Source Of Information For Professionals Research Articles

The Role of Nutrition in Maintaining the Health and Physical Condition of Sports Volunteers.

Nutrition plays a key role in maintaining health and physical condition, particularly for active individuals, including athletes. It can therefore be assumed that individuals performing physically demanding tasks during the organization of sporting events, such as volunteers, should also pay attention to their nutrition. While the importance of diet for athletes has been widely studied, the impact of nutrition on sports volunteers remains under-researched. Volunteers often have to cope with varying degrees of physical and mental exertion, which may affect their nutritional needs. A qualitative study was conducted using in-depth individual interviews (IDIs) with 17 sports volunteers who had experience in organizing various sporting events. Participants were purposefully selected based on specific inclusion criteria, which included active involvement in sports volunteering (with a minimum of two years of experience in volunteer activities) as well as volunteering experience at sports events of various scales. The interviews aimed to understand the eating habits, dietary awareness, and impact of nutrition on health and physical fitness. The data were transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis, focusing on coding responses and identifying recurring themes. Most participants did not place much importance on their diet, making random food choices due to a busy lifestyle and lack of time. Only a few volunteers consciously adjusted their diet when they had knowledge of the physically demanding tasks they were expected to perform during their volunteer work. The majority of volunteers relied on less reliable sources of nutritional information, such as blogs or social media, rather than credible sources of knowledge. This study revealed that many individuals involved in sports volunteering are unaware of the impact of diet on their fitness and health. There is a need for nutritional education for this group to improve their awareness of the importance of a balanced diet in the context of increased physical activity. It is also advisable to provide better nutritional conditions during sporting events and to promote the use of professional sources of information about healthy eating.

Determinants of intended prevention behaviour against mosquitoes and mosquito-borne viruses in the Netherlands and Spain using the MosquitoWise survey: cross-sectional study

BackgroundRecently, Europe has seen an emergence of mosquito-borne viruses (MBVs). Understanding citizens’ perceptions of and behaviours towards mosquitoes and MBVs is crucial to reduce disease risk. We investigated and compared perceptions, knowledge, and determinants of citizens’ behavioural intentions related to mosquitoes and MBVs in the Netherlands and Spain, to help improve public health interventions.MethodsUsing the validated MosquitoWise survey, data was collected through participant panels in Spain (N = 475) and the Netherlands (N = 438). Health Belief Model scores measuring behavioural intent, knowledge, and information scores were calculated. Confidence Interval-Based Estimation of Relevance was used, together with potential for change indexes, to identify promising determinants for improving prevention measure use.ResultsSpanish participants’ responses showed slightly higher intent to use prevention measures compared to those of Dutch participants (29.1 and 28.2, respectively, p 0.03). Most participants in Spain (92.2%) and the Netherlands (91.8%) indicated they used at least one prevention measure, but differences were observed in which types they used. More Spanish participants indicated to have received information on mosquitoes and MBVs compared to Dutch participants. Spanish participants preferred health professional information sources, while Dutch participants favoured government websites. Determinants for intent to use prevention measures included “Knowledge”, “Reminders to Use Prevention Measures”, and “Information” in the Netherlands and Spain. Determinants for repellent use included “Perceived Benefits” and “Cues to Action”, with “Perceived Benefits” having a high potential for behavioural change in both countries. “Self-Efficacy” and “Knowledge” were determinants in both countries for breeding site removal.ConclusionThis study found differences in knowledge between the Netherlands and Spain but similarities in determinants for intent to use prevention measures, intent to use repellents and intent to remove mosquito breeding sites. Identified determinants can be the focus for future public health interventions to reduce MBV risks.

