429
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020
P. Saundry, B. L. Ruddell (eds.), The Food-Energy-Water Nexus, AESS
Interdisciplinary Environmental Studies and Sciences Series,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-29914-9_16
Chapter 16
Computing
Emre Eftelioglu and Shashi Shekhar
16.1 Introduction
This chapter reviews how computer science and technologies are contributing to
FEW systems research. First, some background on computer science is provided to
familiarize readers with basic concepts. Then, it provides an overview of computer
science as a scientific tool as well as FEW Nexus specific challenges, followed by
several case studies that are presented to illustrate in greater detail the role computing in nexus-related endeavors.
16.2 What Is Computer Science?
In a nutshell, computer science can be defined as the study of information. It uses
science, engineering, and mathematics to understand information and create an efficient way to collect, store, and use it. Some activities of computer science are primarily science, for example, experimental algorithms, computational science, and
experimental computer science. However, it also has some pure engineering roots,
such as design, development, software engineering as well as computer engineering. Moreover, it uses mathematics where the computational complexity,
E. Eftelioglu (*)
Engineering and Data Sciences, Cargill Inc., Wayzata, MN, USA
e-mail: emre_eftelioglu@cargill.com
S. Shekhar
Computer Science & Engineering, College of Science & Engineering,
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
e-mail: shekhar@umn.edu
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020
P. Saundry, B. L. Ruddell (eds.), The Food-Energy-Water Nexus, AESS
Interdisciplinary Environmental Studies and Sciences Series,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-29914-9_16
Chapter 16
Computing
Emre Eftelioglu and Shashi Shekhar
16.1 Introduction
This chapter reviews how computer science and technologies are contributing to
FEW systems research. First, some background on computer science is provided to
familiarize readers with basic concepts. Then, it provides an overview of computer
science as a scientific tool as well as FEW Nexus specific challenges, followed by
several case studies that are presented to illustrate in greater detail the role computing in nexus-related endeavors.
16.2 What Is Computer Science?
In a nutshell, computer science can be defined as the study of information. It uses
science, engineering, and mathematics to understand information and create an efficient way to collect, store, and use it. Some activities of computer science are primarily science, for example, experimental algorithms, computational science, and
experimental computer science. However, it also has some pure engineering roots,
such as design, development, software engineering as well as computer engineering. Moreover, it uses mathematics where the computational complexity,
E. Eftelioglu (*)
Engineering and Data Sciences, Cargill Inc., Wayzata, MN, USA
e-mail: emre_eftelioglu@cargill.com
S. Shekhar
Computer Science & Engineering, College of Science & Engineering,
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
e-mail: shekhar@umn.edu