Time Pressure Research Articles

Reducing the Influence of Time Pressure on Risky Choice

Abstract: While the impact of time pressure on decision-making is extensively studied, how individuals regulate their behavior under such conditions is less understood. This study addressed this gap by prompting participants to use cognitive reappraisal, an emotion regulation strategy. Participants were instructed to reinterpret their emotions during the decision-making process and asked to answer within 1,000 ms. Findings revealed that cognitive reappraisal mitigated the effects of time pressure in gain-framed trials by decreasing risk aversion that is usually induced by time pressure. A post hoc moderated mediation analysis indicated that this was attributed to the dual influence of cognitive reappraisal: less emotional intensity toward options and less overall emotional reliance during the cognitive process, both modulating risky preferences. However, this modulation was not observed in loss-framed trials. These results enhance our understanding of cognitive reappraisal’s role in moderating the behavioral impact of time pressure and suggest interventions to reduce affect heuristics in decision-making.

Hospital nurses and physicians’ experiences practicing patient safety work to recognize deteriorating patients: a qualitative study

Abstract Background Measures to increase patient safety work aim to prevent patient harm and injuries in hospitals and are a priority worldwide. Several hospitals have implemented various rapid response systems to strengthen patient safety. Knowledge is limited concerning how health professionals interact and how they experience competence development and master emergency situations. The aim of the study was to explore and describe hospital nurses’ and physicians’ experiences with patient safety work, and the implications of this work for collaboration and competence in a hospital. Methods We used a qualitative descriptive design and interviewed 21 nurses and physicians from a hospital in Norway. Data were analysed with systematic text condensation, a four-step thematic cross-case analysis. The study adheres to the COREQ guidelines for conducting qualitative research. Results Through analysis, three categories were identified: strengthening a common clinical language for patient deterioration; sharing and transferring competencies across hospital wards and amongst professionals; and balancing time pressure and limited resources. The results showed that the patient safety work contributed to building bridges between health professionals and across hospital levels regarding deteriorating patients. It also provided structure and systematization to the hospital professionals’ work with deteriorating patients. However, the results also demonstrated the complexity of maintaining patient safety, pointing to the need to balance limited time and resources in hospital. Conclusions The patient safety work presumably provides better emergency care, which may enhance patient safety in hospital. The complexity of hospital work, however, can influence the patient safety performance negatively, requiring health professionals to adopt robust, up-to-date skills and competencies in observing and assessing patient deterioration. In a busy hospital setting, the ability of health professionals to collaborate and communicate is important as they are faced with the challenges of balancing time-pressure and limited resources, which can potentially compromise patient safety work.

Risk Perception: Measurement and Aggregation

Abstract In a model inspired by neuroscience, we study choice between lotteries as a process of encoding and decoding noisy perceptual signals. The implications of this process for behavior depend on the decision-maker’s understanding of risk. When the aggregation of perceptual signals is coarse, encoding and decoding generate behavioral risk attitudes even for vanishing perceptual noise. We show that the optimal encoding of lottery rewards is S-shaped and that low-probability events are optimally oversampled. Taken together, the model can explain adaptive risk attitudes and probability weighting, as in prospect theory. Furthermore, it predicts that risk attitudes are influenced by the anticipation of risk, time pressure, experience, salience, and availability heuristics.

Pharmacist supply of non-prescription sildenafil in Norway: a simulated patient mixed-method study.

Pharmacist supply of non-prescription sildenafil was initiated in Norway in 2019, and continuous evaluation of the service is warranted. To map how the service checklist is used, evaluate the counselling and information given in consultations, get an insight into pharmacist assessments during consultations, and explore the pharmacists' experiences with the service. A mixed-method approach of simulated patient visits with feedback combined with qualitative interviews was used. One 24-year-old simulated patient visited pharmacies requesting sildenafil in a scenario that ended before purchase. Visits were audio-recorded and evaluated. Post-visit, pharmacists were invited to get feedback and participate in an audio-recorded interview. Visits, feedback, and interviews were transcribed and analysed by descriptive statistics and systematic text condensation. Of 39 visits, 26 were analysed and 13 were excluded because the pharmacists did not give consent. Six (23%) pharmacists asked all the checklist questions, while 15 (58%) asked some of them. None of the pharmacists provided all the guideline counselling points. The counselling most provided was 'See your general practitioner within 6 months for a health check' (N = 7, 27%). Interviews (N = 19) elicited that pharmacists assessed the patients, with adaptations in the use of the checklist. Several barriers affecting the service were identified, including time pressure, pharmacist competence, and the task being uncomfortable and challenging. Most pharmacists did not completely adhere to the mandatory checklist on non-prescription sildenafil and the counselling and information given were limited. The pharmacy sector must increase awareness of how best to assess and manage patients requesting non-prescription sildenafil.

