Asymptotic Normality of the Maximum Pseudolikelihood Estimator for Fully Visible Boltzmann Machines

Boltzmann machines (BMs) are a class of binary neural networks for which there have been numerous proposed methods of estimation. Recently, it has been shown that in the fully visible case of the BM, the method of maximum pseudolikelihood estimation (MPLE) results in parameter estimates which are consistent in the probabilistic sense. In this article, we investigate the properties of MPLE for the fully visible BMs further, and prove that MPLE also yields an asymptotically normal parameter estimator. These results can be used to construct confidence intervals and to test statistical hypotheses. We support our theoretical results by showing that the estimator behaves as expected in a simulation study

A new root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne moensi n. sp. (Nematoda : Meloidogynidae), parasitizing Robusta coffee from Western Highlands, Vietnam

A new root-knot nematode, parasitizing Robusta coffee in Dak Lak Province, Western Highlands of Vietnam, is described as Meloidogyne moensi n. sp. Morphological and molecular analyses demonstrated that this species differs clearly from other previously described root-knot nematodes. Morphologically, the new species is characterized by a swollen body of females with a small posterior protuberance that elongated from ovoid to saccate; perineal patterns with smooth striae, continuous and low dorsal arch; lateral lines marked as a faint space or linear depression at junction of the dorsal and ventral striate; distinct phasmids; perivulval region free of striae; visible and wide tail terminus surrounding by concentric circles of striae; medial lips of females in dumbbell-shaped and slightly raised above lateral lips; female stylet is normally straight with posteriorly sloping stylet knobs; lip region of second stage juvenile (J2) is not annulated; medial lips and labial disc of J2 formed dumbbell shape; lateral lips are large and triangular; tail of J2 is conoid with rounded unstriated tail tip; distinct phasmids and hyaline; dilated rectum. Meloidogyne moensi n. sp. is most similar to M. africana, M. ottersoni by prominent posterior protuberance. Results of molecular analysis of rDNA sequences including the D2-D3 expansion regions of 28S rDNA, COI, and partial COII/16S rRNA of mitochondrial DNA support for the new species status

Minority versus majority: the choice of acquisition in Asia-Pacific countries

This paper examines the relationship between the financial constraints of the acquiring firms and their choice of a minority over a majority acquisition. Our findings show that the likelihood of bidders undertaking a minority acquisition increases with financial constraints, including the deviation from target capital structure, and overleverage deficit. We also find that the impacts of leverage deviation on the likelihood of bidders engaging in a minority or majority acquisition is asymmetric for underleveraged and overleveraged firms. In addition, international bidders are less likely to take a minority acquisition if the target is operating in i) countries with a higher degree of Political Stability and Absence of Violence/Terrorism, ii) countries with higher degree to which individuals are able to participate in selecting their government, as well as having more freedom of expression, freedom of association, and a free media. Lastly, minority acquisitions are more common in a country with a more developed market. As such, in a fluid social order it looks like acquirers really need majority control