The fly Heleomyza serrata (Linnaeus) (Diptera: Heleomyzidae) is reported to range widely throughout the United States of America and Canada. However, in Eurasia, this species is restricted to northern regions; in central and southern Europe, H. serrata is replaced by the similar species H. captiosa (Gorodkov), which can be distinguished from H. serrata by the male genitalia. We report H. captiosa from Kentucky, United States of America, the first Nearctic record of this species. The taxonomy of Nearctic Heleomyza Fallén is discussed, and we propose to transfer three species to the genus Scoliocentra Loew: Scoliocentra (Scoliocentra) bisetata (Garrett) comb. nov., S. (Leriola Gorodkov) latens (Aldrich) comb. nov., and S. (L.) nebulosa (Coquillett) comb. nov. We recognise Anypotacta Czerny as a subgenus of Heleomyza and transfer the two Nearctic species to that genus: H. (A.) aldrichi Garrett comb. nov. and H. (A.) gilli nom. nov. (new replacement name for Anypotacta czernyi Gill, 1962). Finally, we provide an updated key to Nearctic Heleomyza and morphologically similar species of Scoliocentra. Further study will be required to ascertain the range and abundance of H. captiosa in North America.

We present the serendipitous radio-continuum discovery of a likely Galactic supernova remnant (SNR) G305.4–2.2. This object displays a remarkable circular symmetry in shape, making it one of the most circular Galactic SNRs known. Nicknamed Teleios due to its symmetry, it was detected in the new Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) Evolutionary Map of the Universe (EMU) radio–continuum images with an angular size of 1 320$^{\prime\prime}$$\times$1 260$^{\prime\prime}$ and PA = 0$^\circ$. While there is a hint of possible H$\alpha$ and gamma-ray emission, Teleios is exclusively seen at radio–continuum frequencies. Interestingly, Teleios is not only almost perfectly symmetric, but it also has one of the lowest surface brightnesses discovered among Galactic SNRs and a steep spectral index of $\alpha$=–0.6$\pm$0.3. Our best estimates from Hi studies and the $\Sigma$–D relation place Teleios as a type Ia SNR at a distance of either $\sim$2.2 kpc (near-side) or $\sim$7.7 kpc (far-side). This indicates two possible scenarios, either a young (under 1 000 yr) or a somewhat older SNR (over 10 000 yr). With a corresponding diameter of 14/48 pc, our evolutionary studies place Teleios at the either early or late Sedov phase, depending on the distance/diameter estimate. However, our modelling also predicts X-ray emission, which we do not see in the present generation of eROSITA images. We also explored a type Iax explosion scenario that would point to a much closer distance of $\lt$1 kpc and Teleios size of only $\sim$3.3 pc, which would be similar to the only known type Iax remnant SN1181. Unfortunately, all examined scenarios have their challenges, and no definitive Supernova (SN) origin type can be established at this stage. Remarkably, Teleios has retained its symmetrical shape as it aged even to such a diameter, suggesting expansion into a rarefied and isotropic ambient medium. The low radio surface brightness and the lack of pronounced polarisation can be explained by a high level of ambient rotation measure (RM), with the largest RM being observed at Teleios’s centre.

How did resource use, trade, and patterns of everyday life change at visita mission towns in the early decades of the colonial period in northern Yucatán, Mexico? We consider this question with an analysis of archaeological material assemblages from the site of Hunacti, occupied from 1557 to 1572. Household archaeology performed at three elite residences and investigations at the central plaza and church provide evidence of continuity, change, and metrics for assessing relative prosperity by which Hunacti can be compared to its contemporaries. This spectacularly built mission town evinces several signs of initial wealth and privilege enjoyed by the site’s Maya elites, but historical records reveal relentless persecution of these leaders for idolatry, which affected the longer-term prospects of the settlement. Our findings indicate the persistence of Maya religious rites through the site’s occupation, the importance of traditional Maya tools and technologies, and relative impoverishment (as conventionally measured). These patterns offer a profile of material life at a site that chose, ultimately, abiding resistance—and consequently, greater local self-sufficiency—in the face of accelerating external scrutiny and persecution.

This article explores the extent to which listeners vary in their ability to notice, identify and discriminate variable linguistic features. With a view to improving speaker evaluation studies (SES), three types of experiments were conducted (noticing tasks, identification tasks and discrimination tasks) with regard to variable features using word- or sentence-based stimuli and focusing on three variables and their variants – (ING): [ɪŋ], [ɪn]; (T)-deletion: [t], deleted-[t]; (K)-lenition: [k], [x]. Our results suggest that the accurate noticing, identifying and discriminating of variants is somewhat higher in words than in sentences. Correctness rates differ drastically between variants of a variable. For (ING), the non-standard variant [ɪn] is more frequently identified and noticed correctly. Yet, for the variables (T)-deletion and (K)-lenition, the standard variants are identified and noticed more successfully. Results of the current study suggest that a more rigorous elicitation of identification and noticing abilities might be useful for a more complete understanding of the nature of social evaluation.

