On Thursday, November 18th, the Mathematics Study Program organized a webinar titled “Mathematical Modelling in The Real Life.” The event featured two speakers from both within and outside Universitas Airlangga. The first topic, “Fractional Modelling in The Real Life,” was presented by Ebenezer Bonyah, M.Ed., M.Sc., M.Sc., M.Ed., Ph.D., from the Akenten Appiah Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, Ghana. The second topic was delivered by Dr. Windarto, M.Si, a lecturer at the Mathematics Study Program, FST UNAIR, with the title “On Parameter Estimation in Mathematical Modelling.”
Attended by more than 120 participants from both domestic and international backgrounds, the event commenced with opening remarks from Dr. Fatmawati, Vice Dean III of FST representing the Dean of FST. In her address, she expressed her hope that the participants would gain experiences and knowledge related to fractional modeling and parameter estimation. “I hope that all of the participants here find a lot of experiences and knowledges about fractional and parameter estimation,” she stated.
Dr. Bonyah explained in his presentation how fractional models can produce modeling results closer to real conditions. In this context, he applied the model to simulate the spread of Covid-19. His research findings revealed the fluctuating nature of Covid-19 transmission.
On the other hand, Dr. Windarto discussed the comparison of various methods for estimating the parameters of a model, including Genetic Algorithm (GA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and Firefly Algorithm (FA). Responding to questions regarding the selection of appropriate estimation methods, Dr. Windarto remarked, “There is no perfect model, just as there is no perfect method.” Furthermore, he elaborated on the relationship between several model characteristics suitable for specific estimation methods.
This international webinar activity is one of the many international events organized by the Mathematics Study Program at UNAIR. Previously, the Mathematics Study Program also held guest lectures, Decota, and webinars covering topics in the field of Mathematics. In the future, the Mathematics Study Program will continue to organize similar activities in collaboration with campus partners, both domestic and international.
The webinar on mathematical modeling can be watched on the official YouTube channel of Mathematics UNAIR via the following link: https://youtu.be/mR3bSF6K10M
