects indicate that soil stabilisation with lime and ggbs is, particularly for soils with significant sulphate/sulphide content, a feasible and environmentally friendly alternative to the classic soil stabilisation methods.

Non-specific low back pain (LBP) has been associated with alterations in the biomechanical properties and muscle activities of the trunk, but it is unclear how these changes are related to the dynamic stability of the trunk. During sitting, the structures of the trunk stabilise the upper body counterbalancing external moments acting on the trunk. The aim of this research was to evaluate a range of biomechanical variables including the hip and lumbar spine joints range of motions, moments and powers the viscoelastic properties of the trunk, and the role of the muscles while a participant was performing a balancing task in sitting and to compare results between healthy and LBP subjects. A custom-made swinging chair was used to perform the balancing task. It was designed to challenge primarily the trunk and to minimise the effect of the lower limbs so that the role of the trunk could be examined in isolation. Twenty-four participants with LBP and thirty healthy participants were requested to sit on the custom-made swinging chair and to regain the balance after tilting the chair backward for 10° and 20º. Electromagnetic motion track system sensors were placed on the participants’ back, one at the sacrum level and one at the first lumbar vertebral level to measure hip and lumbar kinematics. One further sensor was placed on the chair to track its rotation, which was also the rotation of the lower limbs. Forces data were taken from a force-plate which was mounted at the bottom of the chair. Inverse dynamic equations were used to derive the muscle moment acting at the hip and lumbar spine joints using data from the force platform and the motion tracking system. Muscle power was then calculated by multiplying the muscle moment and the corresponding joint angular velocity. Trunk viscoelastic parameters were derived using a second order linear model combine trunk moment and motion. Chair motion and trial duration were used to evaluate dynamic stability and task performance, in particular, the angular displacement of the chair was fitted in an equation describing the underdamped second-order response to a step input to derive natural frequency and damping ratio and to evaluate possible differences between groups. Activities, reaction times and co-contraction of the trunk muscles were evaluated using surface electromyography (EMG). The surface electrodes were placed bilaterally on the erector spinae , rectus abdominus, external and internal oblique. Kinematic analysis showed that the hip range of motion increased whereas spine range of motion angle decreased in participants with LBP for both tilt angles (p. < 0.05). No significant differences were found in muscle moment and power between healthy and LBP subjects (p > 0.05). The duration of contraction of various trunk muscles and co-contraction were significantly longer in the LBP subjects (p < 0.05) when compared to healthy subjects, and the reaction times of the muscles were also significantly reduced in LBP subjects (p<0.05). Trunk stiffness was found increased for LBP subjects (p < .05) while no difference was found for damping coefficient. There were no significant differences between the 2 subject groups in the time required to regain balance, and in the dynamic stability parameters, the natural frequency and damping ratio. The present study showed LBP was associated with alterations in biomechanical variables; in particular stiffness, hip and lumbar spine joints kinematic and muscle responses were altered in subjects with LBP when compared with healthy group. However, these alterations did not affect dynamic stability and moment developed at joints level, suggesting that LBP subjects adopted a different strategy to maintain balance but with the same effectiveness as the healthy subjects without any worsening of the symptoms. This may suggest to clinicians to encourage patients to remain active rather than to avoid movements. On the other hand, compensatory strategies were achieved with increased co-contraction at the expenses of muscle efficiency. This may lead to muscle fatigue and increase in spinal stress. Future research should clarify if the observed biomechanical alterations in this study are consequences or causes of LBP; or if the biomechanical changes and pain operate in a vicious circle, reinforcing each other leading to chronic conditions. This would help achieve our ultimate goal of developing effective treatment strategies, and it is hoped that the work of this thesis has helped us take a significant forward towards this goal.

As transportation is a key component of economic success, it is crucial that the transportation systems in the Lower Mainland accommodate, and shape the projected increases in population. This paper has two main objectives. The first is to explore the factors and variables influencing demand for automobile transportation that are unique to the Lower Mainland of BC. General trends and statistics are explored for peak a.m. period automobile demand. The second part of this paper looks at the policies affecting demand for automobile transportation. Economic theory is introduced to two prominent traffic demand management (TDM) policies: road pricing and high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes. Conceptual models are proposed for both policies. In 1993 the GVRD completed the Transport 2021 study. Using data that was generated by the EMME2 model, empirical estimates of consumer surplus changes (resulting from various T DM policies being implemented) are considered under a range of elasticities. Empirical estimates of consumer surplus changes are also calculated for the conceptual models. / Land and Food Systems, Faculty of / Graduate