Branched broomrape [Phelipanche ramosa (L.) Pomel], a parasitic weed with a broad host range, is a quarantine pest in California. Phelipanche ramosa plants can produce thousands of tiny seeds that are easily spread by farm equipment. Best management practices for reducing dispersal risk include physical cleaning and disinfestation of farm equipment, but data on the efficacy of sanitizers on weed seeds are limited. A three-phase study was undertaken during 2022 to 2023 to evaluate quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) sanitizer efficacy on P. ramosa seed germinability. First, several QAC ingredients were evaluated at various concentrations (0 to 2.5 g per 100 ml) and exposure durations (1, 3, and 5 min) to develop initial germination curves. Second, the experiments were conducted with three commercial QAC sanitizers (MG4-Quat [Mg4], Flo-Quat, and Cleaner QT-185) at the recommended dose (1% v/v) and a field-relevant exposure duration (1 min). The final experiments evaluated commercial QAC sanitizer efficacy in the presence of various debris types. The initial experiments showed that alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (ADAC), didecyl dimethyl ammonium bromide (DDAB), and didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC) effectively prevented P. ramosa germination, but the effective dose for a 50% reduction in P. ramosa seed germination ranged from 0.001% (g per 100 ml) at 10 min with DDAC to 0.35% (g per 100 ml) at 1 min with ADAC. While all three QAC sanitizers reduced seed germination 75% to 100% after a 1-min exposure to the recommended dose (1% v/v), this treatment did not affect seed germination in the presence of soil (100 mg ml−1) or fruit/plant tissue (40 mg ml−1). At higher concentrations of Mg4 (8% v/v), P. ramosa seed germination was reduced by 90% to 100%, even in the presence of soil and plant debris. This study demonstrates that while QAC sanitizers can reduce P. ramosa seed germinability, their efficacy is compromised in the presence of debris. Therefore, physical cleaning to reduce debris loads before QAC application is essential for reducing the risk of P. ramosa seed movement among fields on equipment.

We present the first radio–continuum detection of the circumstellar shell around the well-known WN8 type Wolf-Rayet star WR16 at 943.5 MHz using the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) Evolutionary Map of the Universe (EMU) survey. At this frequency, the shell has a measured flux density of 72.2$\pm$7.2 mJy. Using previous Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) measurements at 2.4, 4.8, and 8.64 GHz, as well as the Evolutionary Map of the Universe (EMU) observations of the star itself, we determine a spectral index of $\alpha\,=\,+0.74\pm0.02$, indicating thermal emission. We propose that the shell and star both exhibit thermal emission, supported by the its appearance in near-infrared and H$\alpha$ observations. The latest Gaia parallax is used to determine a distance of 2.28$\pm$0.09 kpc. This star is well known for its surrounding circular nebulosity, and using the distance and an angular diameter of $8.^{\prime}42$, we determine the shell size to be 5.57$\pm$0.22 pc. We use the Gaia proper motion (PM) of WR16 to determine peculiar velocities of the star as $V_{\alpha}(pec) =$ –45.3$\pm$5.4 km s$^{-1}$ and $V_{\delta}(pec) =$ 22.8$\pm$4.7 km s$^{-1}$, which indicates that the star is moving in a north-west direction, and translates to a peculiar tangential velocity to be 50.7$\pm$6.9 km s$^{-1}$. We also use these proper motion (PM) to determine the shell’s origin, estimate an age of $\sim 9500\pm 1300$ yr, and determine its average expansion velocity to be $280\pm40$ km s$^{-1}$. This average expansion velocity suggests that the previous transitional phase is a Luminous Blue Variable (LBV) phase, rather than a Red Super Giant (RSG) phase. We also use the measured flux at 943.5 MHz to determine a mass-loss rate of $1.753\times 10^{-5}\,{\rm M}_\odot\,$yr$^{-1}$, and use this to determine a lower-limit on ionising photons of $N_{UV} \gt 1.406\times 10^{47}\,\textit{s}^{-1}$.

Plant invader genotype determines much about how the plant establishes, spreads, and impacts receiving habitat and the types of management required to achieve its control. We investigated phenology, vegetative spread, growth and biomass allocation, and response to herbicides of four flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus L.) amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) genotypes (triploid: GT1; diploid: GT3, GT4, GT5) in a multiyear mesocosm experiment. Monthly observations were made over 31 mo to determine whether there were differences in timing of peak plant growth and flowering. We also applied herbicides during years 2 and 3 using imazamox or triclopyr at rates previously determined to be efficacious against B. umbellatus. By the end of year 1, all genotypes spread vegetatively within their containers. From a single sprouted axillary bud (i.e., bulbil), GT4 plants spread to cover nearly 2,000 cm2 in 6 mo. Flowering occurred May through October for all genotypes, but was reduced in years 2 and 3, including almost no flowering in triploid plants after year 1. Maximum leaf abundance occurred in August or September for all genotypes. After one season of growth, biomass was greatest for diploid genotypes, allocated primarily to leaves. However, by year 3, triploid plant biomass was greater than diploid GT4 and GT5, but not GT3. Bulbil production occurred only in diploid genotypes. At the study conclusion, GT4 and GT5 produced nearly 15,000 and 20,000 bulbils each, whereas GT3 plants produced fewer than 5,000 bulbils. Herbicides were effective in reducing biomass, but triploid plants were far more susceptible than diploid plants. Propagule production was generally reduced by herbicides, but rhizome bud production increased 240% in triploid plants treated with imazamox. These results demonstrate (1) the significant capacity for reproduction and spread of B. umbellatus and (2) the importance of investigating differences between lineages of B. umbellatus to inform management and risk assessments.

