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Industrial robotic systems (IRS) consist of industrial robots that automate industrial processes. They accurately perform repetitive tasks, replacing or assisting with dangerous jobs like assembly in the automotive and chemical industries. Failures in these systems can be catastrophic, so it is important to ensure their quality and safety before using them. One way to do this is by applying a software testing process to find faults before they become failures. However, software testing in industrial robotic systems has some challenges. These include differences in perspectives on software testing from people with diverse backgrounds, coordinating and collaborating with diverse teams, and performing software testing within the complex integration inherent in industrial environments. In traditional systems, a well-known development process uses simple, structured sentences in English to facilitate communication between project team members and business stakeholders. This process is called behavior-driven development (BDD), and one of its pillars is the use of templates to write user stories, scenarios, and automated acceptance tests. We propose a software testing (ST) approach called automated acceptance testing for industrial robotic systems (AAT4IRS) that uses natural language to write the features and scenarios to be tested. We evaluated our ST approach through a proof-of-concept, performing a pick-and-place process and applying mutation testing to measure its effectiveness. The results show that the test suites implemented using AAT4IRS were highly effective, with 79% of the generated mutants detected, thus instilling confidence in the robustness of our approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new constellation lifecycle cost optimization problem was introduced. • Useful insights to the satellite burn-in problem can guide satellite manufacturers. • Long testing durations are undesirable; testing can be traded off with number of satellites produced. • Combining burn-in, warranty and availability analysis opens new paths for constellation research. Constellation lifecycle costs are an important metric for constellation designers. Recurring costs of mega constellations in particular are large relative to the non-recurring costs, yet little attention has been given to the reduction of recurring costs. Moreover, few studies exist on the impacts of pre-launch activities such as satellite testing on subsequent operational reliability. We thus study the lifecycle cost impacts of environmental stress screening during acceptance testing to minimize constellation lifecycle costs. Parallels are drawn with the field of electronics testing, and costs arising from burn-in, replacement and availability are considered in our formulation. A single-objective cost minimization problem and a multi-objective cost and unavailability minimization problem are presented to capture different mission applications that require different objectives. The effects of system homogeneity and the use of sparing strategies are investigated. We propose genetic algorithms to solve the optimization problems and give some insight into how burn-in should be carried out for minimizing total costs. The optimization is also applied to a case study of a proposed mission scenario and the constellation lifecycle costs of an optimized burn-in plan are compared to those of a typical "reliability target" burn-in plan. The optimization resulted in lifecycle cost savings of around 19% while significantly reducing the burn-in duration, showing much promise in the burn-in cost optimization approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial robotic systems (IRS) consist of industrial robots that automate industrial processes. They accurately perform repetitive tasks, replacing or assisting with dangerous jobs like assembly in the automotive and chemical industries. Failures in these systems can be catastrophic, so it is important to ensure their quality and safety before using them. One way to do this is by applying a software testing process to find faults before they become failures. However, software testing in industrial robotic systems has some challenges. These include differences in perspectives on software testing from people with diverse backgrounds, coordinating and collaborating with diverse teams, and performing software testing within the complex integration inherent in industrial environments. In traditional systems, a well-known development process uses simple, structured sentences in English to facilitate communication between project team members and business stakeholders. This process is called behavior-driven development (BDD), and one of its pillars is the use of templates to write user stories, scenarios, and automated acceptance tests. We propose a software testing (ST) approach called automated acceptance testing for industrial robotic systems (AAT4IRS) that uses natural language to write the features and scenarios to be tested. We evaluated our ST approach through a proof-of-concept, performing a pick-and-place process and applying mutation testing to measure its effectiveness. The results show that the test suites implemented using AAT4IRS were highly effective, with 79% of the generated mutants detected, thus instilling confidence in the robustness of our approach.

