Estimating population sizes for wild animals and how they are changing is critical for the conservation of biodiversity. The difficulty is that it's often impossible to physically count them. Data from capture-recapture methods can be used with a statistical model to estimate population sizes and, by including environmental information, it is possible to understand what factors influence changes in population.
read moreMutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are known to lead to an increased risk of cancer in humans. Elective surgery can reduce the cancer risk, but is an incredibly difficult and personal decision for healthy patients to take. Statistical techniques can be used to produce a personalised risk profile with likely timescales of disease onset allowing a patient to make a more informed decision.
read moreA bank would like to keep customer waiting times below 5 minutes in order to ensure an appropriate level of customer service. The wait time depends on two main factors: the time of day and the number of tellers of operating. By carrying out an operational analysis, it is possible to calculate the optimal number of tellers required throughout the day.
read moreWhen planners are developing coastal flood defences, they have to consider to what height they should build a sea wall so that the probability of flooding over a pre-specified future period is sufficiently small. Reliable estimates can be obtained using a statistical model that incorporates all the processes that affect extreme sea-levels.
read moreCustomer satisfaction surveys are a useful tool for identifying strengths and weaknesses in a business. However, these types of surveys can suffer from a self-selection bias reducing their reliability. Using customer information (such as nationality, age or gender), it is possible to model the probability of a customer responding to a survey and to correct the bias caused by self-selection allowing businesses to better understand customer needs.
read moreDespite the large uncertainties associated with economic conditions, local policy makers have to assess future policy options. Due to the lack of statistical information at a local level, it is necessary to consider sub-regional information in light of more up-to-date regional and national data.
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