1,930 research outputs found

    Structural testing techniques for the selective revalidation of software

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    The research in this thesis addresses the subject of regression testing. Emphasis is placed on developing a technique for selective revalidation which can be used during software maintenance to analyse and retest only those parts of the program affected by changes. In response to proposed program modifications, the technique assists the maintenance programmer in assessing the extent of the program alterations, in selecting a representative set of test cases to rerun, and in identifying any test cases in the test suite which are no longer required because of the program changes. The proposed technique involves the application of code analysis techniques and operations research. Code analysis techniques are described which derive information about the structure of a program and are used to determine the impact of any modifications on the existing program code. Methods adopted from operations research are then used to select an optimal set of regression tests and to identify any redundant test cases. These methods enable software, which has been validated using a variety of structural testing techniques, to be retested. The development of a prototype tool suite, which can be used to realise the technique for selective revalidation, is described. In particular, the interface between the prototype and existing regression testing tools is discussed. Moreover, the effectiveness of the technique is demonstrated by means of a case study and the results are compared with traditional regression testing strategies and other selective revalidation techniques described in this thesis

    Non-developmental item computer systems and the malicious software threat

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    The following subject areas are covered: a DOD development system - the Army Secure Operating System; non-development commercial computer systems; security, integrity, and assurance of service (SI and A); post delivery SI and A and malicious software; computer system unique attributes; positive feedback to commercial computer systems vendors; and NDI (Non-Development Item) computers and software safety

    How and When Do I Validate, Proof Test and Re-Validate My SIS logic Solver?

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    Using Fuzzy Logic in Test Case Prioritization for Regression Testing Programs with Assertions

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    Program assertions have been recognized as a supporting tool during software development, testing, and maintenance. Therefore, software developers place assertions within their code in positions that are considered to be error prone or that have the potential to lead to a software crash or failure. Similar to any other software, programs with assertions must be maintained. Depending on the type of modification applied to the modified program, assertions also might have to undergo some modifications. New assertions may also be introduced in the new version of the program, while some assertions can be kept the same. This paper presents a novel approach for test case prioritization during regression testing of programs that have assertions using fuzzy logic. The main objective of this approach is to prioritize the test cases according to their estimated potential in violating a given program assertion. To develop the proposed approach, we utilize fuzzy logic techniques to estimate the effectiveness of a given test case in violating an assertion based on the history of the test cases in previous testing operations. We have conducted a case study in which the proposed approach is applied to various programs, and the results are promising compared to untreated and randomly ordered test cases

    Incremental Consistency Checking in Delta-oriented UML-Models for Automation Systems

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    Automation systems exist in many variants and may evolve over time in order to deal with different environment contexts or to fulfill changing customer requirements. This induces an increased complexity during design-time as well as tedious maintenance efforts. We already proposed a multi-perspective modeling approach to improve the development of such systems. It operates on different levels of abstraction by using well-known UML-models with activity, composite structure and state chart models. Each perspective was enriched with delta modeling to manage variability and evolution. As an extension, we now focus on the development of an efficient consistency checking method at several levels to ensure valid variants of the automation system. Consistency checking must be provided for each perspective in isolation, in-between the perspectives as well as after the application of a delta.Comment: In Proceedings FMSPLE 2016, arXiv:1603.0857

    A documentation paradigm for an integrated software maintenance support environment

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    Recent advances in computer hardware have not been matched by comparable advances in computer software, inhibiting the production of reliable software at greater levels of productivity. Development of software is restricted by the so-called "maintenance backlog". Productivity in the maintenance sector has not kept pace with increasing annual labour costs, making the maintenance of software the major item in the budget, of organisations responsible for the development and maintenance of software. Gains in productivity can be anticipated by the exploitation of software-maintenance tools, within the framework of an Integrated .Software Maintenance Support Environment (ISMSE). for which a high-level design has been proposed in this thesis, offering comprehensive support for all phases of the software life-cycle, particularly the maintenance phase. A key factor in the reliable modification of software is the time taken to gain the prerequisite understanding, by a study of the system's documentation. This documentation degrades over a period of time, becoming unreliable, inhibiting maintenance of the software, which may be a large capital asset, ultimately, the software may become impossible to maintain, requiring replacement. Understanding gained during maintenance is wide-ranging and at various levels of abstraction, but is often NOT well-recorded, since no effective documentation system exists for recording the maintenance history of large software systems. The documentation paradigm in this thesis, used within the framework of an ISMSE, aims to provide a means of recording the knowledge gained during maintenance, facilitating easier future maintenance, and preserving the reliability of the documentation, so reducing the time required to gain an understanding of the software being maintained. This provides a powerful means of increasing productivity, while simultaneously preserving a valuable capital asset

    Institutional audit : University of Cumbria

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    Simulation verification techniques study: Simulation performance validation techniques document

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    Techniques and support software for the efficient performance of simulation validation are discussed. Overall validation software structure, the performance of validation at various levels of simulation integration, guidelines for check case formulation, methods for real time acquisition and formatting of data from an all up operational simulator, and methods and criteria for comparison and evaluation of simulation data are included. Vehicle subsystems modules, module integration, special test requirements, and reference data formats are also described

    Institutional audit : University of Derby

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    Developing an integrated appraisal and revalidation process for Sri Lankan doctors : an expedited, low-cost process using a prototype

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    Medical revalidation is considered as one of the better ways which can improve quality of health care and improving patient safety and satisfaction. Many developed countries in the world have either implemented or in the process of implementing medical revalidation systems. However, the development of revalidation process is very complicated process and requires lengthy periods and involves huge cost to the health systems. This study looked at a novel way of developing a revalidation process using the concept of prototyping. Prototyping provides low cost and quicker process of developing health system tools to achieve key objectives. This study has taken pragmatic stance to develop a process that can be implemented in the real world, especially in developing countries with western medical system. The study was conducted to develop medical revalidation process in Sri Lankan health sector as an example. The study has adopted 3 stage research with the mixed methodological approach. At the first stage, an extensive narrative literature review was conducted, and understanding from the literature review and personal experience of the researcher was used to develop a porotype of revalidation for Sri Lanka. At the second and third stage, the porotype was tested using explorative sequential design consisting of the qualitative stage and quantitative stage sequentially. Focused group discussions and in-depth interviews were conducted among stakeholders. Cultural Historic Activity Theory (CHAT) is used to discuss the contradiction while framework analysis was used to identify themes and qualitative data analysis. The outcome of the qualitative stage was used to develop a and to modify the prototype. The structured questionnaire was used as the tool for the quantitative stage. On analysis, it was found that Sri Lankan doctors are ready for revalidation based only on CPD activities with support for the later inclusion of other tools such as appraisal, MSF, and complaints investigation. Revalidation allowance was reported as a way of counteracting resistance and increasing the attractiveness of the revalidation process. It was recommended to adopt stepped wedge cluster randomised approach to implement the revalidation process as it provides an opportunity for system development. Additionally, it provides a reliable way of assessing the effectiveness of the new program. The research has provided a novel way of developing health system tools especially important for developing countries as it provides low cost quicker approach
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