Although the 1837-38 Rebellions and the Union of the Canadas have received much attention from historians, the Special Council—a political body that bridged two constitutions—remains largely unexplored in comparison. This dissertation considers its time as the legislature of Lower Canada. More specifically, it examines its social, political and economic impact on the colony and its inhabitants. Based on the works of previous historians and on various primary sources, this dissertation first demonstrates that the Special Council proved to be very important to Lower Canada, but more specifically, to British merchants and Tories. After years of frustration for this group, the era of the Special Council represented what could be called a “catching up” period regarding their social, commercial and economic interests in the colony. This first section ends with an evaluation of the legacy of the Special Council, and posits the theory that the period was revolutionary as it produced several ordinances that changed the colony’s social, economic and political culture This first section will also set the stage for the most important matter considered in this dissertation as it emphasizes the Special Council’s authoritarianism. During this period, Lower Canadians lost all political rights and the decisions taken by the Special Council were made by non-elected councilors. The second section therefore considers the various ordinances the council passed, its obvious favoritism and authoritarianism, and the opinions of Lower Canadians towards them. The following questions are considered: did the British and French-Canadians react differently to the dissolution of their legislature and the suspension of their constitution? Considering the fact that many people, habitants and British alike, did not support the rebellion, did they view the council as a necessity in restoring peace and stability to the colony, and therefore accepted its authoritarianism, and even supported it? More importantly, did French-Canadians submit to the Special Council and all of the new laws and institutions it imposed in the years following the failed rebellions? Evidence suggests that French-Canadians were very vocal in their opposition to the Special Council.

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) can result in serious adverse events. Appropriate risk stratification of LGIB patients can improve their care. Previous risk scores to identify severe LGIB patients have limitations, therefore we developed clinical decision tool to accurately identify LGIB patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) who are at risk for 30-day adverse outcomes that would overcome these limitations. We conducted a health records review and compared two methods of regression analysis on our data in order to develop a clinical decision tool. We identified five risk factors that have a high sensitivity and good predictive value for identifying low risk LGIB patients: age ≥ 75 years, INR ≥2.0, hemoglobin ≤ 100 g/l, ongoing bleeding in the ED and a medical history of colorectal polyps. Future, large, prospective studies should be done to validate the results, after which implementation studies should be conducted.

In the first chapter “Impact of Quantitative Easing at the Zero Lower Bound (with J. Dorich, R. Mendes)”, we introduce imperfect asset substitution and segmented asset markets, along the lines of Andres et al. (2004), in an otherwise standard small open-economy model with nominal rigidities. We estimate the model using Canadian data. We use the model to provide a quantitative assessment of the macroeconomic impact of quantitative easing (QE) when the policy rate is at its effective lower bound. In the second chapter “Impact of Forward Guidance at the Zero Lower Bound”, I consider alternative monetary policy rules under commitment in a calibrated three-equation New Keynesian model and examine the extent to which forward guidance helps to mitigate the negative real impact of the zero lower bound. The simulation results suggest that the conditional statement policy prolongs the zero lower bound duration for an additional 4 quarters and reverses half of the decline in inflation associated with the lower bound. It even generates a period of overshooting in inflation three quarters after the initial negative demand shock. Alternatively, the effect of price-level targeting as a forward guidance policy at the zero lower bound is slightly different. In the third chapter “Impact of Quantitative Easing on Household Deleveraging”, I extend the DSGE model in the first chapter with some financial frictions to explore the effects of QE on asset prices and household balance sheet. There are two effects of QE on aggregate output originated from the model. First, QE leads to a decline in term premium, which increases current consumption relative to future consumption. Second, it leads to a lower loan to collateral value ratio and a decline in external finance premium. Favorable financing condition encourages further accumulation of household debt at cheaper rates, in turn, leads to an immediate higher household debt to income ratio. In the consideration of the future withdrawal of any stimulus provided from QE, this would pose greater challenges as it implies much intensive household deleveraging process. I provide some sensitivity analysis around key parameters of the model.

