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Mathematical Modelling of an Outbeak of Zombie Infection.

trekkiedane

Admiral
Admiral
If zombies actually existed, an attack by them would lead to the collapse of civilisation unless dealt with quickly and aggressively.

That is the conclusion of a mathematical exercise carried out by researchers in Canada.
BBC News

The study (PDF)

Apparently we're doomed
zombie.gif
 
I disagree with the model.

Humans in the removed class can resurrect and become a zombie (parameter ζ ).

Zombies move to the removed class upon being ‘defeated’. This can be done by removing the head or destroying the brain of the zombie (parameter α).

I'm disagreeing with the assumption that destroyed zombies would resurrect as new zombies. Surely, if it is destroyed by removing head (or enough other parts), then it couldn't resurrect?

The model should have two dead classes:

(R) dead and able to resurrect
(D) dead and unable to resurrect (properly destroyed zombies).

So this is the correct model:
S' = Π − β S Z − δS
Z' = β S Z + ζ R − αS Z
R' = δS − ζ R
D' = αS Z

Also, if people who die natural deaths are also properly destroyed to preemptively prevent their future zombification, then this is the correct model:

S' = Π − β S Z − δS
Z' = β S Z + ζ R − αS Z
R' = − ζ R
D' = αS Z + δS

So R=0

Hence,
S' = Π − β S Z − δS
Z' = β S Z − αS Z
D' = αS Z + δS

Then as long as α > β, the zombies are under control, and will eventually be eliminated.



The report is just scaremongering. Don't believe the lies.
 
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I agree. As much as I've liked the Romero movies, I've never bought into the overnight collapse of civilization scenario. There would be some chaos for a couple of days and some lingering problems, but we'd be able to handle it.
 
Whatever happens in this scenario, if you happen to stumble upon a woman sitting on the floor in her underwear crying, run the other way.
 
Whatever happens in this scenario, if you happen to stumble upon a woman sitting on the floor in her underwear crying, run the other way.

And while it might seem like a good idea to seek refuge there, remember: pubs are not zombie-safe!
 
I disagree with the model.

Humans in the removed class can resurrect and become a zombie (parameter ζ ).
Zombies move to the removed class upon being ‘defeated’. This can be done by removing the head or destroying the brain of the zombie (parameter α).
I'm disagreeing with the assumption that destroyed zombies would resurrect as new zombies. Surely, if it is destroyed by removing head (or enough other parts), then it couldn't resurrect?

The model should have two dead classes:

(R) dead and able to resurrect
(D) dead and unable to resurrect (properly destroyed zombies).

So this is the correct model:
S' = Π − β S Z − δS
Z' = β S Z + ζ R − αS Z
R' = δS − ζ R
D' = αS Z

Also, if people who die natural deaths are also properly destroyed to preemptively prevent their future zombification, then this is the correct model:

S' = Π − β S Z − δS
Z' = β S Z + ζ R − αS Z
R' = − ζ R
D' = αS Z + δS

So R=0

Hence,
S' = Π − β S Z − δS
Z' = β S Z − αS Z
D' = αS Z + δS

Then as long as α > β, the zombies are under control, and will eventually be eliminated.



The report is just scaremongering. Don't believe the lies.

That's hot!:bolian:;)
 
My university is just a little bit more awesome because of this. :techman:
I'm wondering whether Zeke was in on this.

Didn't\doesn't he go to the University of Waterloo? I thought he was just from Ottawa.
You're right, it was Waterloo; I couldn't remember off the top of my head where he'd gone after Carleton. He's also told me since that he wasn't involved, but still, it didn't sound like an entirely unlikely avenue for him, either.

zombie3.gif
 
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Basically, this study tells me that 28 Days Later seems a fairly realistic representation of what would happen (well, realistic considering the subject matter).
 
I love it when science does things like this. Glad to see their research grants are not going to waste... ;)
 
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