What Microsoft 98-349 Exam Objectives Should You Master to Become a Certified Specialist? Practice Tests Know the Answer!

(Gloucestercitynews.net)(January 27, 2020)–Microsoft offers a wide range of certifications and exams for the IT professionals. By doing so, it contributes tremendously to the growth of the IT industry. Actually, Microsoft is a giant in it. This is evident from the fact that about 80 percent of computers all over the world are running on its operating system. That is why a specialist with the credential of this vendor will be in-demand in many organizations worldwide.

Microsoft 98-349, or Windows OS Fundamentals, is the recommended starting point in the IT-sphere. This article focuses on this exam and everything else that it entails, including its topics, recertification policy, prerequisites, preparation options, and so on. Let’s start with the basic information.

What is the Microsoft 98-349 exam?

The

Exam-labs.com

98-349 certification exam was published on April 13, 2011. All this time, this test has been very popular among employers and IT professionals, particularly those who manage application folders, files, and devices. Going by the look of things, this exam will continue to be a highly sought-after test for a long time. It is intended for home PC users, developers, academic information workers, and IT specialists. The 98-349 exam is also designed for those who are looking to be recognized as system analysts and system administrators. It is meant to certify one’s competency to understand, manage, and install the Windows operating system.

The Microsoft 98-349 certification exam consists of about 40-60 questions in total, and the time limit is 2 hours. The questions are of various types. Precisely, there are scenario-based and multiple-choice questions that are included in this test. The maximum score for this Windows OS

Fundamentals exam is 1000 points, and the passing score is 700

. The available languages: Russian, German, Spanish, Spanish (Latin America), English, French, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Korean, Japanese, and Chinese (Simplified/Traditional).

What are the prerequisites for Microsoft 98-349 exam?

There are no official prerequisites for Microsoft 98-349. Although this gives anyone the opportunity to take this exam, it would be almost impossible to do well and achieve even the passing score without having prior knowledge of Windows fundamentals. Microsoft has stated it very clear on its website that the individuals considering this certification test should know the concepts of Windows OS.

The candidates are also advised to use study materials that Microsoft offers on its webpage. The resources are as follows: training courses, practice tests, study guides, videos. Apart from these official prep tools, there are also other verified resources such as braindumps and video tutorials that can be found on exam-Labs. This platform is one of the best places that provide students with up-to-date study materials.

What topics do you need to cover in Microsoft 98-349 exam?

The exam is based on 6 main knowledge domains, and each of them will cover about 15-20% of the whole test. So, all the topics are usually given the same prominence in the exam. These objectives should always act as the general guidelines for the applicants about what content the examiners are most likely to include in Microsoft 98-349. Let’s take a quick look at each topic. You can check the whole list with the details by visiting the certification webpage.

Understanding the operating system configuration

This is the first topic that is included in the Microsoft 98-349 certification exam. The questions from this objective test the students’ knowledge of a number of concepts, but the main ones include the usage and configuration of Control Panel options, desktop settings, native tools and applications, mobility settings, and management tools. It also covers administrative tools, profiles and display settings, file explorer settings, start menu, taskbar, notifications, Microsoft Edge, Hyper-V, MSCONFIG, Windows PowerShell, Sync Center, and more.

Installing and upgrading client systems

This is the second topic from which the questions are taken in the certification exam. This objective measures one’s ability to identify editions of Windows OS, understand installation types, identify the appropriate upgrade paths, and understand OS architecture, and so on. You should know how to identify and understand hardware and compatibility requirements, apps compatibility, kernel mode, user mode, 32-bit vs. 64-bit architecture, perform a clean install and upgrade via Windows Update.

Managing applications

Various concepts are being tested on this objective. The questions evaluate the candidates’ knowledge of configuring and understanding applications, antivirus settings, UAC, services start-up types, service dependencies, and service accounts. You should also know a thing or two about local and network apps, desktop apps, Windows SmartScreen and Store apps, standard user and administrative ones, Malicious Software Removal Tool and Windows Defender.

Managing folders and files

The questions on this topic cover various concepts. They basically verify the ability of the test takers to understand file systems, print and file sharing, encrypting files systems and BitLocker, and libraries. To master the skills, you need to understand NTFS, FAT32, and ReFS, and can be able to configure share permissions, file system permissions, HomeGroup settings, effective permissions, and print drivers.

Managing devices

The questions on this objective are designed to measure the individuals\’ ability in connecting devices, understanding storage, printing devices, and system devices, such as device management, video, devices, infrared input devices, and audio devices. You should master your knowledge of plug-and-play and Bluetooth devices, printers, device drivers, third-party software, disk types, OneDrive, and Device Manager.