ЯК ВПЛИНЕ ВІЙНА В УКРАЇНІ НА ЕПІДЕМІЧНУ СИТУАЦІЮ З ТУБЕРКУЛЬОЗОМ: МІРКУВАННЯ ФАХІВЦІВ

To determine the leading trends regarding the impact of the war in Ukraine on the situation with tuberculosis (TB) in real time, professional sources of information were analyzed. Publications regarding the impact of the war in Ukraine on the epidemic situation with TB are mainly of an overview nature. An increase in morbidity, mortality and worsening of other epidemiological indicators are predicted. Possible spread of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and TB/HIV confections is of special concern, as even before the war Ukraine ranked second in Europe for the burden of HIV infection, fourth for the spread of TB and fifth in the world for MDRTB. The impact of war on the health of the population and the medical care system is determined by many factors, including damage to the country's infrastructure, overcrowding, deterioration of sanitary conditions, forced displacement of the population, insufficient availability of medical care, lack of adequate supply of water and food, mental overload, financial difficulties etc. The war affects patient care and the effectiveness of the health care system, which means poor TB detection rates, coverage of preventive examinations, and limited access to health care in general. This problem requires an immediate and comprehensive research and develop a set of measures to restore the full provision of medical care for this disease. Establishing the determinants of TB risk caused by the war will allow offering practical health care measures that should reduce the negative impact of the war on the epidemic situation with TB in Ukraine. Key words: tuberculosis, epidemic situation, war.

Strategies of teachers towards Muslim students in Polish schools

Due to over 40 years of seclusion behind the iron curtain (until 1989) and the myth of a single ethnicity, single religion nation, the Polish education system lacks exposure to a multireligious classroom environment. With EU accession in 2004, the situation is gradually changing. Although higher education facilities provide teachers with comprehensive training in this matter, the actual first-hand experience is rare and new. In this paper, we used an exploratory study, based on qualitative data collected in autumn 2022, using an interpretative approach, to identify and describe strategies for the best practices of teachers when working with Muslim students in a Polish classroom. The empirical data was derived from 37 interviews with teachers (25) and with Muslim students (12) covering 5 voivodeships. We aim to provide a valuable source of information for professionals on how to create an inclusive classroom environment. The exploratory study is part of a larger research project that received funding from the EU, titled EMPATHY: Challenging discourse about Islam and Muslims in Poland, [101049389 CERV-2021-EQUAL]. In effect, we identified 2 predominant strategies of teachers for engagement with Muslim students and several best practice examples on how to overcome obstacles to classroom inclusion.

Caregivers' understanding of childhood influenza vaccination during the epidemic in China. A mixed-methods study.

Influenza vaccination uptake among young children has been poor in China, but it is unclear how it changed during the COVID-19. This study aimed to investigate the uptake status and reasons of childhood influenza vaccination during the pandemic in China. A mixed-methods study combining a questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews was conducted in Anhui, Shaanxi, and Guangdong provinces between September and November 2021. 2081 caregivers completed the valid questionnaire. 38 caregivers participated in interviews, and data were analyzed thematically, using deductive and inductive coding. A total of 2081 caregivers completed the valid questionnaire, and 38 caregivers participated in interviews. Among the caregivers, a total of 1796 were in the age group for high-risk groups in the 2019-2020 flu season, and 46.10% reported that their children received influenza vaccination in the 2019-2020 flu season; 43.63% said that they vaccinated their children against influenza in the 2020-2021 flu season. Many caregivers indicated that the adoption of nonpharmacologic interventions (NPIs) during COVID-19 reduced the risk of influenza infection for children. Most caregivers consider the severity of influenza to be low, and some confused the common cold with influenza. Meanwhile, some caregivers lack confidence in the vaccine's effectiveness and importance. They thought that vaccines are not effective in preventing the constantly mutating virus. Despite clear perceptions about the severity of influenza and the effectiveness of the vaccine, we found that most caregivers did not receive any relevant medical information, and the communication about vaccines between caregivers and professional information sources, such as healthcare workers, is inadequate. Hence, caregivers have no scientific evidence to back up their perceptions. In terms of access to vaccination service, caregivers reported conflicts between time of vaccination service and their schedule, and the need for vaccine prices to be reduced. Targeted interventions are needed to address caregivers' lack of risk perception on influenza during COVID-19 and promote communication between caregivers and professional information sources. Extending vaccination service hours and increasing the number of vaccine clinics close to residential areas and expansion of financing sources for self-paid vaccination could facilitate the access to influenza vaccination service.

Data Science: Trends and Its Role in Various Fields

Data Science is a field that has developed rapidly in recent years, which utilizes technology and data analysis methods to produce useful information for various fields. In this paper, we will explain the latest trends in the field of Data Science and their role in various fields, including the fields of business, health, finance, and the public sector and discuss the technologies and algorithms used in Data Science, such as Machine Learning, Natural language Processing., data visualization, Big Data Analytics, and provides examples of how this technology can be used to solve problems in various fields. This paper aims to explore that Data Science has a very important role in various fields, and will continue to develop along with technological developments. The literature study methodology was carried out to collect data and information related to this topic, which aims to ensure that the data analysis carried out is accurate, and can be trusted. The results of the study found that Data Science science and technology has helped a number of parties with its application to certain aspects related to their fields. Thus, this paper can be a useful source of information for professionals and researchers who are interested in Data Science and its role in various fields.

