Managing the climate commons at the nexus of ecology, behaviour and economics

Sustainably managing coupled ecological–economic systems requires not only an understanding of the environmental factors that affect them, but also knowledge of the interactions and feedback cycles that operate between resource dynamics and activities attributable to human intervention. The socioeconomic dynamics, in turn, call for an investigation of the behavioural drivers behind human action. We argue that a multidisciplinary approach is needed in order to tackle the increasingly pressing and intertwined environmental challenges faced by modern societies. Academic contributions to climate change policy have been constrained by methodological and terminological differences, so we discuss how programmes aimed at cross-disciplinary education and involvement in governance may help to unlock scholars' potential to propose new solutions

The Histone H4 Tail Regulates the Conformation of the ATP-Binding Pocket in the SNF2h Chromatin Remodeling Enzyme

The chromatin remodeling complex ACF helps establish the appropriate nucleosome spacing for generating repressed chromatin states. ACF activity is stimulated by two defining features of the nucleosomal substrate: a basic patch on the histone H4 N-terminal tail and the specific length of flanking DNA. Yet the mechanisms by which these two substrate cues function in the ACF remodeling reaction is not well understood. Using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy with spin-labeled ATP analogs to probe the structure of the ATP active site under physiological solution conditions, we identify a closed state of the ATP-binding pocket that correlates with ATPase activity. We find that the H4 tail promotes pocket closure. We further show that ATPase stimulation by the H4 tail does not require a specific structure connecting the H4 tail and the globular domain. In the case of many DNA helicases, closure of the ATP- binding pocket is regulated by specific DNA substrates. Pocket closure by the H4 tail may analogously provide a mechanism to directly couple substrate recognition to activity. Surprisingly, the flanking DNA, which also stimulates ATP hydrolysis, does not promote pocket closure, suggesting that the H4 tail and flanking DNA may be recognized in different reaction steps

Adults with intellectual disability : choice and control in the context of family

This chapter about the experience of choice and control by adults with intellectual disability in the family context is offered against the background of the tripartite ecological theory of self-determination (Abery and Stancliffe, A tripartite-ecological theory of self-determination. In Wehmeyer et al. (Eds.), Theory in self-determination: Foundations for educational practice (pp. 43–78). Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas, 2003). The challenges in determining readiness for adult decision-making are discussed, as are the experiences of adults with intellectual disability when exercising choice and control within the family context. How families, including parents and siblings, influence decision-making by their family member with intellectual disability is summarized. The critical role of the family in supporting independent choice-making is also highlighted. The chapter ends with a call for research about skills and resources for families to become effective, knowledgeable, and confident supporters of their member with intellectual disability in the quest for adult self-determination

Career Guidance for Children and Youth with Disabilities

The chapter examines the role of career guidance with children and youth with disabilities from a full-inclusion perspective. The analysis started with the description of global challenges, which define the coordinates that frame the contexts where persons and societies evolve, highlighting the effects of globalisation, technological progress, demographic change, flexibility, global financial crisis, and neoliberalism on the current job market. Then, based on Life Design paradigm and Positive Youth Development paradigm, the relevance of children\u2019s career development was discussed and the need for career interventions in early childhood to offer growing opportunities for all children and youth was emphasised. Lastly, particular attention was given to examples of macro-, meso- and micro-level actions that can be implemented to promote children\u2019s career guidance in an inclusive perspective