scholarly journals A Survey of Flaky Tests

2022 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-74
Author(s):  
Owain Parry ◽  
Gregory M. Kapfhammer ◽  
Michael Hilton ◽  
Phil McMinn

Tests that fail inconsistently, without changes to the code under test, are described as flaky . Flaky tests do not give a clear indication of the presence of software bugs and thus limit the reliability of the test suites that contain them. A recent survey of software developers found that 59% claimed to deal with flaky tests on a monthly, weekly, or daily basis. As well as being detrimental to developers, flaky tests have also been shown to limit the applicability of useful techniques in software testing research. In general, one can think of flaky tests as being a threat to the validity of any methodology that assumes the outcome of a test only depends on the source code it covers. In this article, we systematically survey the body of literature relevant to flaky test research, amounting to 76 papers. We split our analysis into four parts: addressing the causes of flaky tests, their costs and consequences, detection strategies, and approaches for their mitigation and repair. Our findings and their implications have consequences for how the software-testing community deals with test flakiness, pertinent to practitioners and of interest to those wanting to familiarize themselves with the research area.

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oluseyi Adebowale ◽  
Fredrick Simpeh

Purpose The increase in enrolment into higher education and the inadequate student housing in educational institutions has led to the growth of off-campus private student housing in Nigeria. Studentification as a research area has received attention in most countries in the global North, whereas there is dearth of studies on studentification in Nigeria. Therefore, this paper aims to examine the effects of studentification on the residents of selected Nigerian communities. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted an exploratory research strategy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather qualitative data from respondents, who were landlords and indigenous tenants of the host communities of two tertiary institutions. The data collected were analysed by means of the thematic analysis technique. Findings It became evident that studentification has some effects on the communities. Significant positive effects are business patronage and liveliness, while socio-economic-related factors, which include indecent clothing and theft, were noted as the most significant negative factors. Practical implications Implementing the outcomes of this study will contribute to promoting societal ethical values and economic prosperity of the communities. Originality/value The paper contributes to building the body of knowledge on the effect of studentification in the Nigerian context.


Author(s):  
Jose Torres-Jimenez ◽  
Himer Avila-George ◽  
Ezra Federico Parra-González

Software testing is an essential activity to ensure the quality of software systems. Combinatorial testing is a method that facilitates the software testing process; it is based on an empirical evidence where almost all faults in a software component are due to the interaction of very few parameters. The test generation problem for combinatorial testing can be represented as the construction of a matrix that has certain properties; typically this matrix is a covering array. Covering arrays have a small number of tests, in comparison with an exhaustive approach, and provide a level of interaction coverage among the parameters involved. This paper presents a repository that contains binary covering arrays involving many levels of interaction. Also, it discusses the importance of covering array repositories in the construction of better covering arrays. In most of the cases, the size of the covering arrays included in the repository reported here are the best upper bounds known, moreover, the files containing the matrices of these covering arrays are available to be downloaded. The final purpose of our Binary Covering Arrays Repository (BCAR) is to provide software testing practitioners the best-known binary test-suites.


2022 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 71-78
Author(s):  
E. S. Trofimova ◽  
M. V. Zykova ◽  
M. G. Danilets ◽  
A. A. Ligacheva ◽  
E. Yu. Sherstoboev ◽  
...  

Background. Antigen-presenting cells (APCs), especially macrophages, play an important role in the body defense against various pathogens. Their dysfunction and polarization are associated with most inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The inflammatory process is regulated by activation and / or inhibition of genes differentially expressed by macrophages. Successful correction of inflammation leads firstly to elimination of inflammatory stimuli and then to remodeling and restoration of tissues and organs. It was experimentally confirmed that silvercontaining bionanocomposites based on natural humic substances (HS) obtained from coal of different origin, as well as initial matrices of these HS, are capable of activating pro- and anti-inflammatory properties of macrophages.Aim. To study cytotoxic, pyrogenic, and immunomodulatory properties (arginine balance) of initial HS samples and samples of silver nanoparticles ultradispersed in these HS matrices (HS-AgNPs) in the cell culture of peritoneal macrophages, as well as their effect on pro- and anti-inflammatory properties of APCs.Materials and methods. Cultural and biochemical methods were used in the study.Results. The study showed that the samples CHE-K, CHE-AgNPs, CHS-K, and CHP-K increased M1 macrophage polarization due to stimulation of the NO-synthase activity and inhibition of arginase. The samples CHI-K, CHIAgNPs, CHP-AgNPs, and CHS-AgNPs modulated an alternative M2 or M2-like state of macrophage activation. At the same time, HS are not cytotoxic at effective concentrations, and three out of four studied samples did not contain pyrogenic impurities.Conclusion. The use of HS and their silver-containing bionanocomposites, which have the ability to greatly affect the polarization of antigen-presenting cells, is a promising research area in correction of the inflammatory response for solving an important social and medical problem of treating chronic wounds. 


