2 . For new students at Binghamton University, the first few weeks can be an exciting time. Their focus is largely on finding a sense of community. For Antoinette “Toni” Stefanakos, now a senior majoring in (主修) marketing, her sense of belonging (归属感) started with a flyer from Off Campus College Transport (OCCT).

“One day I was leaving the classroom and there was a flyer advertising (征聘) for student drivers,” Stefanakos said. “I had no idea that the buses on campus were run by students. So I called my dad, and said, ‘I’m going to be a bus driver.’”

OCCT is Binghamton University’s student-run bus service. The blue buses are a hallmark of the campus, and they are all driven in the lane (车道) by students.

“I interviewed, and it went really well,” Stefanakos said.

Stefanakos’s interest in public transportation continued to grow after she saw a job flyer for Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS). “I knew that TAPS was advertising for a marketing student,” she said. “And I thought that was great for me as a marketing major and someone who works with buses.”

Stefanakos began working with TAPS. Because of this job, Stefanakos found a new path. Now, she deals with public relations and trains new drivers for OCCT. “I can share my knowledge and experience as someone who is a driver,” she said.

The people make the job all the more worthwhile for Stefanakos. “One day, a passenger came up to me and told me I was her driver every Tuesday morning. And she told me that every time she was on my bus, she knew it was going to be a good day. I didn’t even realize that a simple ‘good morning’ could make someone’s day like that,” she said.

Stefanakos will surely miss the blue buses when she graduates, but she’ll always have unforgettable memories (回忆) to look back on.

4 . Does using an eco-friendly paper straw (吸管) give you a good feeling because you’re doing something for the environment? “Straws made from plant-based materials, such as paper and bamboo, are often advertised as being more sustainable and eco-friendly than those made from plastic,” says researcher Dr. Thimo Groffen, an environmental scientist at the University of Antwerp. “However, the presence of PFAS in these straws means that could be discredited.”

PFAS chemicals, infamous for their longevity and potential harm, can adversely affect humans, wildlife and the environment. They biodegrade (生物降解) very slowly over time and can persist over thousands of years in the environment, a property that has led to them being known as “forever chemicals”. They are linked to various health issues, including thyroid disease, liver damage, kidney cancer and so on. Furthermore, these chemicals are used in everyday items, such as outdoor clothing and non-stick pans, to make them water and heat-resistant.

For a more in-depth analysis, the research team purchased 39 different brands of drinking straws made from five materials — paper, bamboo, glass, stainless steel and plastic, and then conducted two rounds of testing for PFAS. They found that most brands (69%) contained PFAS, with 18 different PFAS detected in total. In paper straws, PFAS was detected in 90% of the brands tested. PFAS was also detected in 80% of brands of bamboo straws, 75% of plastic straw brands and 40% of glass straw brands. They were not detected in any of the five types of steel straws tested.

“The presence of PFAS in paper and bamboo straws shows they are not necessarily biodegradable,” says Dr. Groffen. “We did not detect any PFAS in stainless steel straws, so I would advise consumers to use this type of straw — or just avoid using straws.”

The PFAS concentrations (浓度) were low and, considering that most people only use straws occasionally, pose a limited risk to human health. However, PFAS can remain in the body for many years and concentrations can build up over time. “Small amounts of PFAS, while not harmful in themselves, can add to the chemical load already present in the body,” Dr. Groffen concludes.

University of Johannesburg staff and registered students in possession of a valid University card qualify for membership of the UJ Library.

1. Clients have access to all Campus Libraries on presentation of their own university card.

2. Books are issued to clients on the presentation of their own university card.

3. Lost cards must immediately be reported in writing to the Team Leader: Lending Services at the Campus Library or to the Campus Librarian.

Library hours are revised annually and made available on the UJ Library web page. Campus libraries will be closed on public holidays.

1. Behavior which disrupts the activities of the Library or affects the right to a quiet and orderly work and study environment of other library clients is not permitted.

2. Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the Library or within a seven-meter radius (半径) of the Library entrance.

3. Books, other library materials, equipment or facilities may not be defaced, damaged or stolen.

4. Cell phones must be on silent in the Library.

5. Use of the computers in the Library is subject to time limits during peak usage periods.

In addition, clients may NOT:

a) link any device to the network without the written approval of the Information Technology Division;

b) remove or exchange computer equipment without the written approval of the Information Technology Division.

8 . Four years ago, Rome Leykin was on his way to work when he accidentally fell onto the tracks of Brooklyn's train as a subway was approaching. The incident resulted in the loss of both of his legs.

But surprisingly, with the loss of his legs, Leykin gained a new passion for racing. Before his accident, he wasn't really that athletic. He would just occasionally play basketball. But that all changed after he was introduced to hand cycling. “When I saw it, I was like, ‘Oh, this is great. You don't even need legs to use it. This is perfect.’” he said. “So, I got on it, I rode and fell in love with it right away.”

Within a few months, he completed the TD Five Boro Bike Tour, a 40-mile ride through New York City. After that, he did his first marathon in 2021. He fished that race in 2 hours and 11 minutes, placing 12th out of 38.

“I'm going to attend this year's marathon and take on challenges. My hands are on the wheel, my eyes are focused, and I think my time is going to speak for itself.” he said. He's made a significant commitment to training. He hand cycles at least 13.1 miles a couple times a week and spends a lot of time in the gym.

And he plans to keep pursuing his athlete goals. He wants to complete the Abbott Six-the world's six largest marathons. One day, he said, he'll maybe even make the Paralympics.

For those who might be following his journey, he hopes they will take some lessons from his story. “There will be ups and downs but the trend is what's important. Focus on the good,” he said. “And also, take your big problems and split them into small solutions. And then all of a sudden, your big problems turn into many small wins.”

I think it is okay for scientists to grow genetically-engineer food because they can develop better food and this can help with the hunger problem all around the world. Scientists can help us to have more and better meats to eat by cloning only the superior animals. I don’t think that we should worry so much about genetically-engineered food.

I don’t know whether the tomatoes we find in supermarkets are genetically manipulated or not. What I do know is that they are very bad! A tomato grown with sun and soil is much better. In the case of strawberries, actually, most strawberries we can find are very tasty. I guess, however, they have been genetically manipulated, too.

If we manipulate vegetable genes, we can also do with human genes. So, it may be possible that a substance which is left in food could get into a human body while the person is eating. Then, is it possible that this substance could modify the person’s genetic structure?

I don’t agree with the idea that scientists should not grow genetically-engineered food because it is not safe. If they want to make progress, they should do experiments. It’s important to keep trying. If they don’t keep trying, they will never be able to develop new technologies. Maybe these technologies won’t be successful in the beginning, but if scientists keep trying, they will develop new ways.