Organizational risk perception in public agencies: the role of contracting and scientific and professional information

ABSTRACT Public agencies are increasingly required to respond to multiple and evolving threats. Perceptions of risk are important triggers of organizational responses and motivate adaptive strategies. Integrating administrative data with a survey of public managers employed across the 300 largest transit agencies in the US, we examine how outsourcing decisions and reliance on scientific and professional sources of information influence public agencies’ perceptions of extreme weather events’ risks. Results show that reliance on scientific and professional sources of information is positively associated with perceived risk of extreme weather events. The effect of contracting on risk perceptions depends on agencies’ outsourcing strategies.

USE OF ENGLISH SPECIFIC INFORMATION SOURCES IN EDUCATIONAL PROCESS AS A CONDITION FOR IMPROVING OF FUTURE DENTISTS’ PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE

The need for close cooperation between different countries grows every year and necessitates the training of specialists who are fluent in languages of international communication, primarily in English, and use them in their professional activities. Today, it is difficult to imagine a competitive medical specialist who does not use knowledge of the English language in his/her activity to effectively establish professional contacts and obtain the latest information.
 The purpose of the article is to determine the possibilities of improving the quality of professional training of future dentists due to the improvement of foreign language communicative competence through the use of English-language professional information sources in educational process at clinical departments.
 Materials and methods. A search and study of publications on the specified issue was conducted in library sources and search engines.
 Research results. The change in requirements for modern student of higher medical educational institution, caused by the need to enter the world and European educational and scientific space, makes it necessary for future doctors to master the English language at a professional level. Proficiency in English gives future dentists direct access to professional literature, periodicals, websites, etc. Having a sufficient level of language skills, they will be able to expand their horizons of professional growth by attending international conferences, seminars, trainings, exhibitions, getting acquainted with the experience of leading scientists and practitioners.
 Based on this, it should be noted that turning to English-language professional sources in the training of future dentists should not be limited by professional English classes, but their use should become a necessary element of educational process at clinical departments. At the departments of Poltava State Medical University’s Stomatological Faculty the practice of including English-language publications in the lists of recommended literature, listening to reports at practical classes, and the results of individual tasks prepared in English based on the study of original scientific literature has already become a common practice. Nevertheless, the educational process at clinical departments needs more active implementation of such types of educational activities as finding and analyzing new textual, graphic and video information contained in professional materials in English. The work of student scientific groups should provide especially wide opportunities for this.
 Thus, it can be concluded that the use of the English-language professional literature, publications in periodicals, and Internet resources in educational process of future dentists should become an additional factor in students’ effective acquisition and assimilation of knowledge needed in future professional activities.

СТАН ТА ТЕНДЕНЦІЇ РОЗВИТКУ ВІДЧИЗНЯНОГО РИНКУ КОМБІКОРМІВ ТА БІОЛОГІЧНИХ МІНЕРАЛЬНО-ВІТАМІННИХ ДОБАВОК

The article is dedicated to the study of the state and prospects of the market for compound feeds and biological mineral-vitamin supplements in Ukraine. The article provides statistical data on the production and consumption volumes of feeds and supplements on the domestic market up to 2022 and in 2022, particularly during the Russian-Ukrainian war. The authors analysed the factors affecting the demand for these products, such as the increase in animal populations, the expansion of animal husbandry scales, the development of production technologies, and more. The trends in the development of the market for compound feeds and supplements are also highlighted, including changes in demand for feeds and supplements for domestic animals, reasons for the decline or increase in demand for these products, trends in the coming years, and related products. The authors highlight the importance of developing national production of compound feeds and supplements, which will provide independence from imports, increase competitiveness, and improve product quality. An important factor that affected the demand for compound feed products, production, sales, and logistics of these products was the war. The article will investigate the impact of military operations on the activities of farms, agroholdings, and other institutions that purchased compound feeds, biological mineral-vitamin supplements, and other products in bulk and how this changed demand, among other things. In addition, it is worth noting the importance of establishing cooperation between feed producers and farmers. Producers must be ready to meet farmers' needs and understand their requirements, which will help maintain the competitiveness of the national market. The development of scientific research institutes that study technologies and develop new compound feeds and supplements is also essential. The article is an important source of information for professionals in the animal husbandry industry, producers of compound feeds and supplements, and those interested in the development of the domestic food market and national security.

