Hard classification techniques

Chatfield and Collins (1980), in the introduction to their chapter on cluster analysis, quote the first sentence of a review article on cluster analysis by Cormack (1971) The availability of computer packages of classification techniques has led to the waste of more valuable scientific time than any other statistical innovation (with the possible exception of multiple-regression techniques). This is perhaps a little hard on cluster analysis and, for that matter, multiple regression but it serves as a note of warning. The aim of this book is to explain the basic principles of the more popular and useful multivariate methods so that readers will be able to understand the results obtained from the techniques and, if interested, apply the methods to their own data. This is not a substitute for a formal training in statistics the best way to avoid wasting one s own valuable scientific time is to seek professional help at an early stage. 

The first immunoassay performed in a capillary driven system was reported in 1978 [67]. Based on this technique, the commonly known over-the-counter pregnancy test was introduced into the market in the middle of the 80 s. Today, this microfluidic platform is commonly designated as a lateral flow test (LAT) [14]. Other terms are test strip , immunochromatographic strip , immunocapillary tests or sol particle immunoassay (SPIA) [68]. Astonishingly, hardly any publications from a microfluidic point of view or in terns of material classification exist, and apparently many company secrets are kept unpublished [69]. 

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