Professor of Mathematics, Faculty of Science and Mathematics (FSM) Diponegoro University (UNDIP), Prof. Dr. Widowati, S.Si, M.Sc.; revealed that a mathematician could analyze the behavior of the spread of Covid-19 with the variables of the number of susceptible individuals, the number of exposed individuals, the number of infected individuals, the number of individuals who recovered and the number of individuals who died. “These variables are mathematically dependent on time and form a dynamic system. Quantitatively, based on empirical data, the behavior of the spread of COVID-19 can be simulated using computer simulations,” said Prof. Widowati when interviewed, Wednesday (7/7/2021).
The academic who is currently serving as the Dean of the Undip FSM added that the branch of mathematics that is relevant to be used to analyze the spread of Covid-19 is biomathematics. “The application of mathematics, in this case biomathematics, can be used to solve real problems that scientifically can be used as consideration in efforts to control the spread of Covid-19,” said the figure who is familiarly called Prof. . This Wiwied.Please note, mathematics is known as “the mother of science” and is recognized as the basic science of the development of science (the basic of science). In daily practice, mathematics is also recognized as a basic science that underlies and serves various other sciences. Since BC, for example in ancient Egypt, mathematics in this case arithmetic has been used to make pyramids.
What you need to understand is that the development of mathematics does not depend on other sciences. Now many branches of mathematics have grown into important knowledge in life such as algebra, analysis, geometry, statistics, systems theory & control, financial mathematics, computational science, actuarial science, biomathematics, ethnomathematics, graphs & combinatorics, and applied mathematics. “All branches of mathematics develop and become the basis for the development of other sciences.”
Along with the development of technology, many branches of mathematics can be applied in various other sciences and cutting-edge technology. We can find applications of mathematics in various fields such as physics, biology, medicine and health, engineering, social and political sciences, economics, business and finance, as well as problems of computer networks and information technology.
According to Prof. Wiwied, it is undeniable that almost all of our activities in daily life are related to mathematics. “Calculating change when we go shopping includes math,” he said half jokingly.
Regarding the use of mathematics in controlling the spread of Covid-19, he said in a branch of mathematics called control systems, the application of optimal control can be used for optimization, namely how to reduce the number of infected individuals and maximize individual recoveries at an efficient cost. In other words, how can we control the spread of Covid-19 with minimum cost, it is very possible.In short, it can be discussed as a control variable, for example self-prevention which is manifested in the implementation of physical distancing, wearing masks, washing hands; then the control variables are vaccination, counseling, self-quarantine, and treatment. Through computational simulation, it can be obtained which control variables are most effective in controlling the spread of Covid-19.
“This is an example of the application of mathematics in the fields of biology and health, where a dynamic system-mathematical model approach is important for predicting future conditions. The results of this simulation can be used to evaluate and analyze the behavior of the spread of Covid-19, so that it can be used as a recommendation for choosing the right policy in handling and preventing the spread of Covid-19 more efficiently and effectively,” he concluded. (Public Relations Team)
Source : undip.ac.id