In this theme
Decisions under uncertainty
Mathematical models describe a real-life phenomenon, using mathematical language. The model will not exactly be like the reality, but can be used to learn from and help us make decisions.
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Distributing work in a network of servers••
December 4 2023, by Diego GoldsztanjThis article discusses a fun puzzle that illustrates a beautiful open problem in this area: queueing theorists are trying to figure out how the structure of a network impacts its ability to distribute work among the nodes.Read article - Article
Why scientists keep failing at stopping COVID and how mathematicians can help.••
September 21 2023, by Marta MilewskaDespite our level of development, the pandemic has been continuously causing us struggles for two years. This gives rise to an obvious question: How can contemporary science not deal with a flu-like virus?Read article - Article
Let’s make it on time without wasting time on it•
January 20 2023, by Elene AntonWhat if I tell you that long queues in airports are also caused by the impatient passengers that arrive too far in advance at the airport? Today, we will analyze how the organization of the security check queue affects the waiting time of passengers.Read article - Article
How do you decide who is the most important?•••
September 15 2022, by Anne van GrinsvenImagine you’re in a remote village and only have a limited number of vaccines to distribute to protect the community from a deadly virus, who do you vaccinate? A difficult decision, but necessary. Assuming that the disease is just as deadly for everyone in the community, the best way to prevent deaths is to contain the spread of the virus.Read article - Article
Why you may need to reconsider your route selection criterium•
April 15 2022, by Rens KamphuisYou have a job interview in 20 minutes and you are in a hurry to arrive at your application in time. To make matters even more stressful, there are many routes to your destination, but you have no idea which one to select. Luckily, you have access to a navigation system that can help you in your route selection process.Read article