Aims: The At-Risk Mental State (ARMS), an attenuated psychotic syndrome, represents a critical period of vulnerability for the development of psychosis. Early identification and evidence-based intervention are crucial to reducing distress, improving long-term outcomes and public health costs. There are clear recommendations stated by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for the optimal management of ARMS in children and young people including early identification, access to psychological therapy and care co-ordination. Baseline audit data collected from Tier 3 teams within South West London and St George’s NHS Mental Health Trust (SWLSTG) highlighted significant variation in clinicians’ confidence and knowledge about ARMS, notably its identification criteria and optimal management. This audit sought to enhance clinician expertise of “At Risk Mental State” (ARMS) within Tier 3 Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

Methods: An educational intervention was developed to address the identified knowledge gaps. This included a 30-minute didactic teaching seminar covering ARMS diagnostic criteria, clinical challenges, and management guidelines, delivered during the CPD slot for four multidisciplinary teams across SWLSTG. Key topics included the Comprehensive Assessment of At-Risk Mental States (CAARMS), the role of psychological and family interventions, and current NHS England guidelines that included discouraging antipsychotic use in ARMS management.

Results: Post-intervention analysis showed improved clinician confidence in both ARMS identification and management. However, all participants indicated a need for additional support. Proposed ideas included specialist training (e.g. CBT for Psychosis and Family Interventions for Psychosis), access to validated assessment tools, appropriate funding for care co-ordination and/or the establishment of a dedicated ARMS service. Qualitative feedback also emphasised the diagnostic difficulty in this population and sociodemographic bias when identifying ARMS within CAMHS settings, highlighting the need for a public health approach to prevention of psychosis.

Conclusion: This project illustrates the effectiveness of a simple targeted educational initiative in improving ARMS-related competencies among Tier 3 CAMHS clinicians. It also highlights the importance of integrating structured tools and specialised pathways to optimise care for individuals at high risk of psychosis. Our next steps are to consider strategies to improve the standard of care provided for young people with ARMS. This includes further psychoeducation resources and a funding application for specialist training for Tier 3 psychologists.

Aims: Doctors in training report high rates of burnout. The Balint group lends itself to addressing emotional stress and hence the associated risk of burnout. However, Balint group attendance among GP trainees and foundation doctors locally has been poor compared with psychiatric trainees. A Quality Improvement project was undertaken to explore and address barriers to attendance with the aim of improving GP trainees’ and foundation doctors’ engagement with the Balint group.

Methods: QI methodology was used throughout 2024. We implemented a quantitative, cross-sectional design using anonymous online surveys. We used purposive sampling by sending the surveys to GP trainees and foundation doctors on psychiatric placements within Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust (KMPT). The survey was semi-structured, with closed and open-ended responses. The survey explored their understanding of the Balint group, how important they perceived it to be, and the barriers they experienced to attending.

Data gathered informed several ‘change ideas’ which were implemented through consecutive plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles. The timing of Balint groups was changed to ensure that less-than-full-time doctors had options to attend and that groups were less likely to conflict with clinical commitments. Improvements were made to the induction process to better socialise non-psychiatric trainees with the Balint group. A face-to-face format was trialled, replacing the previous virtual format.

Post-intervention surveys were administered, which included validated measures of burnout (Abbreviated Copenhagen Burnout Inventory).

Results: Resident doctors’ understanding of the Balint group’s function and process has improved. In parallel, attendance has increased in some Balint groups; for example, 75% attendance in June 2024 compared with 25% in March 2024. However, with frequent rotations of GP trainees and foundation doctors, each cohort having its own needs and preferences, we have found that improvements are not consistently sustained. Barriers still exist, such as conflicts with clinical commitments and the format feeling ‘alien’ and unhelpful to others. Changes to the degree of burnout through attending the Balint group are inconclusive and will be clarified with the results of a follow-up survey in March 2025.

Conclusion: GP trainees and foundation doctors are better able to engage with the Balint group when barriers to attendance are actively addressed. However, not all resident doctors feel comfortable with the Balint group format, and hence it may not reduce the risk of burnout for these individuals; in such cases, attendance should not be mandated.