An improved graphical procedure for multivariate-quality control

In an earlier article (Kulkarni and Paranjape 1984) we proposed a procedure based on Andrews' function plot technique for the quality control of multivariate process. It was shown that this procedure may lead to an erroneous conclusions regarding the status of the process. This article presents an improved method which avoids the above drawback. A heuristic justification is provided to show that the new method is free from the error. Simulation studies are carried out to support the claim. An example is included to illustrate the use of the new technique.     

Use,of andrews' function plot technique to construct control curves for multivariate process

This paper describes a method for quality control of product when it depends on several characteristics. The proposed procedure is graphical in nature and is based on Andrews' function plot technique. The method is illust¬rated with the help of a small simulated data.     

Application of time series models to detect regulatory patterns in nitrogen output of adult rats

The techniques of time series analysis are applied to data on the nitrogen output of adult rats with a view to understanding the underlying mechanism governing daily fluctuations in nitrogen output. The model was fitted to the nitrogen output of rats fed at different protein levels to observe any changes in the parameters. The analysis reveals that an autoregressive model of order one was an adequate fit for the nitrogen-output data when the rats were fed at protein requirement levels, and it undergoes a change at low protein levels. In particular, at the zero protein level, i.e. during the conditions of physiological stress, the nitrogen-output series were random for all the rats. Analysis thus shows that while the autoregressive model implies the existence of a regulatory mechanism underlying a given process, the random series implies conditions of physiological stress, i.e. the breakdown of a regulatory mechanism. This exercise highlights the importance of time series models in the field of physiology.     

Community media: local is focal

Given the limited nature of global media with its emphasis on‘infotainment’ driven by commerce, it has very littlerole in community development. We see the alarming and growingimpact of the global media on the socio-cultural life of differentcommunities in India. The rampaging growth of centralized distributionsystems has not only undermined local expressions but is alsoloudly proclaiming its sole legitimacy and relevance. Wheredoes that leave the diverse forms of local media that aboundin our cultural landscape? Abhivyakti Media for Development,a Nashik-based Indian development communication organization,believes that local media forms have a vital role in shapingcommunity life and its development. Abhivyakti has initiateda programme in the Maharashtra state of India that seeks toidentify those who are already using some media forms in orderto support them to participate in a loose informal network.This network mobilizes their creative energies to focus on thelocal and, in doing so, brings a host of diverse realities intopublic awareness and generates alternative nodal centres todistribute these voices and images. The programme is alreadyshaping different possibilities and allowing them to emergeas viable alternatives for community empowerment.