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Human Remains: Everest and the Ontological Afterlives of George Mallory and Andrew Irvine
No full textThe philosopher Giorgio Agamben has argued that the ‘human/nonhuman distinction is the conceptual ground for any further ontological elaboration’, (Grieve-Carlson, 179) that humans must distinguish themselves from their environment and other beings before the work of culture can begin. However, objects frequently ‘problematize the boundaries of the human’ (Knutson, 273), never more so than when we encounter human remains in the process of transition from human subject to physical object. The philosopher Daniel Heller-Roazen notes ‘that a corpse is no human being seems obvious, yet it is equally certain that it is no ordinary thing…A human cadaver is neither a person nor not a person. It is a nonperson in a special sense, which requires commentary and elucidation’ (Heller-Roazen,159).
On Everest, the ambiguity of post-mortal personhood is exacerbated by the preservation of human remains in liminal states in the mountain cryosphere. Human remains on Everest enter new ontic states and new spatio-temporal regimes that render these corpses uncanny. They are encountered within the mountain cryosphere as both fixed features in a landscape and as mobile entities in glacial systems. Extreme environments at altitude reduce human agency and disrupt the normal cultural approaches to disposing of human remains. The persistence of these corpses in the cryosphere and their post-mortal (im)mobilities raises important questions about the ways in which fixity and prolongation of bodies in the cryosphere extends and alters the transition of human remains from subject to object.
In September 2024 the partial human remains of the Everest mountaineer Andrew Irvine were discovered on the Central Rongbuk Glacier in Tibet. Comprising of a boot, sock and skeletal human foot, this paper deploys archaeological assemblage theory to interpret these partial human remains as a complex, relational and emergent historical object, an assemblage that operates at multi-scalar levels which is not confined to one geographically delimited space. Critically, ‘an assemblage is a multiplicity, neither exclusively a part nor a whole’ that actively configures and reconfigures under historically contingent processes (Knutson 796-797). Irvine’s human remains form part of an extensive assemblage that includes narratives of mythologization and heroization that constitute his own enduring post-mortal personhood
Introduction
No full textThe Routledge Handbook of Dark Events offers the first comprehensive exploration of dark events – ritualised, commemorative, and performative gatherings that centre death, grief, and the macabre in public life. Interdisciplinary and global in scope, the Handbook defines dark events as a distinct field of academic inquiry and cultural practice, drawing on thanatology, festival and events management, tourism, heritage, and cultural studies. In doing so, it examines how death is staged, mediated, and consumed across commemorative ceremonies, horror festivals, pilgrimages, and activist events. Contributors analyse the emotional, political, and ethical tensions involved in curating mortality for public audiences – from sacred vigils and memorials to commercial spectacles and media-infused rituals. Organised across ten thematic parts, the volume presents an expansive range of case studies, theoretical frameworks, and methodological approaches, capturing the pluralism, provocation, and urgency of dark events as they continue to evolve across physical and digital landscapes
Adjunctive pharmacological strategies for residual risk reduction after myocardial revascularisation
No full textPharmacological treatment remains vital in the effective management of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol-lowering therapies, such as statins, have consistently demonstrated robust efficacy in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events. The introduction of ezetimibe, bempedoic acid, and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors have further strengthened the effectiveness of LDL cholesterol management, particularly in patients who are statin intolerant or who remain at high risk despite maximal tolerated statin therapy. In addition to managing LDL cholesterol, addressing residual lipid risk by targeting elevated triglyceride and lipoprotein(a) levels and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels has emerged as a potentially important therapeutic consideration, as these are increasingly recognised as independent cardiovascular risk factors. Concurrently, inflammation is increasingly acknowledged as a significant contributor to atherogenesis and subsequent cardiovascular events. Clinical trials examining anti-inflammatory therapies, such as colchicine and interleukin-1β inhibitors (e.g., canakinumab), have demonstrated beneficial effects in reducing cardiovascular events independent of lipid modification. This narrative review provides an updated overview targeted specifically at physicians performing coronary artery bypass grafting or percutaneous coronary intervention. It summarises current evidence regarding established lipid-lowering therapies, emerging therapeutic approaches to address residual lipid risk, and the evolving role of anti-inflammatory interventions in the comprehensive management of ASCVD
The 'match load' construct in professional football: Complexities and considerations
No full textThe differentiation between training load and match load is an important consideration in applied practice, with the match load construct being used in athlete monitoring to inform training prescription and return to play decision-making post-rehabilitation. The term ‘match load’ lacks a clear definition, and its complexity requires greater recognition. We propose a practical, conceptual framework for match load and influential contextual factors to consider within professional football that may impact a player’s match load. The aim of the article is to provide practitioners with definitions of match load categories and to guide future research that may help enhance the measurement and management of load to inform training and rehabilitation processes
