Rule-based Test Generation with Mind Maps

This paper introduces basic concepts of rule based test generation with mind maps, and reports experiences learned from industrial application of this technique in the domain of smart card testing by Giesecke & Devrient GmbH over the last years. It describes the formalization of test selection criteria used by our test generator, our test generation architecture and test generation framework.Comment: In Proceedings MBT 2012, arXiv:1202.582

Search based algorithms for test sequence generation in functional testing

Information and Software Technology (DOI: 10.1016/j.infsof.2014.07.014)The generation of dynamic test sequences from a formal specification, complementing traditional testing methods in order to find errors in the source code. Objective In this paper we extend one specific combinatorial test approach, the Classification Tree Method (CTM), with transition information to generate test sequences. Although we use CTM, this extension is also possible for any combinatorial testing method. Method The generation of minimal test sequences that fulfill the demanded coverage criteria is an NP-hard problem. Therefore, search-based approaches are required to find such (near) optimal test sequences. Results The experimental analysis compares the search-based technique with a greedy algorithm on a set of 12 hierarchical concurrent models of programs extracted from the literature. Our proposed search-based approaches (GTSG and ACOts) are able to generate test sequences by finding the shortest valid path to achieve full class (state) and transition coverage. Conclusion The extended classification tree is useful for generating of test sequences. Moreover, the experimental analysis reveals that our search-based approaches are better than the greedy deterministic approach, especially in the most complex instances. All presented algorithms are actually integrated into a professional tool for functional testing.Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness and FEDER under contract TIN2011-28194 and fellowship BES-2012-055967. Project 8.06/5.47.4142 in collaboration with the VSB-Tech. Univ. of Ostrava, Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech. and EU Grant ICT-257574 (FITTEST project)

Potential energy threshold for nano-hillock formation by impact of slow highly charged ions on a CaF2_2(111) surface

We investigate the formation of nano-sized hillocks on the (111) surface of CaF$_2$ single crystals by impact of slow highly charged ions. Atomic force microscopy reveals a surprisingly sharp and well-defined threshold of potential energy carried into the collision of about 14 keV for hillock formation. Estimates of the energy density deposited suggest that the threshold is linked to a solid-liquid phase transition (``melting'') on the nanoscale. With increasing potential energy, both the basal diameter and the height of the hillocks increase. The present results reveal a remarkable similarity between the present predominantly potential-energy driven process and track formation by the thermal spike of swift ($\sim$ GeV) heavy ions.Comment: 10 pages, 2 figure

A preliminary dictionary of Maori gainwords compiled on historical principles

This thesis is a preliminary dictionary of Maori gainwords compiled on historical principles. It will serve as the starting point for a fully fledged historical dictionary of Maori gainwords. The sources are a selection of all those Maori language publications printed between the dates 1815 and 1899. A large number of source items were photocopied from other institutions, and the binding and subsequent availability of these was not always in the order wished for. The research therefore has its limitations (clearly indicated by the use of the word 'preliminary' in the thesis title). Full coverage of all printed Maori publications between 1815 and 1899 has not been possible. Despite this, this preliminary dictionary offers a good indication of the extent of new gainword vocabulary introduced within the time frame. This thesis suggests that the terms loanword and borrowing should be replaced by the new term gainword or gain, and that the process by which new items of vocabulary enter a language should be known as gaining .. 'Gaining' is a positive process, and the word 'gainword' is normally devoid of any negative connotations or implications of cultural imperialism. This thesis is the first extended scholarly research into Maori gainword lexicography. Although 'preliminary', the dictionary is the first devoted solely to Maori gainwords - previous dictionaries of Maori have had gainwords as appendices, or have listed small numbers of gainwords in their general corpus. This dictionary builds on those earlier dictionaries by giving gainwords their own dictionary. This thesis will indicate that nearly all new items of vocabulary introduced into Maori language during the period researched were introduced by English-speaking Pakeha. English-speaking (and some few French-speaking) Pakeha controlled the printed word for some considerable time - up until the first Maori-controlled publication, Te Hokioi in 1861, in fact most gainwords were therefore imposed. The frequency count for Maori-driven gains done for this thesis will give only some slight indication of Maori use and acceptance of gains between 1815 and 1899

Towards model-based testing of electronic funds transfer systems

We report on our first experience with applying model-based testing techniques to an operational Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) switch. The goal is to test the conformance of the EFT switch to the standard flows described by the ISO 8583 standard. To this end, we first make a formalization of the transaction flows specified in the ISO 8583 standard in terms of a Labeled Transition System (LTS). This formalization paves the way for modelbased testing based on the formal notion of Input-Output Conformance (IOCO) testing. We adopt and augment IOCO testing for our particular application domain. We develop a prototype implementation and apply our proposed techniques in practice. We discuss the encouraging obtained results and the observed shortcomings of the present approach. We outline a roadmap to remedy the shortcomings and enhance the test results.