Understanding operating system maintenance

The last topic area majorly tests if the candidates understand backup and recovery methods, maintenance tools, and know-how to configure updates. You need to learn about recovery drive, recovery boot options, system restore, safe mode options, task scheduler, disk cleanup, disk defragmenter, system information, Windows update options, roll back updates, and more.

Conclusion

The Microsoft 98-349 certification exam is an important step for your career growth. With the relevant credential, which is earned after clearing this test, you will be a highly sought-after IT professional. Remember that Exam-Labs will always partner with you on your journey to achieving high results. You can always rely on its training materials to help you prepare for your exams in two ticks.

Which countries allow online gambling casino

Gloucestercitynews.net (January 27, 2020)–If your country allows gambling in casinos, then lucky for you since you have a way of making money at the comfort of your home. Some countries do not allow online gambling, and therefore, if you are caught playing casino games in such countries, you will be charged according to the law. Therefore, before you embark on your online gambling, it is necessary to find out whether the country in which the casino is based allows gambling. In this article, I have combined a list of countries where online gambling is legal.

Why a casino doesn\’t legal in some countries

Regardless of whether gambling is legal or illegal in certain nations, there will always be gamblers. The main reason as to why some governments fail to legalize gambling is to protect the citizens from vice and making poor decisions. You must have heard of people who lost everything that they owned in gambling or some who have become addicts. Now, these are some of the things that governments try to protect by making casinos illegal. Professionals from

online casino real money

will help you identify some of the precautions that you should take to make a big win from gambling.

Canada

Canada has legalized gambling in some regions, while in others, it is illegal. Therefore, gambling regulations differ across the ten provinces. Each province has the mandate to regulate gambling activities, and hence, you need to familiarize yourself with the gambling rules in your province. The online casinos ought to follow the regulations set out by the governing province.

Australia and New Zealand

The Australian and New Zealand law have allowed their citizens to participate in online gambling activities. All that is required is for the casino operators to have gambling licenses, and they will be free to run their businesses in any part of the nation. However, the only form of gambling allowed in Australia is sports betting, auto-racing betting, and online lottery. In New Zealand, gambling is only legal if authorized by the Gambling Act 2003.

USA

The USA makes 70% of the players base on online gambling. The US federal law has legalized gambling. However, the law ensures to have certain restrictions when it comes to online and interstate gambling. This means that some gambling activities might be considered legal in one state, yet they are illegal in another state. Every state has the mandate to regulate gambling activities within its borders. Therefore, you need to play in a state where online gambling is legal.

South countries

Among the countries that allow online gambling in South America is Argentina. The country boasts some of the largest casinos across the world. There are over 80 casinos in Argentina, as well as approximately 12000 slots. The government regulations in Chile and Venezuela have legalized gambling. Brazil is among the southern countries that do not allow casino betting.

United Kingdom

The UK stands to be the nation with the best gambling rules. It allows gambling for any individual as long as they are above 18 years. Unlike other nations, the country does not charge any taxes on the amounts won from gambling. Therefore, this makes it a favorable place for gambling in online casinos. Their online gambling regulations ensure that the players have a fair and safe gambling environment.

The grey areas of online gambling

Online gambling falls into the grey area because it is difficult to regulate its operations in countries where gambling has been legalized. For instance, most of the players do it from home hence making it difficult to convict them. Also, the servers are located in countries that have legalized gambling.

In turn, their websites run in different parts of the world. People take casino licenses and end up running their activities in areas where gambling is restricted.

Other European countries

Following the boom of the gambling business, most of the European countries have legalized gambling. Hence, as long as you are in such countries, you can pop up in any legal casinos and play with real money. They believe that gambling helps in the growth of the economy. Some of those countries include Hungry, Malta, Portugal, Norway, Spain, France, Germany, Netherland, Gibraltar, Italy, Poland, Denmark, Russia, Belgium, and Switzerland.

Asia

The gambling laws in Asia allows business people to run gambling platforms such as online casinos. Countries such as Kazakhstan, Philippines, and Japan have fully legalized gambling. Besides, countries such as Thailand, China, Macao, and Singapore partly allow people to gamble. In India, gambling is only allowed in the states of Goa and Sikkim. As well, some Indian states have legalized scratch card games.

Now that you have known where gambling is allowed, you do not have to fear being convicted for gambling. All you have to do is search for licensed casinos in such countries, and you will be free to gamble on your favorite games. Such casinos are a guarantee that you can play with real money and have a timely payment of your winnings.

