Tool support for generating passive C++ test oracles from object-z specifications

A test oracle provides a means for determining whether an implementation behaves according to its specification. A passive test oracle checks that the correct behaviour has been implemented, but does not implement the behaviour itself. In previous work, we have presented a method that allows us to derive passive C++ test oracles from formal specifications written in Object-Z. We describe the "Warlock" prototype tool that supports the method. Warlock is built on top of an existing Object-Z type checker and generates oracle code for a substantial subset of the Object-Z language. We describe the architecture of Warlock and its application to a number of Object-Z specifications. We also discuss its current limitations.

What makes a good article? Generating an insightful manuscript

Purpose – The purpose of this editorial is to provide guidance to EJM authors about the structure and presentation of manuscripts that are likely to be insightful and that will probably provide contributions to knowledge. Design/methodology/approach – The approach is editorial advice based on the Editors' experience of receiving circa 500 manuscripts during their first year as Joint Editors of EJM, but which is also consistent with guidance in other leading journals. Findings – Guidance is provided for authors when preparing and revising their manuscripts, which is also a basis for further discussion and exchange concerning the effectiveness of communicating research outcomes. Research limitations/implications – The guidance is based on the views of the EJM Joint Editors, although it is consistent with other leading journals. Practical implications – Hopefully, authors will find the guidance helpful, although the editors emphasise that it is guidance and not a strict prescription that must be obeyed. Originality/value – Hopefully, the editorial provides more “food for thought” for authors.

Generating music with graphical models

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Using genetic programming and decision trees for generating structural descriptions of four bar mechanisms

Four bar mechanisms are basic components of many important mechanical devices. The kinematic synthesis of four bar mechanisms is a difficult design problem. A novel method that combines the genetic programming and decision tree learning methods is presented. We give a structural description for the class of mechanisms that produce desired coupler curves. Constructive induction is used to find and characterize feasible regions of the design space. Decision trees constitute the learning engine, and the new features are created by genetic programming.

Partial Quasi-Bilateral Generating Function Involving some Special Functions

A group-theoretic method of obtaining more general class of generating functions from a given class of partial quasi-bilateral generating functions involving Hermite, Laguerre and Gegenbaur polynomials are discussed.

Generating More Boundary Elements of Subset Projections

Composition problem is considered for partition constrained vertex subsets of n dimensional unit cube E^n . Generating numerical characteristics of E^n subsets partitions is considered by means of the same characteristics in 1 − n dimensional unit cube, and construction of corresponding subsets is given for a special particular case. Using pairs of lower layer characteristic vectors for E^(1-n) more characteristic vectors for E^n are composed which are boundary from one side, and which take part in practical recognition of validness of a given candidate vector of partitions.

A Note on a Classical Generating Function for the Jacobi Polynomials

Mathematics Subject Classification: 33C45.