USING SLURM WORKLOAD MANAGER FOR MANAGING SUPERCOMPUTERS AND LINUX CLUSTERS

The article is dedicated to the use of the Slurm Workload Manager for managing supercomputers and Linux clusters and highlighting the importance and advantages of using the Slurm Workload Manager in resource management on multi-user systems. Within the research, existing workload management systems and their limitations were analyzed. Based on this analysis, it was found that Slurm is one of the most widely used and efficient solutions in the field of resource management on multi-user systems. The article provides a detailed examination of the functionality of Slurm, including its core functions such as resource scheduling, task distribution, and system monitoring. Slurm allows users to efficiently utilize computational resources, distribute tasks among cluster nodes, ensure optimal CPU time usage, and control the system load. These features enable high productivity and efficiency in resource utilization. The advantages of Slurm compared to other resource management systems are presented in the article. Slurm is noted for its flexibility and the ability to configure various types of resources, as well as support for different scheduling algorithms. Limitations and challenges associated with using Slurm are also mentioned, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of its capabilities and potential considerations for implementation. This article will provide readers with a detailed overview of the Slurm Workload Manager, its core functions, advantages, and limitations. With the comprehensive analysis and description of Slurm's core functions, the article will serve as an invaluable source of information for professionals working with large-scale computing clusters and supercomputers. It will also be beneficial for those interested in exploring best practices in resource management on multi-user systems and learning effective strategies for utilizing the Slurm Workload Manager.

Analysis of the impact of radio interference on the quality of service in 5G networks and the possibility of their minimization

This article is devoted to the analysis of the impact of radio interference on fifth-generation mobile communication networks and options for minimizing their impact. 5G networks are considered high-speed and high-load networks, which is why stability and performance are critical for effective service delivery in next-generation mobile networks, which in turn is achieved by combating or minimizing the effects of radio interference on the network. The article presents an overview of modern research and technologies aimed at detecting and eliminating radio interference in fifth-generation mobile communication networks. The article also considers the prospects and future directions of research in this field and is a valuable source of information for professionals in the field of wireless communications.

Praxis e valores na assessoria de imprensa: A perceção dos jornalistas portugueses / Press office work: information management or manipulation? The perception of the Portuguese journalists