Mustafa Al-Imam Sentenced to Prison for September 2012 Terrorist Attack in Benghazi, Libya

New York, NY (January 24, 2020)–Mustafa al-Imam, a 47-year-old Libyan national, was sentenced today to 236 months in prison on federal terrorism charges and other offenses stemming from the Sept. 11, 2012, terrorist attack on the U.S. Special Mission and CIA Annex in Benghazi, Libya. Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and U.S. government personnel Sean Smith, Tyrone Woods, and Glen Doherty

died in the attack.

The announcement was made by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jessie K. Liu, Jay Tabb, Executive Assistant Director of the FBI’s National Security Branch, and Assistant Director in Charge William F. Sweeney, Jr. of the FBI’s New York Field Office.

“We have not rested in our efforts to bring to justice those involved in the terrorist attacks on our facilities in Benghazi, which led to the death of four courageous Americans – Tyrone Woods, Sean Smith, Glen Doherty, and Ambassador Christopher Stevens – and we never will,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. “Those responsible for these crimes must be held accountable. I want to thank the agents, analysts, and prosecutors – and all of their partners in the U.S. government – who are responsible for this important investigation.”

“Today’s sentence demonstrates the United States’ continuing commitment to pursue justice against those who commit terrorist acts against the United States no matter how far we must go or how long it takes. Mustafa al-Imam played an important role in the terrorist attack that destroyed the U.S. Mission and the CIA Annex in Benghazi,” said U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu for the District of Columbia. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to pursue justice against all those who murdered these four American heroes and who seriously injured our personnel defending these U.S. facilities overseas.”

“The tragic loss of four American lives in the Benghazi attacks will never be forgotten and today’s sentencing of Mustafa al-Imam is an important reminder of that,” said Jay Tabb, Executive Assistant Director of the FBI’s National Security Branch. “The FBI is committed to investigate and bring to justice all individuals involved in acts of terrorism against U.S. facilities or citizens and will use the full range of our resources to pursue such cases.”

“Mustafa al-Imam played a significant role in the 2012 Benghazi attack, one that ultimately claimed American lives,” said Assistant Director William F. Sweeney, Jr. “While nothing will ever change the outcome of this horrific event, today’s sentencing is a reminder that the safety of Americans—whether at home or abroad, civilian or otherwise—will always be our top priority. If you commit an act of terrorism, we will find you and bring you to justice.\”

Al-Imam was captured in Libya on Oct. 29, 2017, and brought to the United States to face trial in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. He was

found guilty

by a jury on June 13, 2019, following a six-week trial, of one count of conspiracy to provide material support or resources to terrorists and one count of maliciously destroying and injuring dwellings and property, and placing lives in jeopardy within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States. He was sentenced by the Honorable Christopher R. Cooper.

According to the government’s evidence, on the night of Sept. 11, 2012, a group of extremists, armed with AK-47 rifles, grenades, and other weapons, swept into the U.S. Special Mission in Benghazi, setting fires and breaking into buildings. During that violence, Ambassador Stevens, Mr. Smith, and Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Special Agent Scott Wickland valiantly tried to protect themselves when the attackers stormed into the Ambassador’s residence, sheltering in a secure area. However, when the attackers could not gain entry to the secure area, the attackers set fire to the residence. Ambassador Stevens and Mr. Smith suffocated from the thick, black smoke that enveloped the residence. Special Agent Wickland, who tried to guide them to safety, was injured and repeatedly took small arms fire while trying to rescue Ambassador Stevens and Mr. Smith.

Al-Imam arrived at the Mission shortly after the attack began, accompanying Ahmed Abu Khatallah, the leader of an extremist militia named Ubaydah bin Jarrah and one of the planners of the attack. During the attack on the Mission, al-Imam maintained contact with Khatallah in a series of cellphone calls, including an 18-minute phone call that took place during the height of the attack. Members of Ubaydah bin Jarrah, as well as other extremist groups, were caught on surveillance video attacking the Mission. After the American security personnel withdrew from the Mission, al-Imam, Khatallah, several UBJ members, and other extremists entered the Mission’s office and removed sensitive information, including maps and other documents related to the location of the CIA’s Annex in Benghazi.

Following the attack at the Mission, in the early hours of Sept. 12, 2012, the violence continued at the CIA Annex, first with gunfire and then with a precision mortar attack. While defending the Annex, Mr. Woods, Mr. Doherty, DSS Special Agent David Ubben, and CIA security specialist Mark Tiegen were hit by a precision mortar attack, leading to the deaths of Mr. Woods and Mr. Doherty. Special Agent Ubben and Mr. Tiegen were seriously wounded but survived.

