Existing Testing Services Research Articles

Remote embedded devices test framework on the cloud

SummaryEmbedded systems have high coupling and dependency among different hardware and software components in heterogeneous layers, which makes location and issue tracking in their testing difficult. Despite these poor verification conditions, even the most important reliability quality verification among embedded system characteristics is verified with insufficient sample size, typical test cases, and general test strategies, following limitations such as development costs and scheduling. As a result, shipments are highly likely to lead to various reliability quality problems because items have not been verified considering reliability quality characteristics. Hence, to address this gap, this study developed remote embedded device test framework on the cloud (RED‐TFC), which has an innovative reliability test manager component that can automatically perform various tests for the evaluation of reliability and performance of distributed shared devices by utilizing the cloud concept. RED‐TFC offers two key enhancements over existing testing services: (i) the adaptive sample scale for reliability test (ASRT), a feature that identifies the most appropriate sample size for performing functionality and reliability tests of remote verification targets connected to the RED‐TFC server; and (ii) the mass sample reliability test (MSRT), which uses a test case that is specific to reliability, with the sample size obtained by ASRT, to perform verification following the Markov prediction process. This paper analyses two Android smartphone models considered the most generic examples, including many embedded components, and presents a method of detecting a high number of reliability problems in smartphones using the proposed RED‐TFC and its implications.

Zambian Peer Educators for HIV Self-Testing (ZEST) study: rationale and design of a cluster randomised trial of HIV self-testing among female sex workers in Zambia

BackgroundHIV testing and knowledge of status are starting points for HIV treatment and prevention interventions. Among female sex workers (FSWs), HIV testing and status knowledge remain far from universal. HIV...

Testing experiences of HIV positive refugees in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda: informing interventions to encourage priority shifting

BackgroundRecent initiatives by international health and humanitarian aid organizations have focused increased attention on making HIV testing services more widely available to vulnerable populations. To realize potential health benefits from new services, they must be utilized. This research addresses the question of how utilization of testing services might be encouraged and increased for refugees displaced by conflict, to make better use of existing resources.MethodsOpen-ended interviews were conducted with HIV-infected refugees (N=73) who had tested for HIV and with HIV clinic staff (N=4) in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in southwest Uganda. Interviews focused on accessibility of HIV/AIDS-related testing and care and perspectives on how to improve utilization of testing services. Data collection took place at the Nakivale HIV/AIDS Clinic from March to July of 2011. An inductive approach to data analysis was used to identify factors related to utilization.ResultsIn general, interviewees report focusing daily effort on tasks aimed at meeting survival needs. HIV testing is not prioritized over these responsibilities. Under some circumstances, however, HIV testing occurs. This happens when: (a) circumstances realign to trigger a temporary shift in priorities away from daily survival-related tasks; (b) survival needs are temporarily met; and/or (c) conditions shift to alleviate barriers to HIV testing.ConclusionHIV testing services provided for refugees must be not just available, but also utilized. Understanding what makes HIV testing possible for refugees who have tested can inform interventions to increase testing in this population. Intervening by encouraging priority shifts toward HIV testing, by helping ensure survival needs are met, and by eliminating barriers to testing, may result in refugees making better use of existing testing services.

Human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus testing services at syringe exchange programs: Availability and outcomes

We described the availability and outcomes of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing services at syringe exchange programs throughout California, using interviews with 24 syringe exchange program directors and 560 syringe exchange clients. Both HIV and HCV testing services were available in 62% of programs, 21% had HIV testing only, and 17% had neither. Programs administered by health care/social service providers were more likely than independent syringe exchange programs to have HIV and HCV testing services available. Among clients of programs with testing available, clients of illegal programs were significantly less likely than clients of legal programs to have used syringe exchange HIV and HCV testing services. The availability of HIV and HCV testing services at syringe exchange programs varies, and the use of existing testing services by clients is not universal. Efforts to increase both the availability of HIV and HCV testing services at syringe exchange programs and the use of existing testing services are needed.