Thesis (MTech (Information Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2006 / This thesis explores the design and implementation of an intelligent semantic machine control system with specific reference to information system architecture design. The term "intelligent" refers to machines that can execute some level ofdecision taking in context. The term "semantic" refers to a structured language that allows user and machine to communicate. This study will explore all the key concepts about an intelligent semantic machine control system with information system architecture. The key concepts to be investigated will include Intelligent Control, Semantics and information system architecture. The primary purpose ofthis study is to develop a methodology for designing information system architecture. The emerging discipline of "Usability Engineering" is at the core of information system architecture aspects of this project. The Usability Engineering approach to the design of complex machines focuses on developing machines that are efficient and error-free. Usability Engineering provides a methodological framework for the optimum design of information system architecture by recognising - user needs, design restrictions, and other environmental constraints. The Usability Engineering also provides guidelines for integration with Object Oriented Methodology (OOM) and Unified Modelling Language (UML). The integration is based on linking OOM models and UML with Usability Engineering tasks. OOM is a new technology based on objects and classes. By providing first class support for the objects and classes of objects of an application domain, the object-oriented paradigm precepts offer better modelling and implementation of systems. The UML is an open method used to specifY, visualize, construct, and document the artifacts ofan object-oriented information system under development. This study illustrates the design and implementation of information system architectute of an intelligent exercise machine as a specific practical Information Technology (IT) application. We will follow the integration of the Usability Engineering and OOM to develop the specific application. The intelligent control system will automatically respond and execute a task or a function of the machines immediately in terms of decision taking of machines. The important aspect of the information system is to record all users' data for customizing their future plans and retrieving the data. Information system architecture provides a communication between an exerciser and a coach in tenns of exerciser needs.

Over seven million Americans suffer from Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI), a painful and debilitating disease that affects the superficial and deep veins of the legs. Problems associated with CVI include varicose veins, bleeding, ulcerations, severe swelling, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism, which may lead to death. The presence of CVI results from damaged (incompetent) one-way vein valves in leg veins. These valves normally allow forward flow of blood to the heart, and prevent blood from pooling at the feet. However, incompetent valves allow reflux of blood, causing clinical problems. There are few effective clinical therapies for treating CVI. Vein valve transplantation is a surgical option for treatment. However, it is often difficult to find suitable donor valves. Very few prosthetic valves developed in the past have demonstrated sufficient clinical or mechanical functionality. Persistent problems include thrombus formation, leaking valves, and valves that do not open at physiologic pressure gradient. The primary objective of this research was to develop a clinically relevant functional prosthetic vein valve. The novel prosthetic valve is flexible, biocompatible, has low thrombogenecity, and is easy to manufacture. It was designed to address well-defined consumer needs and functional design requirements. The valve was required to 1) withstand 300 mmHg of backpressure with leakage less than 1.0 mL/min, 2) open with a pressure gradient less than 5 mmHg, and 3) meet criteria 1 and 2 after 500,000 cycles of operation. The valve met these design requirements in bench testing. The valve can open with a pressure gradient of 2.6 0.7 mmHg, and can withstand 300 mmHg with leakage less than 0.5 mL/min. The valve remained functional after opening and closing over 500,000 times. The valve presented in this research is operationally functional, and is a potential solution for treating venous incompetence in CVI patients.