This volume analyses the evolution of humankind by combining approaches from science and the arts. It offers a novel perspective on the evolution of life on Earth, based on a recent reformulation of the second law of thermodynamics in terms of the "maximum entropy production principle." In essence, the Earth is but one of many "white holes" in the universe, where life functions as a specific arrangement for the rapid dissipation of energy gradients by generating self-organized structures. Evolution of life in the universe is a creative process of increasing complexity as a Bayesian ratchet of knowledge accumulation, advancing in an evolutionary maze characterized by myriad blind alleys. On Earth, the human species has progressed more than any other by creating artefacts that have become both agents and products of in our cumulative cultural evolution. Culture has dramatically enhanced the rate of dissipation of energy gradients. Extrapolating from the acceleration of cultural evolution suggests that humanity will reach the Civilization Singularity in the middle of the 21st century, a point in time at which the rate of changes, and hence their unpredictability and uncontrollability, will converge to infinity. Humankind has now entered the ultimate age, in which the exuberance and splendour of human feats may be metaphorically likened to fireworks. The author highlights a new role of scientists as intellectuals who can create "music for the fireworks" by analysing the consequences of the astounding dynamics in order to make the closing phase of human evolution a sublime one marked by minimal political and social tensions.

Are You Addicted to Cooked Food? Raw food, fasting, detoxification. What does all this mean, and why should we care? Encoded somewhere deep in our very essence is the idea that our incredibly resistant bodies can be endlessly abused, overstrained and put through incessant challenges, posed by contamination, wrong lifestyle, mental strain and stress, as if it were indestructible. The purpose of this book is to inspire and inform, so that you too can make wise decisions, just as the author did. Ladislav Kovac is a world-renowned advocate of raw food and fasting. After serious illness due to food, his nutrition experiments and discovery of his inner doctor changed his life forever

This book offers a truly comprehensive overview of the understanding and treatment of massive and irreparable rotator cuff tears, a painful and disabling shoulder condition that continues to pose major challenges. A thorough examination of basic science issues and evidence lays the foundation for discussion of key controversies in the field and exposition of a practical approach to treatment in which the role of both conservative and surgical management is explained. Special insights are provided into the new biological and nonoperative approaches that are becoming increasingly popular among practitioners. All potential surgical techniques are described, from partial repair and tendon transfer, to the use of dedicated implants. In addition, the value of anesthesia and regional blocks, both during surgery and in the postoperative phase, is discussed. The concluding section addresses particularly complex scenarios and offers guidance on the management of treatment complications and failures. Written by leading international shoulder experts, the book will be of value for shoulder surgeons, rehabilitators, and other health care practitioners.