Abstract
Applying model-based testing to interactive systems enables the systematic testing of the system by automatically simulating user actions on the user interface. It reduces the cost of (expensive) user testing by identifying implementations errors without the involvement of human users, but raises a number of specific challenges, such as how to achieve good coverage of the actual use of the system during the testing process. This paper describes TOM, a model-based testing framework that uses a combination of tools and mutation testing techniques to maximize testing of user interface behaviors.

Abstract

Abstract
Urban form is an important driver of energy demand and therefore of GHG emissions in urban areas. Yet, research on urban form and energy remains sectorial and hasn't been able to deliver a full understanding of the impact of the physical structure of cities upon their energy demand. Most common approaches feature engineering models in buildings, and statistical models in transports. This study aims at contributing to the characterization of the link between urban form and energy considering altogether three distinct energy uses: ambient heating and cooling in buildings, and travel. A high-resolution methodology is proposed. It applies GIS to provide the analysis with a spatially-explicit character, and neural networks to model energy demand based on a set of relevant urban form indicators. The results confirm that the effect of urban form indicators on the overall energy needs is far from being negligible. In particular, the number of floors, the diversity of activities within a walking reach, the floor area and the subdivision of blocks evidenced a significant impact on the overall energy demand of the case study analyzed.

Abstract
In this article we propose a decagonal photonic crystal fiber (D-PCF) consisting unique cladding without structural complexity having very high birefringent of the order of 10-2, less effective area of few square microns as well as low confinement loss of the order of 10-2 dB/m at 1.55 µm wavelength. The zero dispersion wavelength is also achieved in the near infrared region. This study clearly attributes to the fact that the zero dispersion wavelength at the near infrared region, very high birefringence and low confinement loss can be adjusted according to the necessity by changing the structural parameters with considerable fabrication tolerance. This fiber can prove itself useful in laser technology, telecommunication, non-linear application, sensor technology and also in making polarization maintaining devices. © 2017 Elsevier B.V.

Abstract
Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of structural empowerment, psychological empowerment and intrinsic motivation on perceived customer satisfaction in contact centers. Design/methodology/approach - A questionnaire was conducted among 703 employees of a contact center. Data analysis was based on structural equation modeling. Findings - Structural empowerment results in higher levels of perceived customer satisfaction through psychological empowerment and intrinsic motivation. Furthermore, structural empowerment effect on psychological empowerment is mediated by intrinsic motivation. Practical implications - Previous predictions regarding counterproductive impact of empowerment in a low-service heterogeneity sector, such as contact center are challenged and a transformative message is disclosed in what concerns human resource management (HRM) in contact centers. Originality/value - The research provides valuable insights for both scholars and practitioners regarding the process through which employees' psychological empowerment and intrinsic motivation improves customer satisfaction in the context of contact centers.

Abstract
Accounting for the increasing uncertainties related to forecast of renewables is becoming an essential requirement while assessing the security of future power system scenarios. The FP7 EU project iTesla tackles these needs and reaches several major objectives, including the development of a security platform architecture. In particular, the platform implements a complex stochastic dependence model to simulate a reasonable cloud of plausible "future" states - due to renewable forecast - around the expected state, and evaluates the security on relevant states sampling the cloud of uncertainty. The paper focuses on the proposed model of the uncertainty and its exploitation in power system security assessment process.