Analysis of Cell Wall Mechanics in Fission Yeast.

The growth and shape of fungal cells, such as fission yeast, are strongly constrained by the mechanics of their cell wall (CW). The cell wall encases the plasma membrane and defines instantaneous cell shapes by opposing turgor pressure-derived stress on the cell surface. Measuring cell wall mechanical properties may thus bring key insights into the regulation of cell morphogenesis, cell growth, but also cell surface integrity and survival. The fission yeast cell wall has a thickness of a few tens to hundreds of nanometers, and bulk elasticity similar to that of rubber (tens of MPa). These mechanical properties vary locally around single cells, for instance, at the new vs. old growing ends, or birth scars, and may also largely depend on growth conditions and life cycle phases. While cell wall thickness and mechanics have been traditionally measured by complex methodologies including electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, we here propose a method based on light microscopy to infer with medium-throughput cell wall mechanical properties, as well as turgor pressure in time and space in living cells. This analysis will enhance our appreciation of the mechanical regulation of fission yeast cell morphogenesis and may be directly transferable to the study of other fungal cells.

Elite sense-making in the core executive: the case of Denmark’s 2020 Minkgate Scandal

Abstract This article analyzes the Danish Mink Scandal of 2020 using Karl Weick’s sense-making theory. It zooms in on the 72-hour decision-making process that led to the culling of Denmark’s entire 17 million farmed-for-fur mink population in response to the perceived threat of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) forming a new mutation. Since there was insufficient legal justification for the culling, the prime minister was forced to call a snap general election, leading to a change of government. We exploit detailed data material containing text messages, e-mail correspondence, documentary material, and specific inquiries. The article demonstrates the strength of Weick’s social–psychological perspective on sense-making for public management research. It shows how time pressure can cut across heavily institutionalized standard operating procedures. It can increase the centralization of the decision-making power at the apex and decouple the formal legal responsibilities, which remain institutionalized with the line ministries. The study argues that sense-making offers learning points that cannot be obtained from formal legal perspectives, which are used to assign responsibilities. Indeed, ex-post thinking may be too convenient—traditional solutions like punishing leaders or agencies may obscure the discovery of more systemic vulnerabilities when crises unfold.

Gen AI and student perspectives of use and ambiguity

Advances in generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) have created uncertainties and tensions in higher education, particularly concerning learning, equity and quality. Despite emerging empirical research, much current policy is based on assumptions about how and why students are using GenAI. This Pecha Kucha reports on 20 online focus groups involving 79 students from four Australian universities. Each focus group represents a mix of disciplines and levels of study (including undergraduate and postgraduate). We conducted reflexive thematic analysis, adopting a relational view of AI (Bearman & Ajjawi, 2023) that supports a nuanced examination of how AI uses are enacted, understood, and contested within educational settings. Our study shows that students use GenAI in diverse and complex ways and their beliefs about GenAI contain ambiguity, contradictions, and tensions. In this pecha kucha we focus on five interrelated tensions, identified across participants, and selected as particularly significant and challenging for educators. The salience of these tensions varied across participants but, together, they paint a complex picture of student engagement with GenAI. Tension 1 is between student perceptions of AI in terms of enhanced efficiency and concerns about academic integrity. Students reported that GenAI tools could speed up writing, editing, summarising, and simplifying complex materials. However, many also feared that short-cuts and efficiencies could lead to accusations of cheating. Tension 2 is between widespread adoption of GenAI tools and ambiguous policy around acceptable use. Many students used a diverse range of GenAI tools, yet a number of participants voiced uncertainty about allowable use of GenAI in assessments. A perceived lack of clear and detailed guidance from universities created confusion and anxiety, and the development of personal rules to avoid accusations of academic misconduct. Tension 3 is between empowerment and dependency. AI tools were sometimes seen as reducing inequalities (e.g. for international students or those requiring language support). On the other hand, some students expressed concerns about becoming dependent on GenAI tools where tasks were made too easy, undermining learning and skill development. Tension 4 is between access and equity. Closely related to tension 2, here, the reduction of barriers to academic writing and accessing educational resources is contrasted with concerns around exacerbating inequalities due to variation in access and support. These concerns are amplified through diversity of engagement, beliefs of students and educators around acceptability, and contextual pressures (e.g. fear of being left behind, time pressures, the perceived stakes of assessment). Tension 5 is between beliefs about deepened engagement with learning materials and reduced quality or accuracy of GenAI output. Some students reported that GenAI tools could provide useful perspectives on resources or simplify complex texts. However, many voiced frustration that GenAI tools sometimes provided incorrect information, required verification or “missed the point”, which could lead to significant additional work. These tensions highlight areas where students need additional support and guidance. The overlaps and entanglements of these tensions make their navigation in higher education particularly complex. These findings suggest practical implications for educators, policymakers, and institutions. For instance, to better support students, institutions should continue to develop clear, context-sensitive guidelines that resolve ambiguities around acceptable use (Tensions 1 and 2) and provide concrete strategies to balance the benefits of efficiency with concerns over academic integrity and dependency (Tensions 1 and 3). Additionally, efforts should be made to ensure equitable access to GenAI tools and support (Tension 4) while helping students critically assess the quality of AI-generated content (Tension 5).