This case was investigated by the FBI’s New York Field Office with substantial assistance from various other government agencies, including the Department of Defense and the two victim agencies, the CIA and the U.S. Department of State\’s Diplomatic Security Service. The National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section provided significant assistance.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Cummings and Karen Seifert of the National Security Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Assistance was provided by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas Coleman and Jolie Zimmerman, Paralegal Specialist Donna Galindo, detailed Paralegal Specialist Ashley Davis, Intelligence Research Special Dustin Powell, contract Document Management Analyst Michael Watts, Victim-Witness Advocates Yvonne Bryant, Tonya Jones, Laverne Perry and Wanda Queen, and Litigation Technology Chief Leif Hickling. Earlier stages of the prosecution were handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael DiLorenzo and former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Opher Shweiki and Julieanne Himelstein.

The Rite Aid Foundation Welcomes 2020 KidCents Charities Award

Awards more than $2.4 million in grant funding to 481 nonprofits

CAMP HILL, Pa.–(

BUSINESS WIRE

)–The Rite Aid Foundation welcomed 481 nonprofits to its 2020 KidCents class – it’s largest ever – and awarded more than $2.4 million to support the charities that advance the health and wellbeing of children in communities that Rite Aid serves.

The number of KidCents charities has more than doubled since the program’s inception in 2014, when 204 nonprofits comprised the inaugural class. Over seven years, The Rite Aid Foundation has contributed a total of more than $34 million to KidCents charities across the country, thanks to members of Rite Aid’s loyalty program,

wellness+ rewards

, rounding up their in-store or online purchases to donate to KidCents.

“More than 3 million Rite Aid customers actively choose to make meaningful contributions to help children in their communities through KidCents. The program’s growth is a testament to their generosity and commitment to building safer, stronger and more supportive communities for youth across the country,” said Jessica Kazmaier, president of The Rite Aid Foundation and Rite Aid chief human resources officer. “The 2020 KidCents class has the opportunity to prove that change adds up exponentially, and we look forward to helping them achieve their goal of giving kids better lives and brighter futures.”

Each KidCents nonprofit will receive a $5,000 grant to start 2020. The funding will help organizations like The Children’s Developmental Center in Richland, Washington, provide programs – like autism evaluations, occupational therapy and speech language therapy – that help children reach their potential.

“The Children’s Developmental Center has been providing early intervention services to young children with developmental delays and their families since 1977. We support, educate and empower families to assist children in reaching their fullest potential,” said Cathryn Tames, executive director of The Children’s Developmental Center and a past recipient of The Rite Aid Foundation’s KIDCHAMP Award. “The support of The Rite Aid Foundation allows us to do what we do best – make a positive difference in the lives of our communities’ youngest children and their families.”

Examples of longstanding impacted nonprofits include:

Speech and Language Development Center, Buena Park, California:

The nonprofit school and therapy center serves children and young adults with special needs in language learning and/or behavior. More than 200 staff members provide programs and services for about 300 students.

Inspiring Minds, Warren, Ohio:

Founded in 2006, Inspiring Minds focuses on five key areas: education, college and career readiness, exposure to new experiences, health and wellness, and personal development. The nonprofit offers free after-school and summer enrichment programs to under-represented youth.

Mighty Writers, Philadelphia:

Mighty Writers teaches kids to write through four-day-a-week writing academies at six neighborhood locations in Philadelphia and the surrounding area. All programs are free for the children the nonprofit serves.

In addition to having 92 original charities among this year’s ranks, The Rite Aid Foundation also welcomed 69 new KidCents charities to the program in 2020. New participants include:

Girls on the Run, Dayton, Ohio:

A council of Girls on the Run International, Girls on the Run of Dayton inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum that integrates running. The organization serves four counties and has inspired more than 5,000 participants over nine years.

ABC House, Albany, Oregon:

Established in 1997, this Child Abuse Intervention Center works with children, youth and families to overcome the crisis of abuse and neglect. Services include: child abuse assessment, treatment, support services, post-trauma counseling, and educational programming.

Fresh Youth Initiatives, New York:

Launched in 1993, Fresh Youth Initiatives (FYI) works with low-income immigrant and first-generation youth, with goals to help children succeed in school, navigate life transitions, pursue college and a career, and give back to their community. Through summer camps, afterschool programs and more, FYI works with 1,500 children and teens.

“Girls on the Run of Dayton is incredibly honored to join The Rite Aid Foundation’s 2020 KidCents charities. This $5,000 grant alone will allow us to offer over 60 additional scholarships this year,” said Kayleigh Clark, executive director of Girls on the Run of Dayton. “As we celebrate our 10-year anniversary, we remain dedicated to serving every girl across the Miami Valley. We believe every girl is inherently full of power and potential. As a KidCents charity, we look forward to building confidence and inspiration in our community and are grateful to The Rite Aid Foundation for its continued support.”

