Yogyakarta, August 20, 2025 – The Department of Mathematics, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held the 11th edition of Demomatika, a scientific discussion themed Mathematical and Computational Modelling in Health and Transportation Systems. The event took place at Meeting Room 1, 3rd Floor, Department of Mathematics, on Wednesday (20/8), from 09:30 to 12:30 WIB.
The session opened with moderator Indira Anggriani, M.Sc., who introduced the first speaker, Prof. Dr. Kasbawati, S.Si., M.Si. In her presentation titled A Mathematical Study of the Dynamic and Sensitivity of Acetaminophen Metabolism-Induced Hepatotoxicity, Prof. Kasbawati discussed a mathematical model of acetaminophen (paracetamol) metabolism dynamics that may lead to hepatotoxicity or liver injury.
She explained that once consumed, acetaminophen undergoes a metabolic process in the body, with part being absorbed and the rest excreted. However, in cases of overdose, the body is unable to neutralize the excess compounds, leading to toxin accumulation and potential liver damage. To analyze this, a mathematical model was developed using a system of differential equations that describe enzymatic reactions in the liver, involving the Michaelis constant and Hill function.
The model analysis resulted in a steady-state solution derived from a 9×9 Jacobian matrix. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis was carried out using metabolic control analysis to measure the sensitivity between reactions. The session concluded with an interactive discussion, in which participants asked questions about the scope of the model and the validation of mathematical parameters.
The second session, moderated by Dr. Indarsih, M.Sc., introduced the next speaker, Prof. Dr. Eng. M. Zudhy Irawan, S.T., M.T. Prof. Zudhy delivered a talk on Numerical Modelling in Transportation Studies, emphasizing the importance of transportation modelling for infrastructure planning, public policy, and traffic congestion reduction.
In his presentation, Prof. Zudhy elaborated on transportation modelling frameworks based on Activity Based Demand Generation (ABDG) and Dynamic Traffic Assignment (DTA). The modelling process is divided into four steps: Trip Generation (number of trips), Trip Distribution (trip distribution), Mode Choice (choice of transportation mode), and Route Assignment (route determination).
The model was implemented using the MATsim platform, which simulates trips based on routes, transportation modes, and travel times. Trip effectiveness is measured using a scoring system, where productive trips such as commuting to work gain positive scores, while time wasted in traffic congestion receives negative scores. This session also concluded with a Q&A on the practical application of transportation models in urban planning.
Through these two insightful presentations, Demomatika #11 highlighted the crucial role of mathematical and computational modelling in addressing real-world challenges in both health and transportation sectors.
Keywords: Mathematical Modelling, Health and Transportation
Writer: Shafira Fauzia Untsa
Photo: Yehuda Dwi Yosafat