Representative Calibration Using Black-Box Optimization and Clustering

Calibration is a crucial step for model validity, yet its representation is often disregarded. This paper proposes a two-stage approach to calibrate a model that represents target data by identifying multiple diverse parameter sets while remaining computationally efficient. The first stage employs a black-box optimization algorithm to generate near-optimal parameter sets, the second stage clusters the generated parameter sets. Five black-box optimization algorithms, namely, Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS), Sequential Model-based Algorithm Configuration (SMAC), Optuna, Simulated Annealing (SA), and Genetic Algorithm (GA), are tested and compared using a disease-opinion compartmental model with predicted health outcomes. Results show that LHS and Optuna allow more exploration and capture more variety in possible future health outcomes. SMAC, SA, and GA, are better at finding the best parameter set but their sampling approach generates less diverse model outcomes. This two-stage approach can reduce computation time while producing robust and representative calibration.