Go International

Abstract

The indissoluble teaching-research-extension triad is frequently mentioned in university and industrial environments, especially in relation to Analytical Chemistry (AC). This triad tends to be more expressive when it involves collaborations within different groups, and the presence of foreign scientists is welcome in the context. This is consistent with the expression “GO INTERNATIONAL”, endorsed by BrJAC. With regard to teaching, the initial AC development in Brazil was strongly influenced by forthcoming foreign scientists, and IQ-USP, IQ-UNICAMP, and CENA-USP can be selected as examples. In BrJAC, expressions such as “… Ph.D. students affectionately called scientific children”1 and “treat your students with special care”2 have already been used. It is worth mentioning here the interview recently granted by Suzanna Rath to BrJAC3. She was born in Germany and came to Brazil at the age of seven, staying here until the end of her M.Sc. program. Thereafter, she received her Ph.D. in Germany and, after returning to Brazil, proved to be an excellent teacher and scientist. Asked for what she would like to be remembered, she replied: “for having had the privilege of sharing the little that I know”. This reflects the importance of GO INTERNATIONAL in her professional life. BrJAC teaching support through promotional materials, novel product presentations, articles, reviews, points of view, sponsor reports, scientific events, etc. should also be highlighted. With regard to research, relevant scientific achievements and industrial production are currently noted, and the role of BrJAC is to disseminate them through published materials, organization of webinars, presentations in events, apparatus demonstrations, etc. A relevant aspect linked to GO INTERNATIONAL is the growing number of publications authored by researchers from other countries. This is evident in this BrJAC issue, which includes 01 review and 09 technical articles. Amongst them, 44% come from Morocco, India, or Uruguay, different countries with specific cultural lives and conditions. The review deals with chromatographic analysis of pesticides in sweet pepper, and the articles are focused on the following: extraction and evaluation of flamboyant (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) mirim gum as a viscosifying agent for enhanced oil recovery fluids; simultaneous obtaining and fractioning of essential oils by hydro-distillation; evaluation of a biodegradable system for Pb(II) and Hg(II) removal from waters; MS estimation of δ13C and δ18O in blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) for authenticity control and traceability purposes; multivariate analysis of mid-infrared spectrometric data for tracing the origin of Moroccan saffron; voltammetric behavior of 8-oxoguanine on a glassy carbon electrode modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes/carbon black; ultrasound-assisted determination of copper in bovine and ovine livers, aiming at food surveillance and animal status monitoring; and an eco-friendly ultrasound-assisted procedure for simultaneous determinations of evogliptin and metformin hydrochloride in bulk and combined tablet dosage forms. Noteworthy aspects of the above-mentioned contributions are their excellent quality, originality, and relevance. With regard to extension, it is worth noting that, with the continuous quality improvement of the journal, there is a better adherence of BrJAC with GO INTERNATIONAL, and this meets the objectives of this journal. The incentives for those engaged with AC have been increasing, and the development of novel products (e.g., instruments and reagents), training of staff, especially those associated with GAC (e.g., working in the analytical laboratories and/or developing new analytical methods/procedures), introducing and disseminating novel instruments, participation in scientific events, etc. have always be mentioned in the BrJAC. One can then infer that the indissoluble teaching-research-extension triad is a positive factor in the inception, development, and industrial production of modern AC instruments. All above-mentioned aspects can be appreciated by reading this issue. So, enjoy reading.