When AI Stays Silent: Hidden Agreement May Undermine Trust Building in Adaptive Decision Support and Training
No full textIntegrating artificial intelligence (AI) into decision-support systems (DSS) for aviation offers real-time decision support but complicates trust calibration between human operators and AI. This study examined how feedback style from such a DSS, the Cognitive Shadow, influences trust during a simulated weather-avoidance task. Forty-four participants completed 150 knowledge-elicitation trials, followed by 20 test trials where the DSS generated predictions. When participant decisions diverged from the DSS suggestion, it issued explicit recommendations; matching human-DSS decisions prompted no feedback, representing implicit agreement. Trust was measured using the 12-item Checklist for Trust between People and Automation. Rejection of explicit recommendations, as a proportion of all such explicit cues, was negatively correlated with trust (r(41) = −0.62, p < 0.001), while acceptance was positively correlated (r(41) = 0.47, p = 0.001). The proportion of silent agreements showed no association with trust (r(41) = −0.02, p = 0.895). These results suggest that explicit feedback—both confirming and corrective—acts as a key cue for calibrating trust, while implicit agreement carries little weight. Trust appears more sensitive to how the system communicates than to whether its decisions align with those of the user. This aligns with recent findings that transparency, not just accuracy, drives trust in AI. Designing DSS that strategically balance explicit feedback with minimal intrusiveness may enhance operator trust and performance. Future research will manipulate feedback valence and visibility in a between-group design to further disentangle how communication style shapes trust in high-stakes human–AI collaboration
Examining Factors Affecting Employee Retention at MTN Nigeria
No full textRegardless of sector or industry, loyalty and retention amongst employees have proven to be a significant challenge for businesses around the world which has also included MTN Nigeria. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to identify factors influencing the retention and loyalty of employees in MTN Nigeria. The research explored the areas of work-life balance, organisational culture, career development programs, and compensation packages. A survey questionnaire method was adopted which included a sample of 54 participants from MTN Nigeria. The responses were retrieved via a 1–5 Likert Scale and analysed via SPSS analysis. The findings identified culture within MTN Nigeria as a prominent factor influencing employee retention. Additionally, work-life balance and career progression were also identified as major factors influencing employee retention. The findings also demonstrate how these identified factors can be synchronised to improve employee retention and loyalty. Additionally, the findings may guide organisations looking to improve employee retention by ensuring more comfortable, engaging and motivating working conditions within the business
Utilization of novel agricultural waste ashes in self-compacting geopolymer concrete: Pumpkin shell and sugar beet ashes
No full textThis study investigated the potential of pumpkin shell ash (PSA) and sugar beet ash (SBA) as partial replacements for fly ash (FA) in self-compacting geopolymer concrete (SCGC). Twenty-one mixtures were produced using a constant binder content of 550 kg/m³ , an alkaline solution-to-binder ratio of 0.47, and 2 % superplasticizer. The concrete performance was evaluated in terms of fresh properties, mechanical strength, transport behavior, thermal resistance, and microstructure. Higher PSA and SBA contents reduced workability due to their increased surface area and water demand, whereas FA improved both flowability and mechanical strength. The 90FA–5PSA–5SBA mixture achieved the best overall performance, with a 28-day compressive strength of 110.7 MPa, splitting tensile strength of 9.1 MPa, flexural strength of 14.5 MPa, and a modulus of elasticity of 46.09 GPa. This mixture also exhibited low chloride ion penetration (275 Coulombs), minimal water permeability (1.43 × 10⁻¹¹ cm/s), and a low sorptivity coefficient (2.76 × 10⁻⁴ mm/s⁰·⁵). The compressive strength increased slightly at 200 °C (114.9 MPa) but decreased to 35.2 MPa at 800 °C. Correlation analysis identified FA as the most influential binder, while PSA and SBA enhanced performance when incorporated at optimal proportions. SEM observations confirmed a denser and more homogeneous matrix in ternary blends, demonstrating the synergistic effects of PSA and SBA on microstructural refinement. Overall, PSA and SBA demonstrated strong potential as sustainable supplementary binders for producing high-performance SCGC with improved mechanical and durability characteristics
Interstellar Informatics: Visualizing Space Medicine Through Artificial Intelligence
No full textThe advent of interstellar exploration necessitates the advancement of space medicine, a field fraught with unique challenges due to the harsh conditions of space. This chapter delves into the pivotal role of artificial intelligence and biomedical visualization in addressing the health needs of astronauts. We begin by outlining the necessity for space medicine and the integral role of AI and visualization technologies in this domain. The chapter then explores the unique challenges of space medicine, including the effects of microgravity, cosmic radiation, and psychosocial stressors, and reviews the current medical technologies employed in space.
