Citations
to make us all grow
(Portuguese
PDF version)
Telmo P. Bonamigo *
*
Former Editor-in-Chief of the Jornal Vascular Brasileiro.
J
Vasc Br 2005;4(2):122-2
One of the most interesting aspects for analyzing studies published in Brazil is the chapter of bibliographic citations. We would like to open this discussion in our journal of the Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery, since we find it pertinent.
By discussing it, reflection on this issue will be encouraged. It might cause some reaction, which at medium-term will be beneficial. Let us make some considerations:
Author 'A' often does not cite his Brazilian colleague author 'B', who has a similar experience on the issue being addressed to by author 'A'.
Which could be the causes?
Forgetfulness? Being unaware of the experience of author 'B'? Deliberate omission?
For forgetfulness, it should be said that remembering the citation, if adequate to the context of the study, does justice to author 'B'. Citing author 'B' does not diminish the merit of the study by author 'A'. For the reader of another specialty, it gives the idea of a larger scientific community.
Being unaware, after the publication of the Brazilian Bibliographic Index of Angiology and Vascular Surgery and the possibility of making bibliographic researches through Bireme, MEDLINE, and Lilacs, can no longer be justified.
Deliberate
omission, instead of being a "goal" is an "own goal", since the critical
reader has enough perception to realize the fact.
I would also say that this conduct is part of the underdeveloped culture, in which it may seem to author 'A' that by citing only first world authors will place author 'A' in a similar position, while the citation of author 'B' keeps them both in the third world.
We think an effort should be made on the opposite way. If authors with adequate papers are cited in Brazilian studies, our specialty will grow for readers of other specialties, creating benefits for all.
We would say that citation is a way of allowing the other's growth, by growing together. But the omission will not prevent the other's growth, and might put him in an embarrassing situation of having made a deliberate omission or an unjustified forgetfulness, which can make him lose points.
We just have to look at papers published abroad to verify that this policy has been followed by several years. Results are known by everyone.
However, if we already have a diagnosis and the desire to change, we have already started our walk. And "walking is necessary".
P.S.:
Author's note: Since the topic is still relevant, I asked to the
Editor-in-Chief of the J Vasc Br, Dr. Winston B. Yoshida, to republish
the text published in the journal Vascular Surgery and Angiology in
1994.
