Synopsis of Factor Analysis in Chemistry

Factor analysis is a mathematical tool for examining a wide range of data sets, with applications especially important to the design of experiments (DOE), spectroscopy, chromatography, and chemometrics. Whereas the first two editions concentrated on standardizing the fundamentals of this emerging discipline, the Third Edition of Factor Analysis in Chemistry, the bible of factor analysis, proves a comprehensive handbook at a level that is consistent with the research and design of experiments today. With the exception of updates, the introductory chapters remain unchanged. Chapter 6 has been edited to focus on evolutionary methods, including window factor analysis, transmutation, and DECRA. Selections on partial least squares and multimode analysis have been expanded and consolidated into two new chapters, 7 and 8. Some of the latest advances in a wide variety of fields, such as chromatography, NMR, biomedicine, environmental science, food, and fuels, are described in the applications chapters (chapters 9 through 12). Other features of the book include:* Provides history of the discipline as well as theory, philosophy, and applications* Written for all readership levels: introductory, intermediate, and advanced* Explains complicated concepts in simple language without sacrificing mathematical rigor* Presents concepts and programs in a style that allows the user to develop programs in any computer language* Demonstrates the utility of various factor analytical techniques for solving practical problems in chemistry and related sciences* Showcases a unique presentation of partial least squares