A significant focus is placed on artificial intelligence capabilities in monitoring astronaut health through wearable technology, predictive health analytics, and emergency response systems. The visualization of complex medical data in microgravity environments is examined, highlighting the use of virtual and augmented reality, as well as interactive 3D models for educational purposes. We also discuss AI-driven medical procedures, such as telemedicine, robotic surgery, and autonomous health systems, which are crucial for long-duration missions.
Further, this chapter addresses the groundbreaking potential of AI in bioprinting for tissue engineering in space, outlining both the possibilities and the challenges posed by microgravity. The integration of AI into interplanetary telemedicine networks and personalized medicine for astronauts is discussed, along with speculative technologies that promise future advancements in space medicine.
Finally, the chapter considers the ethical and practical implications of deploying AI in space missions, including data privacy, ethical decision-making, and the reliability of AI systems in critical situations. Concluding with a recapitulation of AI’s transformative impact on space medicine, the chapter envisions a future where artificial intelligence and space exploration converge to overcome the final frontier of medical challenges
Cultural Responsivity, Book 1, Treatment of Sexual Violence
No full textCultural Responsivity: Treatment of Sexual Violence explores how age, gender, identity, religion, and other socio-cultural factors shape the effectiveness of treatment for individuals who have engaged in sexually aggressive behaviour. Bringing together a panel of leading experts in forensic psychology, this volume provides a comprehensive examination of the necessity for culturally responsive practices in both clinical and correctional contexts.
Detailed chapters cover a diverse range of issues, from foundational principles of cultural humility to interventions tailored for specific groups, including young people, transgender individuals, and those with strong religious identities. The authors discuss practical strategies to adapt treatment approaches to meet the needs of varied populations whilst encouraging students and practitioners to consider how broader socio-cultural dynamics influence therapeutic engagement and outcomes.
Offering diverse biological, psychological and cultural perspectives, Cultural Responsivity: Treatment of Sexual Violence is essential reading for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students in forensic psychology, criminology, social work, and counselling. It is also a valuable reference for professionals in clinical, forensic, and rehabilitative services who are committed to delivering culturally competent and ethically grounded interventions in the treatment of sexual aggression
Micro Human Efforts in Disaster Rebuilding: Cultural and Contextual Lessons for Resilience
No full textThis book unlocks the transformative potential of Micro Human Efforts (MHE) in the domain of disaster resilience through an interwoven narrative of human resilience, grounded in insights from the influential special issue of the International Journal of Mass Emergencies and Disasters.
This work delves into the critical, often neglected, role of individual, intuitive initiatives in the wake of catastrophic events. By illuminating how these efforts can significantly reshape post-disaster recovery strategies, this book underscores the importance of local knowledge and community ingenuity. It posits that MHE has the capability to amplify grassroots movements into impactful agents of change. Readers will embark on a comprehensive exploration that redefines disaster management through a human-centred lens and highlights the essential contributions of individuals in fostering resilience.
The volume serves as an invaluable resource for academics, practitioners, and all stakeholders committed to advancing sustainable and adaptive responses in the face of climate-induced challenges