A procedure for the three-mode analysis of compositions

The Tucker3 model is one of the most widely used tools for factorial analysis of three-way data arrays. When orthogonal factors are extracted this model can be seen as a three-way PCA (principal component analysis). The Tucker3 model is characterized by extreme flexibility as it allows for the use of a different number of factors in each mode and it yields non-unique results. This adaptability makes the Tucker3 model extremely effective for decomposition and compression of data in many applications and fields. When this model is applied to vectors of non-negative values with a sum constraint all problems connected with the statistical analysis of compositions must be taken into consideration. Like other standard statistical techniques, this model cannot be directly applied. The aim of this paper is to present the theory behind the correct application of the Tucker3 model on compositional data and to describe the TUCKALS3 algorithm.