Aim: To report on the performance characteristics of the 5‐ring GE Discovery MI PET/CT systems using the AAPM TG‐126 report and compare these results to NEMA NU 2‐2012 where applicable. Materials and Methods: TG‐126 testing was performed on two GE 5‐Rings Discovery MI scanners. Tests performed included spatial resolution, PET/CT image‐registration accuracy, sensitivity, count rate performance, accuracy of corrections, image contrast, scatter/attenuation correction, and image uniformity. All acquired data were analyzed using scanner console or free software tools as described by TG‐126 and the results were then compared to published NEMA NU 2‐2012 values. Results: Both scanners gave similar resolution results for TG‐126 and NEMA NU 2‐2012 and were within manufacturer specifications. Image‐registration accuracy between PET and CT using our clinical protocol showed excellent results with values ≤1 mm. Sensitivity using TG‐126 was 19.43 cps/kBq while for NEMA the value was 20.73 cps/kBq. The peak noise‐equivalent counting rate was 2174 kcps at 63.1 kBq/mL and is not comparable to NEMA NU 2‐2012 due to differences in phantoms and methods used to measure and calculate this parameter. The accuracy of corrections for count losses for TG‐126 were expressed in SUV values and found to be within 10% of the expected SUV measurement of 1. Image contrast and scatter/attenuation correction using the TG‐126 method gave acceptable results. Image uniformity assessment resulted in values within the recommended ± 5% limits. Conclusion: These results show that the 5‐ring GE Discovery MI PET/CT scanner testing using TG‐126 is reproducible and has similar results to NEMA NU 2‐2012 tests where applicable. We hope these results start to form the basis to compare PET/CT systems using TG‐126. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In this article, we summarize the deployment of the Air Force Weather (AFW) HPC11 system at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) including the process followed to successfully complete acceptance testing of the system. HPC11 is the first HPE/Cray EX 3000 system that has been successfully released to its user community in a federal facility. HPC11 consists of two identical 800‐node supercomputers, Fawbush and Miller, with access to two independent and identical lustre parallel file systems. HPC11 is equipped with Slingshot 10 interconnect technology and relies on the HPE Performance Cluster Manager software for system configuration. ORNL has a clearly defined acceptance testing process used to ensure that every new system deployed can provide the necessary capabilities to support user workloads. We worked closely with HPE and AFW to develop a set of tests that used the United Kingdom's Meteorological Office's Unified Model and 4‐dimensional variational data assimilation. We also included benchmarks and applications from the Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility portfolio to fully exercise the HPE/Cray programming environment and evaluate the functionality and performance of the system. Acceptance testing of HPC11 required parallel execution of each element on Fawbush and Miller. In addition, careful coordination was needed to ensure successful acceptance of the newly deployed lustre file systems alongside the compute resources. In this work, we present test results from specific system components and provide an overview of the issues identified, challenges encountered, and the lessons learned along the way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Failure reporting analysis and corrective action system (FRACAS) is used during the development, manufacturing and deployment stages of a product. It helps in the knowledge process to learn about the root cause of failure through failure analysis and then implement the required corrective action. The objective of this research is to propose a productivity-oriented FRACAS framework and to determine its usefulness at a manufacturer site for medical oxygen plant (MOP). MOP is a spin-off technology of the onboard oxygen generating system (OOGS) used in defence fighter aircrafts. During implementation, the FRACAS framework was found to have effectiveness of 89%, with testing failure rate being reduced significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TaiChi, a new multi-modality radiotherapy platform that integrates a linear accelerator, a focusing gamma system, and a kV imaging system within an enclosed O-ring gantry, was introduced into clinical application. This work aims to assess the technological characteristics and commissioning results of the TaiChi platform. The acceptance testing and commissioning were performed following the manufacturer's customer acceptance tests (CAT) and several AAPM Task Group (TG) reports/guidelines. Regarding the linear accelerator (linac), all applicable validation measurements recommended by the MPPG 5.a (basic photon beam model validation, intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)/volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) validation, end-to-end(E2E) tests, and patient-specific quality assurance (QA)) were performed. For the focusing gamma system, the absorbed doses were measured using a PTW31014 ion chamber (IC) and PTW60016 diode detector. EBT3 films and a PTW60016 diode detector were employed to measure the relative output factors (ROFs). The E2E tests were performed using PTW31014 IC and EBT3 films. The coincidences between the imaging isocenter and the linac/gamma mechanical isocenter were investigated using EBT3 films. The image quality was evaluated regarding the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), spatial resolution, and uniformity. All tests included in the CAT met the manufacturer's specifications. All MPPG 5.a measurements complied with the tolerances. The confidence limits for IMRT/VMAT