“Perspective Block” Element Breakdown
B1: Magnitude/Unit Entry. This is the number (magnitude) with “appropriate units” which quantifies the subject of the “Perspective Block” (B6). It is a three (3) digit exponential number (base 10) with a decimal point after the first digit. The list of quantities and their “appropriate units” will continue to grow. At this point in time that list includes the following twenty (22) quantities:
B2: Block Title. Subject of “Perspective Block.” Short and interesting, not more than 35 characters. If the entry is technology based and time sensitive, include the year of known validity for the block in the title. Example: Magnetic Hard Drive Data Rates (2004).
B3: Field of Endeavor. Field of science or technology that this “Perspective Block” entry is related to.
Present list of fields includes:
• Physics/Astronomy • Information Tech. • Data Storage
• Biology/Medicine • Geology/Geography • Weather/Meteorology
• Chemistry/Chem. Eng. • Electro-Optics/Photonics • Nano Science/MEMS
• Architecture/Civil Eng. • Transportation •Aviation/Space
• Materials • Automation • IC & Electrical Arts
• Mechanical/Mech. Eng. • Tribology • Defense/Lethal Arts
• Humanities • Animals/Zoology • Other
Obviously there is some overlap, chose the best and most comfortable fit for your topic.
B4: Contributor. Name and affiliation of “Perspective Block” contributor. That is you. No greater than 55 characters. Some examples:
Joe Jackson, Mechanical Engineer, XYZ Corp.
Bill Boggle, Noble Laureate – Physics, Boston MA, USA
Yiping Yen, Prof. of Architecture, Peking Uni., China
Amy Appleton, 8th Grade Student, Seattle WA, USA
B5: Informal Reference. The source of information provided in the “Perspective Block” (B6). In this field a short summary reference is placed. This “informal reference” can be no longer than 26 characters. Some examples:
Scientific Amer. 10/1997
XYZ Corp. Website
Laser Focus World Mag.
UofM Physics Dept. Website
These “informal references” are followed by a footnote, which directs the reader to the formal or standard academic reference for the source. It is critical you provide this information with your “Perspective Block” submission.
Formal References to published literature and electronic/web-based documents should also be provided for your “Perspective Block” entry. Private communications or unpublished reports should be treated as references also. Further information on how to write a “formal reference” is provided in this short PDF file.
B6: Perspective Block Text. This is the text of the block entry. There is no hard and fast rule here. Length is limited to about 100 -110 words. Make it interesting and provide some perspective relative to the quantity being described. Conversion into other sets of units for the quantity is encouraged, especially, if those units are more standard to the science or technology than that provide for in the “Unit Entry” field. Remember to put quotation marks around text taken directly from your Reference (B5).
