Advances in parallel and distributed computing and its applications (Editorial)

Parallel and distributed computing has been the basis to many emerging areas, such as smart networks, cloud computing, big data analysis, and blockchain technology. Without the development of parallel and distributed computing technologies and various types of systems, it is not possible to meet the requirement on efficiency, accuracy, scalability, and reliability for various critical applications that support our modern economy and society. While parallel and distributed computing played a vital role in modern science, engineering, biology, medicine, pharmacy, astronomy, geology, and archaeology, its application has also been extended to business, finance, economics, management, government, and defense, covering all aspects of our modern society and life. Furthermore, parallel and distributed computing has emerged in recent advances of many hotspot research directions including artificial intelligence, machine learning, Internet of Things, bioinformatics, digital medicine, cybersecurity, and social computing, resulting in numerous ground-breading discoveries that are changing our society and life.