Comparative assessments of multivariate nonlinear fuzzy regression techniques for egg production curve.

The modelling process of egg production curves, where environmental and genetic factors are highly effective, is quite complex and difficult. In particular, the limitations of measurement and the errors encountered during the measurement process may cause uncertainty in the egg production process. In this study, multivariate nonlinear fuzzy regression analysis was used by configuring neural networks and least squares support vector machines in order to express the uncertainty in the system structure during the egg production process. This method was used to obtain the predicted values for egg production in the fuzzy frame. In the study, two different data sets were used which were measured for egg performance and egg weight variables in daily and weekly time periods. Multivariate nonlinear fuzzy regression analysis results were compared with both the observed values and the multivariate classical regression analysis results. Results of analysis show that multivariate nonlinear fuzzy regression analysis with neural networks is more successful than other methods and can be used as an alternative to classical methods in poultry farming.

Association of schizophrenia with T102C (rs6313) and 1438 A/G (rs6311) polymorphisms of HTR2A gene.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate whether there were any associations between the T102C and 1438 A/G polymorphisms of the 5-HT2A receptor gene and schizophrenia. We conducted a case-control study of the T102C and 1438 A/G polymorphisms in Turkish patients. METHODS: We compared genotypes and allele frequencies of T102C and 1438 A/G polymorphisms of 5-HT2A receptor gene in 102 patients with schizophrenia diagnosed, according to DSM-IV, and 107 healthy controls. Genotyping was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: We found no significant association between schizophrenia and genotypic or allele frequencies of HTR2A gene 102T/C (rs6313) and 1438 A/G (6311) polymorphisms. However, comparison of HTR2A gene 102 T/C and 1438 A/G polymorphisms in terms of genotypic and allele frequencies between the two patient groups, with or without a family history of schizophrenia, shows that T- and A-allele frequencies were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the case group that has a history of schizophrenia in their family. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our results do not support the hypothesis that the T102C and 1438 A/G polymorphisms in the 5-HT2A receptor gene are associated with schizophrenia, but further studies in a larger sample are needed.