For a full list of KidCents charities and to learn more about how Rite Aid’s

wellness+ rewards

members can support charities in their own communities, please visit

www.kidcents.com

About The Rite Aid Foundation

Since its inception in 2001, The Rite Aid Foundation has awarded more than $68 million to nonprofit organizations. Additionally, Rite Aid, through the efforts of its customers, supplier partners and associates, has also raised more than $92 million for Children\’s Miracle Network Hospitals across the country since 1994.

About the KidCents Program

Through the KidCents program, which is The Rite Aid Foundation\’s charitable giving program dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of children living in the communities Rite Aid services, members of Rite Aid\’s loyalty program,

wellness+ rewards

can round up their in-store or online purchases to the nearest dollar and donate their change to KidCents. Members can also choose to direct their change to a specific KidCents charity by visiting

www.kidcents.com

. For more information, visit

www.kidcents.com

About Rite Aid Corporation

Rite Aid Corporation is on the front lines of delivering health care services and retail products to over 1.6 million Americans daily. Our pharmacists are uniquely positioned to engage with customers and improve their health outcomes. We provide an array of whole being health products and services for the entire family through over 2,400 retail pharmacy locations across 18 states. Through EnvisionRxOptions, we also deliver pharmacy benefit management to approximately 1,900 clients and 3.4 million members. For more information, visit

www.riteaid.com

CDC 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), Wuhan, China (Updated)

Updated January 24, 2020

Situation Summary

CDC is closely monitoring an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus (termed “2019-nCoV”) that was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China and which continues to expand. Chinese health officials have reported hundreds of infections with 2019-nCoV in China, including outside of

Hubei Province. Infections with 2019-nCoV also are being reported in a growing number of countries internationally, including the United States, where the

first

and

second

2019-nCoV infections were reported on January 21 and January 24, 2020, respectively, both in travelers returning from Wuhan.

Chinese health authorities were the first to post the full genome of the 2019-nCoV in

GenBank

external icon

, the NIH genetic sequence database, and in the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (

GISAID

external icon

) portal, an action which has facilitated detection of this virus. On January 24, 2020, CDC posted in GenBank the full genome of the 2019-nCoV virus detected in the first U.S. patient from Washington state. The virus genetic sequence from the patient in Washington is nearly identical to the sequences posted from China. The available sequences suggest a likely single, recent emergence from a virus related to bat coronaviruses and SARS-CoV. The available sequence information does not provide any information about severity of associated illness or transmissibility of the virus.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing illness in people and others that circulate among animals, including camels, cats and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can evolve and infect people and then spread between people such as has been seen with

MERS

and

SARS

When person-to-person spread has occurred with MERS and SARS, it is thought to have happened via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread. Spread of MERS and SARS between people has generally occurred between close contacts. Past MERS and SARS outbreaks have been complex, requiring comprehensive public health responses.

Early on, many of the patients in the outbreak in Wuhan, China reportedly had some link to a large seafood and animal market, suggesting animal-to-person spread. However, a growing number of patients reportedly have not had exposure to animal markets, suggesting person-to-person spread is occurring. At this time, it’s unclear how easily or sustainably this virus is spreading between people.

Both MERS and SARS have been known to cause severe illness in people. The situation with regard to 2019-nCoV is still unclear. While severe illness, including illness resulting in a number of deaths has been reported in China, other patients have had milder illness and been discharged.

There are ongoing investigations to learn more. This is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available.

On This Page

Situation Summary

Risk Assessment

What to Expect

CDC Response

Other Available Resources

Risk Assessment

Outbreaks of novel virus infections among people are always of public health concern. The risk from these outbreaks depends on characteristics of the virus, including whether and how well it spreads between people, the severity of resulting illness, and the medical or other measures available to control the impact of the virus (for example, vaccine or treatment medications).

Investigations are ongoing to learn more, but person-to-person spread of 2019-nCoV is occurring. It’s important to note that person-to-person spread can happen on a continuum. Some viruses are highly contagious (like measles), while other viruses are less so. It’s not clear yet how easily 2019-nCoV spreads from person-to-person. It’s important to know this in order to better assess the risk posed by this virus. While CDC considers this is a very serious public health threat, based on current information, the immediate health risk from 2019-nCoV to the general American public is considered low at this time. Nevertheless, CDC is taking proactive preparedness precautions.

What to Expect

More cases are likely to be identified in the coming days, including more cases in the United States. Given what has occurred previously with MERS and SARS, it’s likely that person-to-person spread will continue to occur.

CDC Response

CDC is closely monitoring this situation and is working with WHO.

CDC established a 2019-nCoV Incident Management Structure on January 7, 2020. On January 21, 2020, CDC activated its Emergency Response System to better provide ongoing support to the 2019-nCoV response.

