Two major groups of chloroplast DNA haplotypes in diploid and tetraploid Aconitum subgen : Aconitum (Ranunculaceae) in the Carpathians

Aconitum in Europe is represented by ca. 10% of the total number of species and the Carpathian Mts. are the center of the genus variability in the subcontinent. We studied the chloroplast DNA intergenic spacer trnL(UAG)-rpl32-ndhF (cpDNA) variability of the Aconitum subgen. Aconitum in the Carpathians: diploids (2n=16, sect. Cammarum), tetraploids (2n=32, sect. Aconitum) and triploids (2n=24, nothosect. Acomarum). Altogether 25 Aconitum accessions representing the whole taxonomic variability of the subgenus were sequenced and subjected to phylogenetic analyses. Both parsimony, Bayesian and character network analyses showed the two distinct types of the cpDNA chloroplast, one typical of the diploid and the second of the tetraploid groups. Some specimens had identical cpDNA sequences (haplotypes) and scattered across the whole mountain arch. In the sect. Aconitum 9 specimens shared one haplotype, while in the sect. Camarum one haplotype represents 4 accessions and the second –accessions. The diploids and tetraploids were diverged by 6 mutations, while the intrasectional variability amounted maximally to 3 polymorphisms. Taking into consideration different types of cpDNA haplotypes and ecological profiles of the sections (tetraploids – high-mountain species, diploids – species from forest montane belt) we speculate on the different and independent history of the sections in the Carpathians

Exchange rate as a shock absorber or a shock propagator in Poland and Slovakia - an approach based on Bayesian SVAR models with common serial correlation

The paper examines whether exchange rates in Poland and Slovakia acted as shock absorbers or rather shock-propagating mechanisms. A set of Bayesian structural VAR models is built for each country that enables us to identify supply, demand, monetary and financial shocks. Identifying restrictions are derived from the extended stochastic macroeconomic model of an open economy. Sample covers quarterly data 1998-2013. After careful consideration of alternative VAR specifications it is demonstrated that overly parsimonious VARs result in an imperfect identification of shocks that distorts the results. Empirical evidence is found that the higher exchange rate flexibility in Poland than in Slovakia contributed to the absorption of shocks. Though financial shocks had stronger influence on the exchange rate in Poland than in Slovakia, especially in the run-up to the crisis, the participation in the ERM II did not protected the Slovak koruna against the strong and excessive appreciation

Insulating property of the flexible exchange rate regime: A case of Central and Eastern European countries

We examine the insulating property of flexible exchange rate in CEE economies using the fact that they have adopted different regimes. A set of Bayesian structural VAR models with common serial correlations is estimated on data spanning 1998q1-2015q4. The long-term identifying restrictions are derived from a macroeconomic model. We find that irrespective of the exchange rate regime output is driven mainly by real shocks. Its reactions to these shocks, however, are substantially stronger under less flexible regimes, whereas the responses to nominal shocks are similar. Hence, the insulating property of flexible regimes can reduce the costs from economic shocks

Exchange rate as a shock absorber or a shock propagator in Poland and Slovakia - an approach based on Bayesian SVAR models with common serial correlation

The paper examines whether exchange rates in Poland and Slovakia acted as shock absorbers or rather shock-propagating mechanisms. A set of Bayesian structural VAR models is built for each country that enables us to identify supply, demand, monetary and financial shocks. Identifying restrictions are derived from the extended stochastic macroeconomic model of an open economy. Sample covers quarterly data 1998-2013. After careful consideration of alternative VAR specifications it is demonstrated that overly parsimonious VARs result in an imperfect identification of shocks that distorts the results. Empirical evidence is found that the higher exchange rate flexibility in Poland than in Slovakia contributed to the absorption of shocks. Though financial shocks had stronger influence on the exchange rate in Poland than in Slovakia, especially in the run-up to the crisis, the participation in the ERM II did not protected the Slovak koruna against the strong and excessive appreciation

Insulating property of the flexible exchange rate regime: A case of Central and Eastern European countries

We examine the insulating property of flexible exchange rate in CEE economies using the fact that they have adopted different regimes. A set of Bayesian structural VAR models with common serial correlations is estimated on data spanning 1998q1-2015q4. The long-term identifying restrictions are derived from a macroeconomic model. We find that irrespective of the exchange rate regime output is driven mainly by real shocks. Its reactions to these shocks, however, are substantially stronger under less flexible regimes, whereas the responses to nominal shocks are similar. Hence, the insulating property of flexible regimes can reduce the costs from economic shocks

IUCN guidelines using for assessment of plants from the Red Book of Russian Federation at regional level: a case study for the Republic of Mordovia (Russia)

There are 15 plant species included in the Russian Red Book, which occur in the Republic of Mordovia: Najas tenuissima, Koeleria sclerophylla, Stipa dasyphylla, S. pennata, S. pulcherrima, S. zalesskii, Fritillaria ruthenica, Iris aphylla, Cypripedium calceolus, Cephalanthera rubra, Epipogium aphyllum, Neottianthe cucullata, Orchis militaris, Neotinea ustulata, Thymus cimicinus. Of these, only C. calceolusis included in the Global Red List as Critically Endangered. Threat status for studied species in Mordovia was assessed, and their distribution dynamics in this region throughout 12 years was described. Recent floristic studies, inspections of herbariums and literature were used for searches all provided data. Grid mapping and IUCN criteria were used. Nine taxa were determined as Critically Endangered, three as Endangered, one as Vulnerable, one as Near Threatened and one as Data Deficient. The areas of occupancy and extent of occurrence inMordovia were assessed for each taxon. All studied species should be included in the next edition of the Mordovian Red Book. F. ruthenica, E. aphyllum, N. ustulata, T. cimicinus require additional studies to confirm earlier observations