The advent of information services introduces many advantages, for example, in trade, production and services. While making important descisons today, people increasingly rely on the information gleaned from such services. Presumably, as such, information from these services has become a target of manipulation. During the past decade, we have already observed many forms of information manipulation that misrepresents or alters reality. Some popular manipulation -- we have ever witnessed on the Internet -- include using black hat SEO techniques to drive up the ranking of a disreputable business, creating disinformative campaigns to conceal political dissidence, and employing less-than-honest product assessments to paint a rosy picture for inferior wares. Today, emerging web services and technologies greatly facilitated and enhanced people's lives. However, these innovations also enrich the arsenal of manipulators. The sheer amount of online information available today can threaten to overwhelm any user. To help ensure that users do not drown in the flood of information, modern web services are increasing relying upon personalization to improve the quality of their customers' experience. At the same time, personalization also represents new ammunition for all manipulators seeking to steer user eyeballs, regardless of their intents. In this thesis, I demonstrate a new unforeseen manipulation that exploits the mechanisms and algorithms underlying personalization. To undermine the effect of such manipulation, this thesis also introduces two effective, efficient mitigation strategies that can be applied to a number of personalization services. In addition to aforementioned personalization, increasingly prevalent browser extensions augment the ability to distort online information. In this thesis, I unveil an overlooked but widespread manipulation phenomenon in which miscreants abuse the privilege of browser extensions to tamper with the online advertisement presented to users. Considering that online advertising business is one of the primary approaches used to monetize free online services and applications available to users, and reckless ad manipulation may significantly roil advertising ecosystem, this thesis scrutinizes the potential effect of ad manipulation, and develops a technical approach to detect those browser extensions that falsify the ads presented to end users. Although the thesis merely discusses several manipulation examples in the context of the Internet, the findings and technologies presented in this thesis introduce broad impacts. First, my research findings raise Internet users' awareness about pervasive information manipulation. Second, the proposed technologies help users alleviate the pernicious effects of existing information manipulation. Finally, accompanying the findings and technologies is publicly available open-source software and tools that will help an increasing number of users battle against the growing threat of information manipulation.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Chiropractic)-Dept. of Chiropractic, Durban Institute of Technology, 2005 97 leaves ; 30 cm / In symptomatic sacroiliac syndrome, nociceptors located within the capsule and ligaments of the sacroiliac joint are said to be activated which in turn act on inhibitory interneurons that synapse with the motor neuron pool of the muscles of that joint (muscles responsible for hip flexion, extension, abduction and adduction fall within the sacroiliac motor neuron pool). These inhibitory interneurons relay information that decreases the recruitment ability of that motor neuron pool. This is termed Arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) and it has been stated that the number of motor units innervating a muscle relates positively to the strength of that muscle and hence may have an effect on the functional ability of that muscle. However, it has been proposed that spinal manipulation activates mechanoreceptors (Wyke receptors) from structures in and around the manipulated joint causing changes in motor neuron excitability through the altered afferent input and thereby causing an increase in motor neuron recruitment and a decrease in AMI. Furthermore, it has been found that sacroiliac joint problems have often been related to reduced or asymmetric range of motion (ROM) of the hip and / or lack of proprioceptive ability in the ipsilateral limb. In light of the above, manipulation has been found to cause a re-establishment of normal muscle tone and joint kinematics, therefore relaxing the muscles in that area and restoring normal ROM of the involved joint. This study presents the results of sacroiliac manipulation on objective hip measures (including peak torques, ROM and proprioception).

Thesis (M.Tech.: Chiropractic) -Dept. of Chiropractic, Durban Institute of Technology, 2005 xiii, 117 leaves of pages : ill. / The purpose of this pre-post crossover clinical trial was to investigate the relative effectiveness of the combination of stretching followed by strengthening, versus the combination of strengthening followed by stretching, of the gluteus medius and iliotibial band (ITB), in the rehabilitation of chronic Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) in long distance runners. The results were based upon subjective and objective clinical findings, as well as effect on running performance.