point dose and dose distribution measurements were achieved according to TG-119. The point dose differences were below 1.68% and gamma passing rates (3%/2 mm) were above 95.1% for the linac E2E tests. All plans of patient-specific QA had point dose differences below 1.79% and gamma passing rates above 96.1% using the 3%/2 mm criterion suggested by TG-218. For the focusing gamma system, the differences between the calculated and measured absorbed doses were below 1.86%. The ROFs calculated by the TPS were independently confirmed within 2% using EBT3 films and a PTW60016 detector. The point dose differences were below 2.57% and gamma passing rates were above 95.3% using the 2%/1 mm criterion for the E2E tests. The coincidences between the imaging isocenter and the linac/gamma mechanical isocenter were within 0.5 mm. The image quality parameters fully complied with the manufacturer's specifications regarding the CNR, spatial resolution, and uniformity. The multi-modality radiotherapy platform complies with the CAT and AAPM commissioning criteria. The commissioning results demonstrate that this platform performs well in mechanical and dosimetry accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entomophagy is directly connected with culture, explaining why it is commonly rejected in Western countries. Due to increased meat consumption in recent years with its associated negative impacts on health and sustainability, the development of products based on alternative protein sources has become urgent. The larval form of Tenebrio molitor (mealworm) has the potential to substitute meat as it requires less resources and produces less emissions compared to other forms of meat production. Therefore, in this project we have aimed to develop pasta sauces with differing mealworm contents based on a common meat sauce and to test the acceptance with 91 consumers in Austria. Three sauces (100% mealworm, 50% mealworm and 50% meat, 100% meat) were developed and tested using a 9-point hedonic scale for acceptance, and the CATA (Check-All-That-Apply) method was integrated to also receive descriptive information. The analysis of the liking data revealed that the liking for the hybrid sauce with meat and mealworm content was comparable to the meat sauce (6.9 ± 1.8. vs. 6.5 ± 1.8, p > 0.05). Less liked was the sauce with the highest mealworm content (5.7 ± 1.8, p < 0.05). The CATA analysis demonstrated the strongest positive effects on the mean in terms of how much the products were liked for the attribute "fleshy" (0.8). On the other hand, the attributes "brownish" (−0.9) or "mushy" (−1.0) had the strongest negative effects on the mean of the liking of products. We have seen that meat cannot be substituted by mealworm immediately and completely. The results suggest a stepwise substitution and the further adaptation of products regarding the (negative and positive effecting) attributes to increase consumer acceptance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the use of multi-material objects in industry continues to rise, the need for geometrical quality control by means of computed tomography-based coordinate measurement systems (CT-based CMSs) for entire geometries is rising as well. But the lack of international standards and the limited knowledge available on the influence of multi-materials on dimensional CT measurements greatly impairs the reliability of this technology. Therefore this paper, after summarising the multi-material effects on dimensional CT measurements, will evaluate the performance of a metrology CT system for multi-material measurements. The objectives here are to gather evidence for and to better understand the multi-material influence on CT measurements. The investigation consisted of carrying out test measurements similar to standardised acceptance test measurements using a set of dedicated multi-material reference standards. The evaluation of the measurement results relied on statistical analyses and estimation of the test value uncertainty. This evaluation has validated that effects not present in mono-material measurements indeed exist in multi-material measurements, thus highlighting the importance of considering multi-material effects on dimensional CT measurements. • Evaluation of the multi-material performance of an X-ray CT system. • Determination of the test value uncertainty for CT multi-material measurements. • Importance of multi-material effects to be considered in normative documents. • Multi-material effects are not visible in mono-material measurements. • Proof of the statistical relevance of the multi-material acceptance testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ophthalmic brachytherapy treats eye lesions by stitching plaques containing a radionuclide (e.g. Ru-106) onto the sclera. Compliance with quality assurance standards is crucial, but practical limitations complicate independent source strength measurement in clinical practice. In this article, a new prototype for acceptance testing of Ru-106 plaques is assayed to assess its suitability for a hospital's medical physics department. The system designed for Ru-106 plaque assessment includes a phantom basin fillable with water, a Si-diode for electrons coupled with an electrometer, type-dependent plaque holders and a micrometre gauge. Testing involved the measurement of three plaque types (CCA, CIB, COB) by six medical physics experts and trainees, the assessment of inter and intra-observer variability and the suitability for measurement at the reference point, 2 mm. Measured absorbed dose rates in water at 2 mm from the plaque surface demonstrated compatibility across all testers for the three plaques. Intra and inter-observer variability was minimal (1.0% and 1.3% of the measured value, respectively), confirming system robustness in terms of operator influence. The system proves suitable