Soil degradation in the lowland soils of the Lower Fraser Valley area is an off-season (September-April) problem. The legacy of the degradation process is encountered every year in the form of ponding which delays farming operations such as cultivation and seeding. It is common for the lowland soils in west Delta to be left in a bare, loose, and therefore unstable state in the fall after harvest. As the result of raindrop impact on such a soil, a disaggregation process takes place which decreases the saturated hydraulic conductivity, the saturated water content, the air entry pressure head, and the water releasing ability of a soil. As a result of these changes the hydrologic responsiveness of a soil will decrease, decreasing its ability to allow rapid infiltration and drainage. The objective of this thesis was firstly, to investigate the causes of the soil structural degradation and secondly, to use some of the soil structural parameters to optimize the responsiveness of a soil and thirdly, to suggest a management model with the objective of improving the hydrologic responsiveness of a lowland soil. To fulfill the above objectives, in the first chapter, the process of soil degradation was studied on large undisturbed soil columns removed from two adjacent locations within an area of Ladner in west Delta, British Columbia. It was found that a disaggregation process caused by the impact of raindrops on a weakly aggregated soil was the main cause of a low hydrologic responsiveness at the beginning of the cultivation season. As a result of degradation of the soil surface layer, a surface seal can form with a saturated hydraulic conductivity in the order of 9.7x10⁻¹⁰ m s⁻¹. A surface seal can effectively decrease the infiltration rate, leading to the formation of a persistent pond which will make a soil untrafficable and unworkable. In the second chapter, a concept of "designer soil" was developed, where a set of "design hydrologic parameters" were identified for a partially hypothetical soil. A soil possessing hydrologic parameters better than the design parameters would therefore display a certain desired hydrologic responsiveness. In the third chapter, a descriptive management model was suggested with the objective of achieving the design parameters as identified in the second chapter. / Land and Food Systems, Faculty of / Graduate

The Lower Mainland of British Columbia is growing rapidly resulting in a dramatic alteration of the landscape. Associated with this growth is the loss of community heritage structures and properties. This destruction is occurring at a rapid rate even though conservation mechanisms, tools and strategies exist. This thesis examines the practice of heritage conservation and identifies the heritage conservation tools that are presently being utilized by a number of selected Lower Mainland municipalities. It then outlines the necessary conditions that a community must possess for existing conservation tools to be effective. A literature review of existing heritage conservation statutes was conducted to identify the statutory tools available for conservation purposes. The primary method of investigation involved interviewing 13 prominent heritage professionals from the Provincial Government, selected Municipal Governments, and the private planning sector. The survey allowed the author to generate a ‘tools chest’ of mechanisms available for conservation purposes. In total 23 conservation tools were identified from both the literature review and survey. Research indicated that the perceived responsibility for heritage conservation in British Columbia rested with local governments. To date these governments have had limited success in ensuring long term management and protection of heritage properties within their jurisdictions. Conservation tools presently being applied to manage these community resources are limited in scope and applicable only under specific ownership conditions. In general, local governments are under utilizing the conservation tools available to them. Reasons for this may include the lack of political and public support, in addition to, monetary and time restraints directed for this purpose. This study concludes with recommendations for local governments and the planning profession regarding the direction which these groups should embark on with future conservation activities. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Community and Regional Planning (SCARP), School of / Graduate

This thesis places the growth management, specifically the urban growth boundary, policies of the Greater Vancouver Regional District and the Province of British Columbia in comparative perspective. The operative problem statement for this study is that current efforts at managing urban growth in the Lower Mainland are ambitious, but that they need to be made more robust. The specific methodologies used to address this problem statement include: a detailed review of the literature on urban growth boundaries and on growth management; a review of growth management policies relevant to containing urban growth in the Lower Mainland; and a detailed examination of the urban growth boundary policies of two case studies (Thurston County, Washington and Metro Portland, Oregon). The literature review reveals that urban growth boundaries are a simple concept, yet they are potentially troublesome policy considerations. As defined in the literature, urban growth boundaries are lines on a map that demarcate urban from rural land, thus setting a limit on urban expansion. The literature generally concludes that urban growth boundaries can be an extremely effective component to broader growth management programs, given a number of policy design considerations are taken into account. A thorough examination of current growth management initiatives in the Lower Mainland reveals that the substantive content of both the Livable Region Strategic Plan (1996) and the Growth Strategies Statutes Amendments Act, 1995 is "sustainable", albeit somewhat incomplete. In placing these policies in comparative perspective with the urban growth boundary policies of the two case studies, it is generally concluded that urban growth boundaries would contribute to current efforts at managing urban growth in the Lower Mainland by containing sprawl and ensuring the contiguity of urban development. Furthermore, it is argued that Provincial legislation should be amended in a way that outlines province-wide urban containment goals, ensures better interjurisdictional coordination of policies, and establishes enforcement mechanisms that include provisions for the application of sanctions upon noncompliant jurisdictions. Finally, while the case studies revealed some important information regarding urban containment in the Lower Mainland, they also served to confirm the information presented in the literature review, thus demonstrating consistency between theoretical notions of urban containment and practical experiences with urban growth boundaries. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Community and Regional Planning (SCARP), School of / Graduate