It doesn't need to be so stressful!

The rapid development of the online delivery in higher education has resulted in a proliferation of research. Key in this work are two critical streams: how to support diverse students in online learning spaces, and the need for greater theorisation to guide educators on the optimal design of such pedagogies. In this study we bring these two streams together by harnessing the lens of self-determination theory (SDT) to explore the experiences of medical students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in their online learning experiences. In doing so, we contribute key theoretical and practical knowledge on supporting innovative, inclusive online learning spaces for our increasingly diverse student cohorts. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). Studies indicate that the prevalence of ADHD in higher education settings is significant, and medical students are not exempt from this trend with self-reported prevalence suggests it could be as high as 24% (Emmers et al., 2017; Njuwa et al., 2020; Sedgwick-Müller et al., 2022). The nature of medical education, characterised by heavy workloads, time pressures, and complex material, can further pose unique challenges for individuals with ADHD affecting academic performance, professionalism and overall well-being (Im & Tamarelli, 2023). The literature implies that motivational alterations, particularly focusing on internal motivations, exist in people with ADHD, acting as mediators between environmental and social contexts and outcomes including behaviour and performance. Thus, what is the key in this issue is how students are supported to develop and enact their SDT to foster optimal engagement and ultimately their well-being and inclusion (Morsink et al., 2022). In this presentation we will present our findings of semi-structured interviews with medical students diagnosed with ADHD (n=10). Specifically, our study will organise results in relation to the three dimensions of SDT including: student autonomy, competence and relatedness. Findings include the students’ perceptions of the challenges related to flexible delivery, and how greater choice also at times led to barriers around their study decision-making (e.g., to attend lectures, to study asynchronously). Through our presentation we will further provide recommendations on strategies to create inclusive, autonomy-supportive online learning spaces for ADHD students in higher education settings.

The impact of practicum job demands and resources on pre-service teachers’ occupational commitment and job intent

Around the world, there is a need to understand how to support pre-service teachers through their initial teacher education (ITE). The current study applied the Job Demands-Resources Theory to examine the associations among Australian pre-service teachers’ job demands and resources. The structural equation modelling found that perceived autonomy support, and relatedness with colleagues and students, were positively related to work outcomes of occupational commitment and job intent. Conversely, factors like disruptive student behaviour and time pressure were negatively associated with these outcomes. These findings suggest the relevance of providing support mechanisms for pre-service teachers to enhance their important ITE phase.

Analysis of Decision-Making in The Ranks of Adhoc Election Supervisors in South Minahasa Regency