for Ru-106 plaque acceptance testing ensuring accurate plaque positioning and dose rate verification at 2 mm. These findings confirm its potential as a support for compliance with quality assurance standards. These results are subject to the issue of the corresponding calibration certificate for the Si-diode. • Technical difficulties to verify the dose rate to water for Ru-106 plaques represent an anomalous situation in brachytherapy. • Beta testing of a new prototype for acceptance testing of Ru-106 plaques in ocular brachytherapy is presented. • The system proves suitable for clinical use, ensuring robust operator handling and adequate dose rate verification at 2 mm. • The prototype has potential to address gap in quality assurance, thereby enhancing patient safety and clinical outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entomophagy is directly connected with culture, explaining why it is commonly rejected in Western countries. Due to increased meat consumption in recent years with its associated negative impacts on health and sustainability, the development of products based on alternative protein sources has become urgent. The larval form of Tenebrio molitor (mealworm) has the potential to substitute meat as it requires less resources and produces less emissions compared to other forms of meat production. Therefore, in this project we have aimed to develop pasta sauces with differing mealworm contents based on a common meat sauce and to test the acceptance with 91 consumers in Austria. Three sauces (100% mealworm, 50% mealworm and 50% meat, 100% meat) were developed and tested using a 9-point hedonic scale for acceptance, and the CATA (Check-All-That-Apply) method was integrated to also receive descriptive information. The analysis of the liking data revealed that the liking for the hybrid sauce with meat and mealworm content was comparable to the meat sauce (6.9 ± 1.8. vs. 6.5 ± 1.8, p > 0.05). Less liked was the sauce with the highest mealworm content (5.7 ± 1.8, p < 0.05). The CATA analysis demonstrated the strongest positive effects on the mean in terms of how much the products were liked for the attribute “fleshy” (0.8). On the other hand, the attributes “brownish” (−0.9) or “mushy” (−1.0) had the strongest negative effects on the mean of the liking of products. We have seen that meat cannot be substituted by mealworm immediately and completely. The results suggest a stepwise substitution and the further adaptation of products regarding the (negative and positive effecting) attributes to increase consumer acceptance.

The human body's reaction to various therapeutic medications is critical to comprehend since it aids in the appropriate construction of automated decision support systems for healthcare. Healthcare Internet of Things (IoT) solutions are becoming more accessible and trusted, necessitating more testing before they are standardized for commercial usage. We have developed an activity diagram based on the Unified Modeling Language (UML) to represent acceptability testing in IoT systems. The activity flow graph is used to extract all of the necessary information by traversing the activity flow diagram from start to finish, displaying all its properties. In this paper, a test case is generated to compute the type of diabetes using blood sugar test results, estimate the kind of diabetes, and the probability that a person would get diabetes in the future. We have demonstrated how these test cases can function using a telehealth care case study. First, we offer a high-level overview of the topic as well as a design model working diagram. The test case creation method is then outlined using the activity diagram as a guide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in medicine poses challenges to existing clinical workflows. This commentary discusses the necessity of context-specific quality assurance (QA), emphasizing the need for robust QA measures with quality control (QC) procedures that encompass (1) acceptance testing (AT) before clinical use, (2) continuous QC monitoring, and (3) adequate user training. The discussion also covers essential components of AT and QA, illustrated with real-world examples. We also highlight what we see as the shared responsibility of manufacturers or vendors, regulators, healthcare systems, medical physicists, and clinicians to enact appropriate testing and oversight to ensure a safe and equitable transformation of medicine through AI., Competing Interests: U.M., A.S.-D., H.-P.C., R.K.S., D.V., H.G., N.P., B.S., Z.H., K.C., G.T., T.M.D., D.R., R.M., and L.H. have nothing to disclose. K.D. receives royalties from Hologic. Q.C. has received compensations from Carina Medical LLC, not related to this work, provides consulting services for Reflexion Medical, not related to this work. R.M.S. received royalties for patents or software licenses from iCAD, Philips, ScanMed, Translation Holdings, PingAn, and MGB, and received research support from PingAn through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement, not related to this work. J.J.N. has received royalties from Hologic and from MEDIAN Technologies, through the University of Chicago licensing, not related to this work. H.Y. has received royalties from licensing fees to Hologic and Medians Technologies through the University of Chicago licensing, not related to this work. K.S. provides consulting services for Canon Medical, not related to this work. L.M. has received funding from HealthTriagesrl, not related to this work. H.H. has received funding from Siemens Healthineers for a scientific research project, not related to this work. SG.A. III has received royalties and licensing fees for computer-aided diagnosis through the University of Chicago Consultant, Novartis, not related to this work., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Institute of Radiology.)