Getting the goat
Article Abstract:
Food safety and whether genetically modified foods are safe is an issue related to risk assessment, which in turn can be illuminated by looking at mathematical puzzles. The probability of two people sharing birthdays from a sample of 25 is much higher than generally realised. The probability of a box in a game show containing a prize changes once one box has been opened, revealing a dud prize. The odds of testing false-positive are also not what a non-mathematician might calculate. Intuition may not be helpful when assessing risk.
Publication Name: The Economist (UK)
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0013-0613
Year: 1999
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Of springs, crowds, crinkles and the price of the yen
Article Abstract:
The use of fractal mathematics is no longer limited to the fields of cosmology and botany. Fractal mathematics now play an important part in data compression for computers. Fractals have made it possible to store over two hours of video images on CD-ROM, up from a previous limit of 72 minutes.
Publication Name: The Economist (UK)
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0013-0613
Year: 1996
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