2011 ◽  
Vol 47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefan Gruner ◽  
Johan Van Zyl

Small software companies make for the majority of software companies around the world, but their software development processes are often not as clearly defined and structured as in their larger counterparts. Especially the test process is often the most neglected part of the software process. This contribution analyses the software testing process in a small South African IT company, here called X, to determine the problems that currently cause it to deliver software fraught with too many defects. The findings of a survey conducted with all software developers in company X are discussed, and several typical problems are identified. We also discuss two prevalent test process improvement models that can be used to reason about the possibilities of process improvement. Solutions to those (or similar) problems often already exist, but a major part of the problem addressed in this contribution is the unawareness, or unfamiliarity, of many small industrial software developers and IT managers as far as the scientific literature on software science and engineering, and especially in our case: software testing, is concerned.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 143
Author(s):  
Wiwiek Andajani ◽  
Djoko Rahardjo

Avocado fruit is one of 10 fruits that can relieve stress, because it contains hormones and nutrients that can have a calming effect on the body. East Java Province is one of the centers for fruit production in Indonesia, including avocado fruit center, precisely in Ngliman Village, Sawahan District, Nganjuk Regency. However, this does not guarantee the high income of avocado farmers, which is caused by, among other things, price fluctuations during the harvest season, unoptimal farming management, pest attacks, and others. The purpose of this study was to determine the farmer income of avocado farming, and the factors that influence it, as well as the factors that most influence the income of avocado farming. Using quantitative descriptive research methods and deliberately choosing the research area in Ngliman Village, the research was conducted in a leading area of avocado farming in Sawahan District, Nganjuk Regency. Sampling method employed a simple random sampling of avocado farmers who have been producing for more than 10 years. From the results of the analysis, it can be seen that the income of avocado farmers in one year per hectare was IDR 9,624,550, and the land area factor affecting the income of avocado farming.Buah alpukat adalah salah satu dari 10 macam buah-buahan yang dapat meredakan stress, karena mengandung hormon dan nutrisi yang dapat memberikan efek tenang pada tubuh. Propinsi Jawa Timur adalah salah satu sentra produksi buah-buahan di Indonesia, diantaranya sentra buah alpukat, tepatnya yaitu di Kabupaten Nganjuk, Kecamatan Sawahan, Desa Ngliman. Namun demikian belum menjamin tingginya pendapatan petani alpukat, yang disebabkan antara lain, fluktuasi harga pada musim panen, belum maksimalnya pengelolaan usahataninya, adanya serangan hama, dan lain sebagainya. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pendapatan usahatani alpukat, dan untuk mengetahui faktor-faktor produksi yang mempengaruhinya, serta untuk mengetahui faktor produksi (umur, tingkat pendidikan, pengalaman atau lama usahatani, dan luas lahan) yang paling berpengaruh terhadap pendapatan usahatani alpukat. Menggunakan metode penelitian deskriptif kuantitatif, dan secara sengaja memilih daerah penelitian di Desa Ngliman, karena merupakan daerah unggulan penghasil buah alpukat di Kecamatan Sawahan, Kabupaten Nganjuk. Pengambilan sampel secara simple random sampling terhadap petani alpukat yang sudah berproduksi lebih dari 10 tahun. Dari hasil analisis dapat diketahui pendapatan petani alpukat dalam satu tahun per hektarnya sebesar Rp9.624.550-, dan faktor luas lahan saja yang berpengaruh terhadap pendapatan usahatani alpukat.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Farhan Jahangir Chughtai ◽  
Saira Tanweer ◽  
Samreen Ahsan ◽  
Tariq Mehmood ◽  
Atif Liaqat ◽  
...  

