Predicting regression test failures using genetic algorithm-selected dynamic performance analysis metrics

A novel framework for predicting regression test failures is proposed. The basic principle embodied in the framework is to use performance analysis tools to capture the runtime behaviour of a program as it executes each test in a regression suite. The performance information is then used to build a dynamically predictive model of test outcomes. Our framework is evaluated using a genetic algorithm for dynamic metric selection in combination with state-of-the-art machine learning classifiers. We show that if a program is modified and some tests subsequently fail, then it is possible to predict with considerable accuracy which of the remaining tests will also fail which can be used to help prioritise tests in time constrained testing environments

The Blizzard Challenge 2008

The Blizzard Challenge 2008 was the fourth annual Blizzard Challenge. This year, participants were asked to build two voices from a UK English corpus and one voice from a Man- darin Chinese corpus. This is the first time that a language other than English has been included and also the first time that a large UK English corpus has been available. In addi- tion, the English corpus contained somewhat more expressive speech than that found in corpora used in previous Blizzard Challenges. To assist participants with limited resources or limited ex- perience in UK-accented English or Mandarin, unaligned la- bels were provided for both corpora and for the test sentences. Participants could use the provided labels or create their own. An accent-specific pronunciation dictionary was also available for the English speaker. A set of test sentences was released to participants, who were given a limited time in which to synthesise them and submit the synthetic speech. An online listening test was con- ducted, to evaluate naturalness, intelligibility and degree of similarity to the original speaker

Statistical Analysis of the Blizzard Challenge 2007 Listening Test Results

Blizzard 2007 is the third Blizzard Challenge, in which participants build voices from a common dataset. A large listening test is conducted which allows comparison of systems in terms of naturalness and intelligibility. New sections were added to the listening test for 2007 to test the perceived similarity of the speaker’s identity between natural and synthetic speech. In this paper, we present the results of the listening test and the subsequent statistical analysis Index Terms: Blizzard Challenge, speech synthesis, evaluation, listening tes

Genetic relationships and variation in reproductive strategies in four closely related bromeliads adapted to neotropical ‘inselbergs': Alcantarea glaziouana, A. regina, A. geniculata and A. imperialis (Bromeliaceae)

Background and Aims Bromeliads (Bromeliaceae) adapted to rock outcrops or ‘inselbergs' in neotropical rain forests have been identified as suitable plant models for studying population divergence and speciation during continental plant radiations. Little is known about genetic relationships and variation in reproductive strategies within and among inselberg-adapted species, yet knowledge of these parameters is important for understanding divergence processes and for conservation planning. Methods Nuclear microsatellites were used to assess the role of clonal reproduction, estimate genetic diversity and explore genetic relationships and variation in reproductive strategies for a total of 15 populations of four closely related Alcantarea inselberg species in south-eastern Brazil: A. glaziouana, A. regina, A. geniculata and A. imperialis. Key Results Clonal propagation is frequent in coastal populations of A. glaziouana and A. regina, but absent in the high-altitude species A. geniculata and A. imperialis. Considerable variation in clonal diversity, gene diversity (He), allelic richness, and Wright's inbreeding coefficient (FIS) exists within and between species of Alcantarea. A Bayesian analysis of coastal inselberg species indicated pronounced genetic structure. A neighbor-joining analysis grouped populations of each species together with moderate bootstrap support, except for the high altitude species A. imperialis. Conclusions The coastal inselberg species A. glaziouana and A. regina tend to propagate asexually via vegetative clonal growth, and both reproductive strategies and breeding systems vary greatly between populations and species of Alcantarea. The microsatellite data indicate a history of hybridization and reticulation involving the high-altitude species A. geniculata and A. imperialis in areas of co-occurrence. The results highlight the need to understand similarities and differences in reproductive strategies both within and between related species for conservation planning and as a basis for understanding evolutionary processes in tropical radiation

The teacher labour market, teacher turnover and disadvantaged schools:new evidence for England

We study the market for teachers in England, in particular teacher turnover. We show that there is a positive raw association between the level of school disadvantage and the turnover rate of its teachers. This association diminishes as we control for school, pupil and local teacher labour market characteristics, but is not eliminated. The remaining association is largely accounted for by teacher characteristics, with the poorer schools hiring much younger teachers on average. We interpret this market equilibrium allocation as either deriving from the preferences of young teachers, or as reflecting the low market attractiveness of disadvantaged schools

Bayesian accrual prediction for interim review of clinical studies: open source R package and smartphone application

Illustration of use of R accrual package. (DOCX 917 kb

Stories of hope

This is a narrative account, reflected from the author’s perspective, of three teachers’ resistance to the formulation of metrication and fabrication arising from the influence of STEM in science education. It focuses on the ways transformative science teaching challenges this obstacle viewed through the lens of Critical Realism and how social justice is meshed into science pedagogy