Editorial

Abstract

The Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinária (RBPV; Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Parasitology), which is the means of communication of the Brazilian College of Veterinary Parasitology, is progressing through the year 2013 with greater confidence because many of the targets proposed four years ago are being achieved. Today, the RBPV has its place among national and international journals within the field of General and Veterinary Parasitology. All the studies published from 2009 onwards have a DOI number and the latest citation indices (impact factors), of 0. 461 (2009); 0.548 (2010); 0.712 (2011) and 0.722 (2012) attest to its evolution, particularly with regard to the quality of the studies published. Any editor of a scientific journal seeks quality in the articles published, with novel results, written correctly in the English language and using statistical analyses appropriately in presenting the results. These steps have contributed towards definitively placing the RBPV in an international context. Nonetheless, as the editor of the RBPV, in reading the reviewers' reports and all of the studies passing through the editorial process, before publication, I believe that some points of importance in attaining greater quality among the published papers can be raised. It can be considered that good-quality studies emanate from drawing up good research projects and, for this, articles already published and listed should be reviewed and read carefully. There needs to be certainty that research already published is not simply repeated without providing answers to questions that other researchers did not clarify. Other issues that have to be addressed include whether any data has already been published in the field in which it is intended to conduct the study; whether developing the project will bring any scientific contribution; and whether the methodology used is appropriate and innovative. It needs to be borne in mind that with the advances in molecular diagnoses, morphological techniques for diagnosing parasites do not ensure reliable and specific data. Clearly, researchers are not required to have mastery of all fields of knowledge, but partnerships are essential for developing well-structured projects. Discussing the project with potential collaborators may lead to addition of new objectives. The material to be gathered, particularly in relation to wild animals, may be kept for further studies. Making reference to the results from previous Brazilian studies is very important, because earlier results always bring new ideas and push forward national research. Free access to scientific publications brings considerable advances. Society reaps benefits through expansion of knowledge, since researchers with immediate access to research data within their field of interest may achieve efficient disease control measures and cures. The RBPV steadfastly and uncompromisingly continues to seek the best, working in harmony with researchers, reviewers and the entire scientific community within its field, both nation...