Test Case Generation for Mutation-based Testing of Timeliness

AbstractTemporal correctness is crucial for real-time systems. Few methods exist to test temporal correctness and most methods used in practice are ad-hoc. A problem with testing real-time applications is the response-time dependency on the execution order of concurrent tasks. Execution order in turn depends on execution environment properties such as scheduling protocols, use of mutual exclusive resources as well as the point in time when stimuli is injected. Model based mutation testing has previously been proposed to determine the execution orders that need to be verified to increase confidence in timeliness. An effective way to automatically generate such test cases for dynamic real-time systems is still needed. This paper presents a method using heuristic-driven simulation to generate test cases

Very high-current-density Nb/AlN/Nb tunnel junctions for low-noise submillimeter mixers

We have fabricated and tested submillimeter-wave superconductor–insulator–superconductor (SIS) mixers using very high-current-density Nb/AlN/Nb tunnel junctions (Jc[approximate]30 kA cm–2). The junctions have low-resistance-area products (RNA[approximate]5.6 Omega µm2), good subgap-to-normal resistance ratios Rsg/RN[approximate]10, and good run-to-run reproducibility. From Fourier transform spectrometer measurements, we infer that omegaRNC = 1 at 270 GHz. This is a factor of 2.5 improvement over what is generally available with Nb/AlOx/Nb junctions suitable for low-noise mixers. The AlN-barrier junctions are indeed capable of low-noise operation: we measure an uncorrected double-sideband receiver noise temperature of TRX = 110 K at 533 GHz for an unoptimized device. In addition to providing wider bandwidth operation at lower frequencies, the AlN-barrier junctions will considerably improve the performance of THz SIS mixers by reducing rf loss in the tuning circuits

The Path or the Goal? Decision vs. Information Focus in Biased Information Seeking after Preliminary Decisions

Research on the phenomenon of selective exposure to information demonstrates that after preliminary or final decisions, people show a preference for supporting rather than conflicting information (confirmation bias). In this article, we examine conditions that increase or decrease distortions in the search for information. We report on four experiments indicating that the confirmation bias is influenced by whether people focus on their decision or on the presented pieces of information during the information search. Focusing on the decision, for example, because a reward for a correct decision is promised or simply because participants repeatedly think of it, increases the confirmation bias. On the other hand, if participants focus on the available pieces of information because they have to invest money in order to search for information or because they have to evaluate the individual pieces of information, the confirmation bias decreases. Implications for theoretical understanding and interventions for decision-making situations are discussed

Interstate Voter Registration Database Matching: The Oregon-Washington 2008 Pilot Project

Voter registration databases maintain lists of registered voters that are used to determine who is and is not eligible to vote in an election. As such, accurate voter registration databases form a cornerstone of the electoral process. In the United States, each state maintains its own voter registration database. It is not uncommon for a voter to become registered in two states, for example as a result of moving from one state to the other or of living in one state and working in one another. In this paper, we report on a pilot interstate voter registration database matching project between the two states of Oregon andWashington whose goal was to explore the feasibility of using database matching to identify voters registered in the two states, and to do so with as much openness and transparency as possible. We describe the matching algorithms used, the procedures taken with found matches, and the resulting actions taken on actual voter registrations. We also discuss several directions for improving matching algorithms and procedures

Characteristics and outcomes of atrial fibrillation in patients without traditional risk factors:an RE-LY AF registry analysis

Aims: Data on patient characteristics, prevalence, and outcomes of atrial fibrillation (AF) patients without traditional risk factors, often labelled 'lone AF', are sparse. Methods and results: The RE-LY AF registry included 15 400 individuals who presented to emergency departments with AF in 47 countries. This analysis focused on patients without traditional risk factors, including age >= 60years, hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, left ventricular hypertrophy, congenital heart disease, pulmonary disease, valve heart disease, hyperthyroidism, and prior cardiac surgery. Patients without traditional risk factors were compared with age- and region-matched controls with traditional risk factors (1:3 fashion). In 796 (5%) patients, no traditional risk factors were present. However, 98% (779/796) had less-established or borderline risk factors, including borderline hypertension (130-140/80-90mmHg; 47%), chronic kidney disease (eGFR30; 19%), diabetes (5%), excessive alcohol intake (>14 units/week; 4%), and smoking (25%). Compared with patients with traditional risk factors (n=2388), patients without traditional risk factors were more often men (74% vs. 59%, P Conclusion: Almost all patients without traditionally defined AF risk factors have less-established or borderline risk factors. These patients have a favourable 1-year prognosis, but risk of AF-related re-hospitalization remains high. Greater emphasis should be placed on recognition and management of less-established or borderline risk factors