The author has attempted to present a book that provides a non-technical introduction into the area of non-parametric density and regression function estimation. The application of these methods is discussed in terms of the S computing environment. Smoothing in high dimensions faces the problem of data sparseness. A principal feature of smoothing, the averaging of data points in a prescribed neighborhood, is not really practicable in dimensions greater than three if we have just one hundred data points. Additive models provide a way out of this dilemma; but, for their interactiveness and recursiveness, they require highly effective algorithms. For this purpose, the method of WARPing (Weighted Averaging using Rounded Points) is described in great detail.

The book describes the use of smoothing techniques in statistics, including both density estimation and nonparametric regression. Considerable advances in research in this area have been made in recent years. The aim of this text is to describe a variety of ways in which these methods can be applied to practical problems in statistics. The role of smoothing techniques in exploring data graphically is emphasised, but the use of nonparametric curves in drawing conclusions from data, as an extension of more standard parametric models, is also a major focus of the book. Examples are drawn from a wide range of applications. The book is intended for those who seek an introduction to the area, with an emphasis on applications rather than on detailed theory. It is therefore expected that the book will benefit those attending courses at an advanced undergraduate, or postgraduate, level, as well as researchers, both from statistics and from other disciplines, who wish to learn about and apply these techniques in practical data analysis. The text makes extensive reference to S-Plus, as a computing environment in which examples can be explored. S-Plus functions and example scripts are provided to implement many of the techniques described. These parts are, however, clearly separate from the main body of text, and can therefore easily be skipped by readers not interested in S-Plus.

Focussing on applications, this book covers a very broad range, including simple and complex univariate and multivariate density estimation, nonparametric regression estimation, categorical data smoothing, and applications of smoothing to other areas of statistics. It will thus be of particular interest to data analysts, as arguments generally proceed from actual data rather than statistical theory, while the "Background Material" sections will interest statisticians studying the field. Over 750 references allow researchers to find the original sources for more details, and the "Computational Issues" sections provide sources for statistical software that use the methods discussed. Each chapter includes exercises with a heavily computational focus based upon the data sets used in the book, making it equally suitable as a textbook for a course in smoothing.

Introduction to Data Science: Data Analysis and Prediction Algorithms with R introduces concepts and skills that can help you tackle real-world data analysis challenges. It covers concepts from probability, statistical inference, linear regression, and machine learning. It also helps you develop skills such as R programming, data wrangling, data visualization, predictive algorithm building, file organization with UNIX/Linux shell, version control with Git and GitHub, and reproducible document preparation. This book is a textbook for a first course in data science. No previous knowledge of R is necessary, although some experience with programming may be helpful. The book is divided into six parts: R, data visualization, statistics with R, data wrangling, machine learning, and productivity tools. Each part has several chapters meant to be presented as one lecture. The author uses motivating case studies that realistically mimic a data scientist’s experience. He starts by asking specific questions and answers these through data analysis so concepts are learned as a means to answering the questions. Examples of the case studies included are: US murder rates by state, self-reported student heights, trends in world health and economics, the impact of vaccines on infectious disease rates, the financial crisis of 2007-2008, election forecasting, building a baseball team, image processing of hand-written digits, and movie recommendation systems. The statistical concepts used to answer the case study questions are only briefly introduced, so complementing with a probability and statistics textbook is highly recommended for in-depth understanding of these concepts. If you read and understand the chapters and complete the exercises, you will be prepared to learn the more advanced concepts and skills needed to become an expert.

Forecasting is required in many situations. Stocking an inventory may require forecasts of demand months in advance. Telecommunication routing requires traffic forecasts a few minutes ahead. Whatever the circumstances or time horizons involved, forecasting is an important aid in effective and efficient planning. This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to forecasting methods and presents enough information about each method for readers to use them sensibly.

A general class of powerful and flexible modeling techniques, spline smoothing has attracted a great deal of research attention in recent years and has been widely used in many application areas, from medicine to economics. Smoothing Splines: Methods and Applications covers basic smoothing spline models, including polynomial, periodic, spherical, t