O relacionamento entre assessores e jornalistas é um tema tão antigo quanto polémico. Alguns autores encontram uma relação de interdependência na sua prática profissional, enquanto outros entendem a assessoria como para-jornalismo, uma atividade manipulativa da opinião pública, através do agendamento mediático. Tendo presente estas visões antagónicas, este estudo visa explorar qual o tipo de relacionamento que se verifica, no atual panorama português, entre os jornalistas e os assessores de imprensa. Através de uma metodologia quantitativa pretendeu-se compreender, por via da aplicação de um inquérito por questionário, qual a perceção dos jornalistas acerca dos comportamentos, trabalho e valores que regem a assessoria de imprensa. As respostas dos 417 inquiridos revelaram que a maioria dos jornalistas considera existir um ambiente de respeito mútuo, mas também que somente 23% concorda que a relação entre jornalistas e assessores de imprensa é de interdependência. Além disso, a associação da atividade de assessoria com propaganda prevalece na opinião de muitos jornalistas, o que sugere não ter sido ainda alcançada uma real relação de confiança e de espírito de equipa entre ambos os grupos profissionais. Palavras-Chave: comunicação estratégica; comunicação organizacional; relações públicas; assessoria de imprensa; jornalismo Abstract Media relations is at the core of Public Relations activities in both corporate, governmental, and non-governmental level. All and any organisation need to manage their relationship with the informative media to maintain a positive image in the public sphere. However, the relationship between press officers and journalists is a subject as old as controversial. Some authors find an interdependent relationship in their professional practice (eg. Chinem, 2003; Lopes, 2017), while others understand the press office as parajournalism (eg. Schudson, 2003; Ribeiro, 2015a; 2015c), an activity that manipulates the public opinion, through agenda-setting mechanisms (eg. Moloney, 2000). Bearing in mind these conflicting views, the main purpose of this study is to explore and critically discuss the journalist-press officers’ relationship in the current Portuguese landscape. This study is relevant because there is no actual research on the journalism-PR relationship in the Portuguese context.The article is structured in two main parts. The first part develops a brief theoretical review, which aims to discuss the practical and conceptual frontiers that involve the operational field of press office, situated in the relationship between professional sources of information and journalists. As the perception of the journalist-public relations relationship depends on the social-cultural, political and economic context, differences between countries are also debated in this theoretical section. In the second part of the article the main results of a survey applied to a sample of Portuguese journalists are discussed, to answer the research question that guided this research: How do journalists perceive the work of press advisors and the interactions established between them?The questionnaire, disseminated via email, was administered between April 3 and June 25 of 2021 and it is focused on the journalist's praxis as well as on the values they attribute to press office work. The scope of this investigation is, therefore, based on the analysis of the routines, practices and values of the Portuguese journalists. According to the responses of 417 journalists, it was ascertained that the majority see a mutual respect environment between Press officers and Journalists. However, only 23% agreed that the relationship between them is one of interdependence. Even though most journalists prefer to resort to direct sources of information, they recognize the importance of the press office work and admit publishing content disseminated by the press offices, at least once a week. Furthermore, many journalists believe that the press office is actively associated with propaganda and that the journalism sphere could exist without PR practitioners. That suggests that a trustworthy and cooperative relationship between both professional groups has yet to be established.This research enhances the reflection about the current state of the relationship between the Portuguese journalist and public relations spheres, from the journalist perspective. In addition, new insights are presented about media relations practices that can contribute to make it more proficient and respected. Finally, new avenues of research are proposed, centred in the journalist perspective and in the public relations view. Keywords: strategic communication; organizational communication; public relations; press office; journalism

Praxis e valores na assessoria de imprensa: A perceção dos jornalistas portugueses

Media relations is at the core of Public Relations activities in both corporate, governmental, and non-governmental level. All and any organisation need to manage their relationship with the informative media to maintain a positive image in the public sphere. However, the relationship between press officers and journalists is a subject as old as controversial. Some authors find an interdependent relationship in their professional practice (eg. Chinem, 2003; Lopes, 2017), while others understand the press office as parajournalism (eg. Schudson, 2003; Ribeiro, 2015a; 2015c), an activity that manipulates the public opinion, through agenda-setting mechanisms (eg. Moloney, 2000). Bearing in mind these conflicting views, the main purpose of this study is to explore and critically discuss the journalist-press officers’ relationship in the current Portuguese landscape. This study is relevant because there is no actual research on the journalism-PR relationship in the Portuguese context. The article is structured in two main parts. The first part develops a brief theoretical review, which aims to discuss the practical and conceptual frontiers that involve the operational field of press office, situated in the relationship between professional sources of information and journalists. As the perception of the journalist-public relations relationship depends on the social-cultural, political and economic context, differences between countries are also debated in this theoretical section. In the second part of the article the main results of a survey applied to a sample of Portuguese journalists are discussed, to answer the research question that guided this research: How do journalists perceive the work of press advisors and the interactions established between them? The questionnaire, disseminated via email, was administered between April 3 and June 25 of 2021 and it is focused on the journalist's praxis as well as on the values they attribute to press office work. The scope of this investigation is, therefore, based on the analysis of the routines, practices and values of the Portuguese journalists. According to the responses of 417 journalists, it was ascertained that the majority see a mutual respect environment between Press officers and Journalists. However, only 23% agreed that the relationship between them is one of interdependence. Even though most journalists prefer to resort to direct sources of information, they recognize the importance of the press office work and admit publishing content disseminated by the press offices, at least once a week. Furthermore, many journalists believe that the press office is actively associated with propaganda and that the journalism sphere could exist without PR practitioners. That suggests that a trustworthy and cooperative relationship between both professional groups has yet to be established. This research enhances the reflection about the current state of the relationship between the Portuguese journalist and public relations spheres, from the journalist perspective. In addition, new insights are presented about media relations practices that can contribute to make it more proficient and respected. Finally, new avenues of research are proposed, centred in the journalist perspective and in the public relations view.