The purpose of this study is to describe and analyze how the planning, implementation, supervision, and evaluation of decision-making in adhoc election supervisors in South Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi. Various phenomena that occur in this study are that the adhoc election supervisors in South Minahasa Regency often face dilemmas in decision-making, especially due to tight time pressure, limited resources, and interventions from various stakeholders. In addition, they are also faced with the challenge of maintaining integrity and professionalism amidst the complexity of the local political situation and conflicting interests. This phenomenon reflects how election supervisors must balance compliance with electoral regulations with the need to act quickly and effectively in the field. The current phenomenon of adhoc election supervisors in South Minahasa Regency is that there are allegations of bribery, not yet so skilled in the decision-making process, throwing responsibility to each other. This is evidenced by public distrust of adhoc election supervisors, with complaints. In the form of administrative weaknesses, coordination does not work, lack of transparency, teamwork is not effective and efficient and even the attitude of dropping each other among members is very thick. The research method used is qualitative research with purposive sampling technique. Informants are election supervisors in South Minahasa Regency. The results showed that 1) Planning in supervisory duties must be planned in accordance with the stages of supervision and existing regulations while coordinating and strengthening the regulatory understanding of the Election Supervisor with what is planned in the implementation of supervision; 2) Implementation Decision making must be in accordance with what is planned based on joint coordination so that what is planned can be implemented; 3) Supervision Decision-making is needed by adhoc supervisors in order to ensure that what is planned is in accordance with the data and what is planned; 4) Evaluating the results of supervision must be carried out by adhoc supervisors carried out in supervisory tasks from the results of tiered coordination, so that the time and results of the achievement of what is planned and decided later can be appropriate and have a positive impact on the institution.

Good stress or bad stress? An empirical study on the impact of time pressure on doctoral students’ innovative behavior

In recent years, with rapid societal advancement and profound transformations in knowledge production, doctoral students are increasingly facing significant time pressures. These pressures not only stem from an escalation in research tasks but also from urgent demands for innovative outputs. Grounded in Affective Events Theory, this study explores the dual impact of time pressure on the innovative behaviors of doctoral students in China. It specifically examines how challenge and hindrance time pressures affect doctoral students’ innovative behavior through the mediating role of research self-efficacy and the moderating role of supervisor support. This research employed SPSS 26.0 and Mplus 8.3 for statistical analysis, analyzing multi-time point data collected from 452 Chinese doctoral students between May and August 2023. The results reveal that challenge time pressure significantly positively impacts doctoral students’ innovative behavior, while hindrance time pressure has a significant negative impact. Furthermore, research self-efficacy partially mediates the relationship between both challenge and hindrance time pressures and innovative behavior. In this process, the moderating role of supervisor support is significant, enhancing the positive effects of challenge time pressure and mitigating the negative impacts of hindrance time pressure, highlighting the importance of supervisor support in optimizing the impact of time pressure and promoting doctoral students’ innovative behavior. These findings not only enrich the theoretical framework in the field of time pressure research but also provide practical guidance for universities and supervisors on how to support doctoral students in effectively managing time pressure and fostering their innovation.

Plastic Injection Molding Process Analysis: Data Integration and Modeling for Improved Production Efficiency

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the plastic injection molding process through the integration of data acquisition technologies and classification models. In collaboration with a company specializing in plastic injection, data were extracted directly from the machine during a specific period at the beginning of a shift change. These data were subjected to exploratory analysis to identify correlations between important variables, such as injection time, cycle time, and mold pressures. Additionally, classification models, including Random Forest and Logistic Regression, were constructed to predict and classify the process state based on these variables. The model results demonstrated high predictive performance, with 99.5% accuracy for Random Forest and 97% for Logistic Regression. These results provide a strong foundation for the early identification of potential problems and informed decision making to improve the efficiency of the plastic injection molding process. This study contributes to the advancement of the integration of intelligent technologies in industrial process optimization, aligned with the principles of Industry 4.0.

Feasibility of a custom-tailored, evidence-based, theory-informed, intervention to prevent burnout and reduce stress for healthcare professionals: protocol for a single-arm trial

BackgroundHealthcare professionals face high levels of occupational stress, time pressure, workload, and poor organizational support. This makes them particularly vulnerable to burnout. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated this situation. This single-arm, multicenter, mixed-methods feasibility study pilots the LAGOM program: A tailored, evidence-based intervention to prevent burnout and reduce stress among healthcare professionals.MethodsParticipants will include healthcare professionals (N = 30) working at Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Immanuel Hospital, Berlin. LAGOM focuses on support for individual behavior change and personal resources and also addresses the organizational level. The intervention´s feasibility will be evaluated through a non-randomized feasibility trial with a mixed methods process evaluation. The exploratory primary study aims are to assess the acceptability and feasibility of the (1) evaluation procedures and of the (2) intervention content and structure using study records, standardized questionnaires, protocol checklists, and diaries. Exploratory effectiveness analysis will take place as well. Further, semi-structured interviews (n = 3 to 6) and electrophysiological measurements (n = 20) will be conducted.DiscussionCustom-tailored, well-implemented multi-level interventions are needed to prevent burnout and reduce stress among healthcare professionals. Long-term strategies are warranted to sustainably implement effective programs. This feasibility study helps to refine trial procedures and content of the LAGOM program for a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the intervention’s effectiveness.Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00032014, registered 17th October 2023.