On January 23, 2020, CDC again raised its travel alert for the coronavirus outbreak. The travel notice for Wuhan City was raised from Level 2: Practice Enhanced Precautions to

Level 3: Avoid Nonessential Travel

. CDC also issued a

Level 1: Practice Usual Precautions

for the rest of China.

CDC also is conducting entry screening of passengers

on direct and connecting flights from Wuhan, China to five major airports: Atlanta (ATL), Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles, (LAX) New York city (JFK), and San Francisco (SFO).

CDC issued an

updated interim Health Alert Notice (HAN) Advisory

to inform state and local health departments and health care providers about this outbreak on January 17, 2020.

CDC teams have been deployed to support the ongoing investigation in Washington and Illinois to support the ongoing investigations of the two cases in the United States.

CDC has developed a real time Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (rRT-PCR) test that can diagnose 2019-nCoV in respiratory and serum samples from clinical specimens. On January 24, 2020, CDC

publicly posted the assay protocol

for this test. Currently, testing for this virus must take place at CDC, but in the coming days and weeks, CDC will share these tests with domestic and international partners through the agency’s

International Reagent Resource

external icon

CDC uploaded the entire genome of the virus from the first reported case in the United States to GenBank.

CDC also is growing the virus in cell culture, which is necessary for further studies, including for additional genetic characterization.

Other Available Resources

The following resources are available with information on 2019-nCoV

CDC Travelers’ Health: Novel Coronavirus in China

CDC Health Alert Network Advisory Update and Interim Guidance on Outbreak of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Wuhan, China

CDC Health Alert Network Advisory information for state and local health departments and health care providers

CDC Information on Coronaviruses

World Health Organization, Coronavirus

external icon

Content source:

National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD)

Division of Viral Diseases

Honduras Arrests U.S.-Bound Iranians as New Caravan Heads North

JudicialWatch.org News

We now have another unnerving story about the border crisis, Iran, and national security. Our

Corruption Chronicles

blog

reports

Central American immigrants take part in a caravan heading to the United States on the road linking Ciudad Hidalgo and Tapachula, Mexico, on October 21, 2018. # Pedro Pardo / AFP / Getty

hundreds join a new U.S.-bound caravan

in Honduras, authorities in the crime-infested Central American nation reveal that four Iranians were recently arrested there. Like thousands of illegal immigrants from around the world, the Iranians entered Honduras illegally and were heading north to the United States, according to a Honduran

newspaper article

that attributes the information to the president, Juan Orlando Hernández. The Iranians were transported to the capital, Tegucigalpa, and officials have launched an investigation.

Earlier this week Judicial Watch

reported

on a U.S. alert warning Mexico of armed Iranians planning to enter the country through the southern border, but it’s not clear if the cases are related and calls to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) went unanswered. The bulletin, issued by the Border Patrol’s regional intelligence operation center in Arizona, said that a Guatemalan national may try to smuggle five Middle Easterners—including a suicide bomber—into the U.S. through Mexico. The smuggler and four other men and a woman transited through Guatemala and Belize before reaching Veracruz, Mexico, according to the bulletin. The Guatemalan, whose name is redacted in the government document, was deported from California a year ago. U.S. authorities received the threat after picking up recordings distributed via social media, according to a Spanish-language

news story

published by a Latin American outlet.

The U.S. alert didn’t faze a busy Mexican border city’s police chief, who confirms the region is full of Middle Easterners, Africans and Asians trekking north. In a Latin American

news report

published shortly after the U.S. issued the bulletin, Mexicali Police Chief María Elena Andrade Ramírez matter-of-factly said the arrival of people from the Middle East, Africa and Asia as well as the rest of the Americas is “normal” in her California border city of about

a million residents

. In a separate article published in a Mexicali paper, authorities downplayed the situation by assuring citizens that the arrival of people from the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia and the rest of the Americas is “

something normal

.”

They don’t magically land in Mexico. Central America has long been a popular route for illegal immigrants from terrorist nations who want to reach the U.S. There’s no doubt many will infiltrate the new caravan heading to the Mexican border from the northern Honduran city of San Pedro Sula. President Hernández says some

70,000

immigrants from these countries cross through Honduras annually, even without an organized caravan.

When the first Central American caravan launched from Honduras in the fall of 2018, then Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales confirmed that nearly

100 ISIS terrorists

had been apprehended in Guatemala. Like its Honduran neighbor, Guatemala too is a major smuggling corridor for foreigners from African and Asian countries making their way into the U.S. In 2017, Guatemala’s largest paper, Prensa Libra, published an in-depth

piece

on the inner workings of an international human smuggling network that moves migrants from Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal and Bangladesh to the U.S.

