Virtual plant modelling is becoming a hot issue both in computer graphics and agricultural researches. However, high-realistic plant modelling and plant animation is still a problem both in theory and applications. In this study, an interactive animation method for virtual maize dynamic simulation is presented, and an experimental system is developed by using C + + program language and OpenGL library. Firstly, true three-dimensional data and structural parameters of maize plant are collected as the foundation of modelling and animation. Secondly, an accurate virtual maize model is constructed based on interactive parameterised modelling. Constrained by logistic growth model, a group of key parameters is generated and precise maize animation with high-realistic visualisation is created according to the factual plant growth. Furthermore, an applied system is developed based on the proposed algorithm, and a set of simulation results are generated by use of the system. The results show that the proposed method is feasible for realistic dynamic simulation and animation of maize. Finally, main contributions and limitations of the authors work are discussed, and some problems are addressed as the future works.

In the real-world, there are many types of software systems and software engineers always deal with changes. The value of large systems decreases significantly as the requirements and operational environment change over time. Modern software systems are expected to have dynamic reconfigurations to cope with failure and changes. Software adaptation techniques try to overcome the change problem by reconfiguration. In this study, at first, the authors present a formal framework to represent the whole system and then, build a mathematical model called ‘adaptor’ based on adaptation contract and system architecture. The adaptor is used to define automatic fit between two different components of the system. Finally, for specifying the whole adaptor system the authors will introduce adaptor network using synchronisation vectors.

Traditional dependence tests detect dependences with linear array subscripts, but only give passive results to those with non-linear expressions. It may result in a multitude of pseudo-dependences. To maximise the parallelism of applications and improve an optimising compiler's ability of detecting dependences between program statements, it is necessary to develop a non-linear dependence test to eliminate these pseudo-dependences. This study presents a new non-linear dependence test by analysing the optimal solution of the quadratic subscripts with the index bounds constraints. The authors prove that the non-linear dependences caused by subscripts, which can be written in the form of quadratic programming model, are able to be detected, and introduce a non-linear dependence testing algorithm based on quadratic programming. The effectiveness of this algorithm is verified. The authors developed a prototype implementation of the test with the Open64 compiler and evaluated it using some real world applications from Perfect Club benchmarks and Spec2006 benchmark suites. The experimental results indicate that, compared to existing testing methods, the quadratic programming (QP) test is more efficient for quadratic cases.

Offshore software outsourcing is a widely used business strategy for producing high-quality software at low cost. Trust plays a vital role in establishing the offshore software outsourcing relationships between client and vendor organisations. The objective of this research study is to identify factors via systematic literature review (SLR) that are important for establishing trust in offshore software outsourcing relationships. The authors have performed an SLR by applying the customised search strings, which were derived from the research questions. The authors have identified factors such as face-to-face meeting, better communication, contract management between client and vendor, defining processes, tools, procedures and policies, reliable management, knowledge sharing, mutual expectations, better client-vendor relationship and training programmes that are generally considered critical for establishing trust in offshore software outsourcing relationships. The results also reveal the similarities and differences in the factors identified through different study strategies and in different continents. Offshore software outsourcing companies should focus on the frequently cited factors in order to compete in the offshore software outsourcing business.