Purpose Corona viruses have spiked structure and enveloped glycoproteins in their structure, along with specific proteins in membranes. The mode of action of COVID-19 consists of three phases, i.e. viral replication, immune hyperactivity and pulmonary destruction. However, angiotensin-converting enzyme is an essential receptor that causes COVID-19. After infecting any individual, COVID-19 develops in specific pattern with the following stages: replication stage and adaptive immunity stage. After adaptive immunity stage, the clinical symptoms of patient include cough, fever, runny nose, shortness of breath and many more. To cope with this COVID-19, food and nutrition played an important role. The purpose of this review article is to emphasize the significance of food and immunity to reduce COVID-19 attack among susceptibles. Design/methodology/approach In the present era, corona virus, a member of crown-shaped type, created a pandemic situation around the globe owing to its capability to move from human to animals and vice versa. This virus can transfer its 35% infection to the individuals. Contemporarily, this outbreak was observed in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and affected a huge number of communities by spreading like common flu. However, after investigation, it was revealed that COVID-19 is different from common flu regarding respiratory illness created by this novel coronavirus along with its taxonomy. Findings Over and above to all the aforementioned food safety concerns, it is suggested to use sufficient supply of green leafy vegetables along with fiber-rich foods such as legumes, beans, whole grains and vegetables. It is further good for health to get all these varieties whole and organic. The individuals should use probiotics (lactobacillus) on daily basis as a source of diary probiotic that can further bind to the virus directly and then can inhibit the viral attachment with body cells; also the probiotics are claimed to enhance the immune system of the body. Research limitations/implications In the case of fruits and vegetables purchased, it must be thoroughly washed with water and then disinfected; after pat drying, these fruits and vegetables can be moved to the refrigerator and stored along with other foods. During the outbreak of COVID-19, the partially cooked or ready-to-eat foods should be avoided, especially eggs, meat, meat products, milk and milk-related products. On the other side, nuts should not be consumed; if required, then it must be properly roasted at home before consumption. Practical implications The baked product right after coming out of oven is completely safe; however, these are contaminated during handling such as crumb in case of bread and with knives; so in the breakout of any viral attack, the individuals should avoid slicing of the bread. Moreover, it is recommended to place the baked products in personal bags instead of bulk quantity. Before the consumption, the baked products should be toasted, microwaved or heated with the help of pan (traditional) to reduce the amount of viral load. Social implications Dietary supplements are taken by most of the people on daily basis or sporadically especially when they are suffering from inflammation or cold. They have options while selecting these types of supplements such as probiotics, Echinacea, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins D and E, calcium glucosamine, garlic and iron. These supplements are beneficial for the group of population who do not eat diversity of food as sufficient amount of essential nutrients is provided through this pathway. Originality/value This work is original in its novelty.


Author(s):  
Adam Knee

Adam Knee continues this discussion of the action/adventure genre in Chapter Seven, "Training the Body Politic: Networked Masculinity and the 'War on Terror' in Hollywood Film", offering a detailed analysis of the representation of masculinity and agency in two Hollywood films, Unstoppable (2010) and Source Code (2011), which exhibit striking similarities at a range of levels, from their narratives to deeper structures of gendered character function, theme, and geo-political perspective that, he contends, are a manifestation of distinctly post-9/11 American concerns. Like Vincent M. Gaine's chapter on James Bond, Knee analyses both the variations inherent in the genre in the wake of 9/11 and the consistencies of the parameters of American mainstream film, and, more specifically, a developing conceptualization of modes of disciplined masculinity necessitated by the nation’s 'War on Terror' narrative. Knee then concludes with a comparative analysis of a pre-9/11 film and its post-9/11 remake in which these parameters are brought to the fore: the original Paul Verhoeven RoboCop (1987) and RoboCop (2014) directed by José Padilha.


Author(s):  
Huong Ha

This chapter aims to (1) examine the awareness and experience of undergraduates in Melbourne, Australia of current and potential online risks, (2) explore how undergraduates deal with online incidents, and (3) make policy recommendations on how to enhance e-consumer protection. A total of 802 valid responses were received from the surveys conducted in Melbourne, Australia in 2007-2008. Findings demonstrate that most of the respondents were not aware of online incidents which could lead to credit card fraud. A number of them have encountered online incidents. Also, several respondents would less likely seek help from government and/or non-government organisations when encountering online incidents. Overall, credit card use and risks in the e-market is an under-research area in Australia, and this is a pilot study in this field. Findings from this chapter would contribute to the body of knowledge of credit card use and debt due to online shopping, and e-consumer protection.


Author(s):  
Shaheb Ali ◽  
Rafiqul Islam ◽  
Ferdausur Rahman

Business intelligence (BI) institutionalization has become a growing research area within the information systems (IS) discipline because of the decision-making iteration in businesses. Studies on BI application in improving decision support are not new. However, research on BI institutionalization seems sparse. BI institutionalization may positively contribute to a managerial role in using BI application repetitively for the decision-making iteration in businesses. This article aims to carry out an integrative literature review and report consolidated views of the body of knowledge. The study adopted a qualitative content analysis to generate themes about BI routinization in the decision-making iteration. Eighty-eight research articles were selected for the study. However, 57 articles were finally included for review. The findings suggest information management capability as the key necessity for BI application and its alignment with the organizational standard for BI institutionalization.


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