Over the summer

four ISIS terrorists

planning to enter the U.S. through Mexico were captured by the Nicaraguan military in a remote area where the men entered the country illegally from Costa Rica. Nicaraguan authorities identified the men as two Egyptian nationals—33-year old Mohamed Ibrahim and 26-year-old Mahmoud Samy Eissa—and two Iraqis, 41-year-old Ahmed Ghanim Mohamed Al Jubury and 29-year-old Mustafa Ali Mohamed Yaoob. The men arrived in Panama

on May 12

and in Costa Rica

on June 9

, according to an

article

published in Nicaragua’s largest newspaper.

Put all of this in the context of Democrats braying when President Trump took out Qassem Soleimani, leader of Iran’s elite Quds military force and considered the world’s No. 1 terrorist.

JEROME BY DAVE WOLFE

ARTIST Dave Wolfe

Vol. 6 No. 31 (Jan. 26, 2020)

Editor\’s Note: Each Sunday morning we post a weekly comic strip provided by cartoonist Dave Wolfe. (click image to enlarge)

Step by Step Procedure of How to Replace Your Water Softener Resin Bed (Video)

Gloucestercitynews.net (January 25, 2020)–The primary role of your water softener resin bed is to convert hard water into soft water. It does this by exchanging hard ions for sodium ions. After long use of your water softener resin bed, you may have recently noticed that the machine is not performing its task as expected.

There are many reasons why this happens. Some of the reasons include exposure to chlorinated waters, contamination from visible algae growth, excess fine sand, and foul smell. Whichever the reason, your water resin bed needs a replacement. Here is a simple guide on how to

replace a water softener resin bed on a budget

Diagnose the issue

You cannot begin replacing your resin bed without confirming if it has become damaged or not. As a result, the first step of replacing your machine is by conducting a test that proves a problem with the resin bed. To check if your water resin bed has a problem, clean it using iron removal chemicals. After this, proceed to pour your hard water, and if it runs out of soft water quickly or even worse, do not produce soft water, follow the step below.

Remove the old water softener resin bed

Various fasteners are holding the valve head to the bypass valve. Remove these fasteners to allow easier removal of the entire unit. Remember to become keen with the O-rings for the faster reinstallation of the new unit.

Fix the new unit using a new riser tube and resin

Please place a new riser tube in the freshwater softener resin bed but ensure it has an equal height to the previous one. From here, proceed to put the new resins in the tank and then fix the new unit into the location of the old water softener resin bed. Ensure that you correctly fix the screws to avoid problems with your new unit. While pouring the resins, use a resin funnel and seek help from a friend as this part is always tricky and can get messy.

Things to keep in mind before replacing your water softener resin bed

The entire process takes about four hours. Also, essential equipment for the replacements includes a funnel, gravel, new resins, four in one screwdriver, and a riser tube. It becomes recommended that you settle for quality products. Usually, these high-quality products are expensive but get the work done. The main reason they become recommended despite their high price is to have the water softener resin bed serving you for an extended period without any complications.

Conclusion

There is a low chance that the procedure may turn out negative. If this is what you end up experiencing, consider seeking help from a licensed professional plumber. However, keep in mind that this will cost you an estimated $150. Nonetheless, it is unlikely that the above economical

procedure for replacing the water softener resin bed

will fail.

MAKING 500 MILES OF TRAILS BY 2025 A REALITY

CIRCUIT TRAILS COALITION RELEASES ACTION PLAN TO REACH INTERIM GOAL FOR REGIONAL TRAIL NETWORK

Report details 12 policy recommendations for advancing 171 miles of trails

across the Circuit’s nine-county region

PHILADELPHIA

(Jan. 23, 2020) – Today, in a critical step forward for the continued development of the region’s growing Circuit Trails multi-use trail network, the Circuit Trails Coalition released its report,

“Moving the Circuit Trails Forward to Reach 500 Miles by 2025.”

The report includes 12 policy recommendations to advance the progression of 171 miles of trail that are currently funded or planned, in order to reach an ambitious interim goal of developing 500 miles of trail by 2025.

These policy recommendations are designed to accelerate trail development in a meaningful way in order to stay on track to complete the eventual 800-plus mile trail network by 2040, which is the timeline defined by the region’s long-range transportation infrastructure plan. Currently, more than 330 miles of trails in the network’s nine-county region in Greater Philadelphia and South Jersey are complete.

“Our goal to complete the Circuit Trails network by 2040 is not a pipe dream. We know it can be accomplished, and this plan maps out the steps that our regional partners, including public agencies and municipalities, must act on for us to collectively reach the finish line on schedule,” said Sarah Clark Stuart, chair of the Circuit Trails Coalition. “For more than a year, our coalition members dug in to identify the trail opportunities that are most ripe and realistic for completion. Now, we need the support and action of key public agencies and public officials to make it a reality,” she said.

