Europe

Elsevier, European Journal of Soil Biology, Volume 75, 1 July 2016
Many studies have investigated whether microbiota has been adapted to decompose a given litter type but we have limited information about the specific role of microarthropods in litter decaying processes. This experiment studied functional redundancy of microarthropods in a litter decomposition system by interchanging mesofauna among three different litter types. The study hypothesized that total microarthropod densities would be lower in foreign litter type than in original ('home') litter; and litter with foreign mesofauna would decompose slower than with native one.
Human trafficking is one of the main profit-generating activities for organised criminals in Europe and the revenue generated is often laundered through the financial system. Understanding the complexities of human trafficking is vital to both SDG 8.7 to take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking and SDG 16.4 to significantly reduce illicit financial and arms flows, strengthen the recovery and return of stolen assets and combat all forms of organized crime.
Elsevier, Social Science and Medicine, Volume 157, May 01, 2016
Nordic countries are the most gender equal countries in the world, but at the same time they have disproportionally high prevalence rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) against women. High prevalence of IPV against women, and high levels of gender equality would appear contradictory, but these apparently opposite statements appear to be true in Nordic countries, producing what could be called the 'Nordic paradox'. Despite this paradox being one of the most puzzling issues in the field, this is a research question rarely asked, and one that remains unanswered.
The UK's Modern Slavery Act 2015 aims to make businesses accountable for forced labour in their supply chains: large organisations with a presence in the UK are required to produce an annual ‘slavery and human trafficking statement’ detailing the action they have taken. A report from Ergon Associates shows that the majority of statements already submitted are lacking in key information and meaningful action. The Act directly addresses SDG 8.7 to eradicate modern slavery and human trafficking by 2025.
Elsevier, Environmental Science and Policy, Volume 58, April 01, 2016
This paper investigates how the notion of 'sustainability' is strategically framed in the context of Dutch infrastructure governance in the Netherlands. By conducting a frame analysis (based on policy documents, websites and semi-structured interviews), the paper discerns six sustainability frames. These frames concern substantive (e.g., more focus on ecology), process (activating new networks) and organizational (e.g., new practices of work) aspects.
The LexisNexis Human Trafficking Awareness Index™ highlights emerging trends and patterns of awareness within and across national borders. The Index uses the respected Nexis® service to track and analyse the volume of articles related to human trafficking. These insights assist activists working to combat human trafficking and contribute to the advancement of SDG target 8.7 to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking by 2025.
Annelids (Lumbricidae and Enchytraeidae) and nematodes are common soil organisms and play important roles in organic matter decomposition, nutrient cycling and creation of soil structure and porosity. However, these three groups have rarely been studied together and only few studies exist for urban soils.
Workers in an office
Although gender pay gap reporting legislation in the UK does not come into force until early 2017, employers may have to collect gender pay gap data from as early as April 2016. To help HR professionals get ready for their reporting obligations, XpertHR has compiled helpful FAQs and a timeline. Gender pay gap reporting advances SDG 5.C to adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality, as well as SDG 10.
This Elsevier report provides evidence and analysis on potential gender gaps in science research in Germany by linking data from Scopus to data from a large online social networking service. This type of analysis is vital for advancing SDG 5.2 to end all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
Tenebrio molitor in the form of mealworm (left) and beetle (right). Photos by author.
Scientists in the Netherlands are cultivating edible insects to address concerns of international food security. Committed to the One World, One Health (OWOH) movement, their research aims to create a safe and effective global solution to the conjoined problems of climate change and an increasing worldwide demand for protein. Their preliminary work is promising, as it suggests that when compared to other sources of meat, insects can be an efficient, safe, and low-impact source of nutrients. Additionally, in many sites with endemic malnutrition, people find insects tasty.

Pages