The information behaviours of disadvantaged young first-time mothers

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the information behaviours of socioeconomically disadvantaged young first-time mothers, an understudied and at-risk group (health and well-being).Design/methodology/approachQuestionnaire and semi-structured interviews with 39 young mothers (aged up to 25 years of age) from UK areas of multiple deprivations.FindingsOur participants' preferred sources of information are interpersonal sources with which they have formed close supportive relationships. Support groups are important sources of interpersonal connection, but young mothers are reluctant to attend groups involving older mothers. With the exception of support group staff and health visitors, institutional and professional information sources are used very little. Societal stigma is a significant issue influencing behaviours, but issues of institutional bureaucracy, information overload, conflicting information and practical access are also reported. A further key factor influencing behaviour is self-identity.Research limitations/implicationsFindings should not be considered representative of young mothers as a whole as not all young mothers are disadvantaged. As our participants identified as ethnically white, findings also cannot speak to the additional barriers experienced by women of colour. Further studies with further population groups are recommended. More broadly, further studies exploring the influence of self-identity on people's information behaviours are also recommended.Practical implicationsFindings provide practical direction for health and welfare services, and public libraries, to better support young mothers.Originality/valueFindings contribute to conceptual and practical understanding of information poverty in the socio-ecological context. Findings also evidence the role of self-identity in shaping people's information behaviours.

Sources of information used by women during pregnancy and the perceived quality

BackgroundAccess to reliable information is critical to women’s experience and wellbeing during pregnancy and childbirth. In our information-rich society, women are exposed to a wide range of information sources. The primary objective of this study was to explore women’s use of information sources during pregnancy and to examine the perceived usefulness and trustworthiness of these sources.MethodA quantitative cross-sectional study of Dutch women's experiences with various information sources during pregnancy, including professional (e.g. healthcare system), and informal sources, divided into conventional (e.g. family or peers) and digital sources (e.g. websites or apps). Exploratory backward stepwise multiple regression was performed to identify associations between the perceived quality of information sources and personal characteristics.ResultsA total of 1922 pregnant women were included in this study. The most commonly used information sources were midwives (91.5%), family or friends (79.3%), websites (77.9%), and apps (61%). More than 80% of women found professional information sources trustworthy and useful, while digital sources were perceived as less trustworthy and useful. Personal factors explain only a small part of the variation in the perceived quality of information sources.ConclusionEven though digital sources are perceived as less trustworthy and useful than professional and conventional sources, they are among the most commonly used sources of information for pregnant women. To meet the information needs of the contemporary generation of pregnant women it is essential that professionals help in the development of digital information sources.

Способы обучения риторике курсантов и студентов инженерного профиля в техническом вузе

The article is devoted to teaching rhetoric to future bachelors of engineering profile in a technical higher educational establishment. The main focus during practical lessons is on oral presentations and doing creative assignments aimed at search, analysis, systematization of information, development of effective interaction skills in various communicative and speech context in order to increase the level of professional skills, and requiring reference both to the professional sources of information (online dictionaries and handbooks including special resources in the field of life safety) and periodicals and social networks.

Professional Information Needs of Library Specialists in Russia

The article is devoted to the comprehensive study of the professional information needs (IN) of specialists of the central libraries of the subjects of the Russian Federation. The rapid development of high technologies in the field of accumulation, transmission and processing of information, the creation of modern telecommunications systems have led to the emergence of fundamentally new opportunities for organizing the information process. This, in turn, led to the qualitative growth of IN specialists, including those employed in the field of library activities. The specific features of IN library specialists are determined by their place and role in the modern process of cultural activity, industry orientation, nature of work and specialization. During 2018—2019, the Centre for Research of Problems of the Development of Libraries in the Information Society of the Russian State Library carried out research aimed at comprehensive study of the information needs of cultural workers employed in the library sphere. At the first stage of the research, there was comprehended the existing experience of studying professional information needs in the national library science. At the second stage, using the method of questionnaire survey, information needs of library specialists were studied in order to identify the most rational forms and methods of providing them. The analysis of the survey results made it possible to identify the sources of professional information, to reveal information resources that have the greatest importance and characterize specific features of librarians’ information needs.The author concludes on the need to expand the access to full-text databases and electronic versions of periodicals for library staff. The creation of integrated information centre could help providing library professionals with professional information. Currently, the function of such a centre is performed by the National Electronic Library, which includes the professional section for library specialists. The results of the study form theoretical and methodological basis for the rational use of resources and potential of libraries in providing information to professional information needs of library specialists and determine the prospects for further research related to improving the forms and methods of information service for this category of users.