The report’s policy recommendations are tailored to the various key entities that impact the Circuit Trails: the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC), key state agencies, counties and the Circuit Trails Coalition. The recommendations are aimed at eliminating identified obstacles at state, county, and regional levels to advance the construction of more miles of Circuit Trails. The recommendations are as follows:

For the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC)

Create a right-of-way acquisition team to enable trail projects to move expeditiously past feasibility into engineering, design and construction.

Support creation of multi-municipal authorities to accelerate trail development.

Enhance dedicated capacity for trail planning and development by procuring consultant services on behalf of municipalities or counties.

For Counties

Adopt best practices to advance Circuit Trails development, including full-time employees to manage trail planning and development projects and county leadership support of significant trail corridors.

For the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)

Enhance coordination of Circuit trail projects with state road projects with a full-time, district-level Bicycle-Pedestrian Coordinator.

For the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT)

Create new positions to accelerate New Jersey trail projects.

Incorporate trail projects into the Complete Streets checklist and better coordinate trail development with the highway planning process.

Use existing federal funding sources for design of trails and increase the maximum size of Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside program funding for trail construction awards.

For the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP)

Enhance staffing and capacity for NJDEP’s Recreational Trails Program.

Create a larger “Trail Planning, Design and Construction Fund” for NJ Circuit Trails Projects.

For the Circuit Trails Coalition

Convene stakeholder working groups or task forces around specific trail segments.

Prioritize particular trails and identify critical gaps.

“Trails on the Circuit connect our urban, suburban, and rural communities across nine counties and two states; offer a place for active recreation and transportation; bring us closer to our waterways; and link our region’s destinations together. With the support of our region’s key players, and the many trail enthusiasts who advocate for and use the Circuit Trails, a completed network of more than 800 miles of trails is not just a vision, but a reality we can collectively achieve,” said Clark Stuart.

The Circuit Trails Coalition is comprised of more than 60 non-profit organizations that work in collaboration with 25 state and local agencies and the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission to promote Circuit Trails development, marketing it to the general public and highlighting the Circuit Trails multiple benefits. For more information about the Circuit Trails, visit

www.circuittrails.org

About the Circuit Trails:

Greater Philadelphia is the proud home of the Circuit Trails, a regional trail network of hundreds of miles of multi-use trails that is growing in size each year. One of America’s largest trail networks, the Circuit currently includes more than 330 miles of completed multi-use trails with a vision of including more than 800-plus miles of interconnected trails across a nine-county region in Pennsylvania and New Jersey by 2040. Nearly 65 nonprofit organizations, foundations and agencies are working together as part of the Circuit Trails Coalition to advance the completion of the trail network. A premiere regional amenity, the Circuit Trails connect our people to our local communities, providing endless opportunities for recreation and commuting. So whether you bike it, walk it, run it or paddle alongside it, the point is—just enjoy it. Learn more at

www.circuittrails.org

, and connect with the Circuit Trails on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to find out what is happening #onthecircuit.

GUEST OPINION: Trump Champions Pro-Life Cause

Bill Donohue | CNBNews Contributor

January 24, 2020

Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments on

President Trump\’s decision to address the March for Life crowd

Other presidents have offered their support to the pro-life cause, but only President Donald Trump has decided to participate in the March for Life. His pro-life record, coupled with his record in defense of religious liberty, makes him the most important Christian voice in the United States. No president, including President Ronald Reagan, can match his stellar achievements on these twin issues.

By contrast, we have the likes of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, both of whom have endorsed infanticide: there are no penalties for doctors who intentionally allow an innocent baby to die if he or she survives a botched abortion. However, First Prize goes to California Governor Gavin Newsom: he out-Hitlerized both men.

Earlier this month, Newsom said he wants to stop euthanizing animals. \”We want to be a no-kill state.\” Yet last year he issued a California Proclamation on Reproductive Freedom, one part of which was designed to welcome \”women to California to fully exercise their reproductive rights.\” In other words, his enthusiasm for killing the least among us is so passionate that he extended an open invitation to pregnant women across the United States to have their babies killed in his home state.

It will surprise no one to learn that Newsom is also a proponent of assisted suicide. Indeed, he likes it so much that he boasts of his role in assisting a person to commit suicide in 2002.

That person was his mother

. [At that time assisted suicide was a felony in California—he put her down in San Francisco.]

It\’s too bad Mr. \”No-Kill State\” Newsom didn\’t think of his mother the way he thinks of hamsters.

These are sick times. Kudos to President Trump for standing up for the most defenseless human beings. He looks positively angelic next to these monsters.