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, South Africa, 2013. / Background: Lateral ankle sprains and the sequelae of Chronic Ankle Instability Syndrome (CAIS) are common, reaching a peak prevalence of 85%. Manual joint manipulation is an intervention utilised for CAIS. Manipulations are applied either manually or via a mechanical device. The Activator Adjustment Instrument (AAI) is commonly applied to extremities; however, a paucity of research exists, in respect of extremity conditions. Thus this study compared an AAI manipulation with a manual long-axis distraction manipulation (diversified technique) in the treatment of CAIS. Method: This ethics approved, quantitative, randomised controlled clinical trial, of 40 participants allocated between two groups. After receipt of informed consent participants were evaluated against the inclusion criteria and baseline measures were taken. One treatment of either manual or activator manipulation was followed by a measurements-only consultation within 48 hours. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Intra- and inter-group analyses were done utilising repeated measures ANOVA tests. Results: Both groups showed a statistically significant improvement on all outcome measures over time, but neither group showed a significant improvement over the other. A trend in the inter-group comparisons reflected parallel improvements in the Algometer, Berg Balance Scale and the dorsiflexion range of motion (objective measures) and non-parallel improvements in the Numerical Pain Rating Scale and Foot and Ankle Disability Index. Conclusion: The results suggested a trend towards subjective improvement in the AAI group, which may have been influenced by the novelty of the AAI. Further research with larger sample sizes and more homogenous participant groups are needed to verify this outcome.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Chiropractic)-Dept. of Chiropractic, Durban Institute of Technology, 2003 1 v. (various pagings) / Mechanical low back pain is one of the most common clinical disorders that most people seek help for (Painting et al. 1998:110). Epidemiological studies indicate a lifetime prevalence of low back pain ranging from 60 to 80% with an annual incidence of approximately 30% (Mosheni-Bandepi et al., 1998). The Sacroiliac (S.I.) joint is a significant source of pain in patients with chronic low back pain and it therefore warrants further study (Schwarzer et al. 1995:31). S.I. syndrome is defined as pain over the S.I. joint in the region of the posterior superior iliac spine, which may be accompanied by referred pain over the buttock, greater trochanter, groin, posterior thigh, knee, and occasionally to the postero-lateral calf, ankle and foot (Kirkaldy-Willis, 1992:123). Research indicates that there seems to be a correlation between low back pain, more specifically S.I. pain and hip rotation (Ellison et al. 1990, Cibulka et al. 1999, Fairbank et al. 1984). Cibulka et al. (1998) found that patients with lower back pain who were classified as having signs suggestive of S.I. regional pain had significantly more external rotation than internal rotation on the posterior innominate side i.e. side of S.I. dysfunction (approximately a 20 difference). Manipulation is recognised as an effective means of treating mechanical low back pain, with respect to both Lumbar Facet Joint Syndrome and S.I. Joint Syndrome (Assendelft et al. 1992 and Koes et al. 1996). Kirkaldy- Willis (1992:123) states that manipulation is the most certain way of relieving the symptoms of S.I. syndrome. This investigation aimed to determine the effect of a sacroiliac joint manipulation on hip rotation ranges of motion (active and passive motion) in patients with chronic sacroiliac syndrome in terms of objective measures.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Chiropractic)-Dept. of Chiropractic, Durban Institute of Technology, 2003 xiv, 86 leaves / The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Chiropractic Manipulative Therapy in the management of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in children.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Chiropractic) -Dept. of Chiropractic, Durban Institute of Technology, 2005. xii, 51 leaves : ill. (some col.) ; 30 cm / According to the recent literature the application of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) is the mainstay and first line of conventional treatment for many types of pain, including that of spinal origin (DiPalma and DiGregorio 1994; Dabbs and Lauretti 1995; Koes et al. 1997). NSAID therapy has inherent side effects (Goodman and Simon 1994), however, given the risks involved, they are still of value as an adjunct to spinal manipulation (Crawford 1988), which has been shown to have less side effects and be more effective than conventional NSAIDS (Dabbs and Lauretti 1995; Giles and Müller 1999). A homeopathic alternative to NSAIDS is Traumeel S, it fulfils all the criteria for a locally acting therapeutic medication, with promotion of the natural healing process, and minimum side effects (Zell et al. 1989). A study by Hepburn (2000) compared the relative efficacy of Traumeel S against NSAIDS in the treatment of cervical facet syndrome. Hepburn concluded that there was statistically no difference between the two therapies. It could therefore be inferred that Traumeel S may be a valid alternative to NSAID therapy in the treatment of cervical facet syndrome. This study tested this hypothesis by comparing the effectiveness of spinal manipulation with the concurrent administration of oral Traumeel S against spinal manipulation alone in order to assess the potential benefit of combining Traumeel S with manipulation.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Chiropractic) -Dept. of Chiropractic, Durban Institute of Technology, 2002 1 v. (various pagings) / In recent years, sacroiliac syndrome has been widely accepted by many different health professions as one of the major contributors to mechanical low back pain. Manipulation to effect the relief of the condition has thus far proven to be one of the most effective methods. However, comparatively little research has been done on the different forms of physical therapy that can be used in conjunction with a manipulation so as to maximise its effect. This study focussed on the use of ischaemic compression (a well-accepted technique for the treatment of myofascial trigger points) of the gluteus medius muscle.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Chiropractic)- Dept. of Chiropractic, Durban Institute of Technology, 2006. 130 leaves. / The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the efficacy of the adjustment of the first rib as an adjunct to the manipulative treatment of mechanical neck pain, according to subjective and objective clinical findings. The results of this study would indicate to Chiropractors which specific types of adjustments, used for the treatment of mechanical neck pain, would potentially increase the cervical range of motion and / or decrease pain experienced by the patient and thus lead to a more effective treatment protocol. The outcome of the study will help clinicians select the more appropriate treatment for patients based on the subjective and objective outcomes.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Chiropractic)-Dept. of Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, 2007. xii, 72, 12 leaves / Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine whether spinal manipulation affects the perceived performance of runners with low back pain. More specifically, the objective was to determine whether any relationships existed between spinal manipulation, a runner’s perceived performance and their low back pain. Method: Twenty subjects who ran thirty kilometers a week and had LBP were selected for a pre- post- cohort study according to criteria set out beforehand. The subjects received spinal manipulation applied to their lower back twice a week for a period of two weeks. At each consultation, they were requested to fill out a “Perception of Running Performance” questionnaire prior to each treatment, and one week following the final consultation.