Professional Information Needs of Library Specialists in Russia

The article is devoted to the comprehensive study of the professional information needs (IN) of specialists of the central libraries of the subjects of the Russian Federation. The rapid development of high technologies in the field of accumulation, transmission and processing of information, the creation of modern telecommunications systems have led to the emergence of fundamentally new opportunities for organizing the information process. This, in turn, led to the qualitative growth of IN specialists, including those employed in the field of library activities. The specific features of IN library specialists are determined by their place and role in the modern process of cultural activity, industry orientation, nature of work and specialization. During 2018—2019, the Centre for Research of Problems of the Development of Libraries in the Information Society of the Russian State Library carried out research aimed at comprehensive study of the information needs of cultural workers employed in the library sphere. At the first stage of the research, there was comprehended the existing experience of studying professional information needs in the national library science. At the second stage, using the method of questionnaire survey, information needs of library specialists were studied in order to identify the most rational forms and methods of providing them. The analysis of the survey results made it possible to identify the sources of professional information, to reveal information resources that have the greatest importance and characterize specific features of librarians’ information needs.The author concludes on the need to expand the access to full-text databases and electronic versions of periodicals for library staff. The creation of integrated information centre could help providing library professionals with professional information. Currently, the function of such a centre is performed by the National Electronic Library, which includes the professional section for library specialists. The results of the study form theoretical and methodological basis for the rational use of resources and potential of libraries in providing information to professional information needs of library specialists and determine the prospects for further research related to improving the forms and methods of information service for this category of users.

Access to Vaccination Information and Confidence/Hesitancy Towards Childhood Vaccination: A Cross-Sectional Survey in China.

Access to vaccination information could influence public attitudes towards vaccination. This study investigated the number and types of vaccination-related information sources, and estimated their associations with vaccine confidence and hesitancy in China. In January 2019, we conducted a cross-sectional survey in China, and 2122 caregivers with children <6 years completed self-administered questionnaires. Logistic regressions were used to assess associations between caregivers’ primary information sources and vaccine confidence/hesitancy. A majority (72%) of caregivers had multiple sources of vaccination-related information. The proportions of caregivers reporting professional sources, media, and peers as primary information sources were 81%, 63%, and 26%. Internal migrants were less likely to get information from professional sources; more educated and wealthier caregivers reported more information sources and were more likely to get information from media and peers. Caregivers who reported professional information sources had significantly higher odds of being confident about the safety of vaccines and lower odds of being hesitant toward vaccination than those who did not. Caregivers who reported the media as a primary information source had significantly higher odds of being hesitant toward vaccination than those who did not. To address vaccine hesitancy, it is essential to promote universal access to professional vaccination-related information sources, and to use the media to disseminate evidence-based information and clarify misinformation. Health communication should target internal migrants, and more educated and wealthier caregivers.

Knowledge and sources of information on umbilical cord blood donation in pregnant women.

The use of umbilical cord blood (UCB) holds promise for the treatment of a wide spectrum of diseases. However, information on UCB donation is not widespread or accurate among expectant women. The aim of this study is to evaluate pregnant women's knowledge of UCB donation, their main sources of information and their satisfaction with the knowledge possessed. Women (N = 375) in the last semester of pregnancy completed questionnaires evaluating sociodemographics, knowledge of UCB donation, past donation, sources of information, satisfaction with the information and the desire to have received more information. Women were aware of the possibility of donating UCB (97.5%) although, on average, they reported not having enough knowledge of donation possibilities, procedures to be followed and uses of UCB (2.51, on a 5-point scale). Considering knowledge satisfaction, 28% were not at all satisfied. Only 2.8% felt fully prepared and the great majority (75.2%) would have liked to have received more information. The main source of information was the Internet (51.2%). Gynecologists and midwives were indicated by only 24.4% and 18.6% of women, respectively. Age and education were significantly correlated with UCB knowledge. Chi-square tests evidenced that those who reported professional sources of information (gynecologists, obstetricians, prenatal courses) did not need additional information. Conversely, mothers who turned to other mothers for information were more likely to desire further information. Most mothers report the Internet as the main source of information. Providing accurate information through official sources may result in a more positive attitude toward donation.