Challenges and Opportunities for Collaboration Between Academic Biobanks and Industry: Results of an International Survey of Academic Biobanks.

Aim of the Survey: When it comes to collaboration between academic biobanks and the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry, the criteria for effective collaborations are still unclear. Researchers in industry and academic biobanks can have different incentives and requirements that the other party is often not familiar with. This survey was conducted in an attempt to increase understanding of these fundamental knowledge gaps that may be obstacles to optimal collaboration between academia and industry. Key Findings from the Survey: There were 53 total respondents. Although this was a global survey, most respondents (n = 29) were from North America, likely reflecting overall investment in research in this region and possibly increased interactions between academia and industry as well. Most respondent academic biobanks collect multiple sample types with most (>90%) collecting both biofluids (including blood) and tissue. Most of the participating academic biobanks were aware that they were not (35%), or only partially (35%), using the full potential of their inventory. One option for increasing utilization rates is by collaborating with industry partners. The main issues when working with industry were perceived to be a combination of challenges including contractual (55%), consent restrictions (45%), timelines (41%), or time pressure (36%). Time taken to put agreements together was also a significant hurdle (54%), together with the industry's administrative requirements (36%). Brief Conclusions from the Survey: To take advantage of opportunities for joint collaboration, it is essential that the parties involved build trust. The first step is to understand the different requirements and needs of the other party and to establish efficient structures for joint cooperation. This survey has highlighted key areas to be addressed as the next steps for strengthening bonds between academic biobanks and industry partners.

A hybrid GRA-PCA-TOPSIS Technique Optimization of EDD Process Parameter on Drilling of AL8011/B4C/aloevera composites

A class of cutting-edge materials called hybrid aluminum metal matrix composites has been produced for applications such as the automobile, aerospace, and electronics industry and where weight and strengths are crucial factors. In the present research work, AA8011 composite reinforced with boron carbide particles and green aloevera has been fabricated using an economical stir casting process. In this 1% to 3% of boron carbide and 1% to 2% aloevera were used to fabricate the three different combinations of composites. The electrical discharge drilling process variables such as discharge current, pulse-on time, pulse-off time, and dielectric fluid pressure are investigated using the tubular copper electrode on drilling of hybrid composites. Performance aspects including drilling rate, roundness error, taper angle, and electrode wear rate have been analyzed, and the effect of process variables with the response surface methodology–central composite experimental design. The process parameters during the drilling of composites were optimized using a novel multi-criteria decision-making technique called the hybrid grey relational analysis–pulse component analysis–technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution method in order to maximize the drilling rate while concurrently minimizing other aspects. The optimum conditions were reached using the hybrid optimization method and a 1.5 mm tubular copper electrode with an input current of 9 Ampere , pulse on time 25 [Formula: see text]s, pulse off time 12 [Formula: see text]s, and pressure 60 kg/cm2. In comparison to the initial settings, the optimal condition shows a 25% faster drilling rate, with a 23% better roundness value, 14% lesser taper angle, and 7% lesser electrode wear rate.

Mental simulation of colour properties during language comprehension: influence of context and comprehension stages.

Many studies have shown that mental simulation may occur during language comprehension. Supporting evidence is derived from the matching effects in the sentence-picture verification (SPV) task often used to assess mental simulations of object properties, such as size, orientation, and shape. However, mixed results have been obtained regarding object colour, with researchers reporting matching or mismatching effects. This study investigated the impact of colour information clarity within sentences on the process of mental simulation during language comprehension. Employing the SPV task and using novel objects, we examined whether there is a mental simulation of colour after excluding typical/atypical colour bias and how varying levels of colour information clarity in sentences influence the emergence of matching effects at different stages of comprehension. To address these issues, we conducted two experiments. In Experiment 1, the participants read normal sentences and subsequently engaged in picture verification with a novel object after a 500ms delay. In Experiment 2, the participants encountered sentences containing both clear and unclear colour information and, after either a 0ms or 1500ms interval, completed picture verification tasks with a novel object. Null effects were found in the 500ms condition for normal sentences and the 0ms condition for unclear colour information sentences. A mismatching effect appeared in the 0ms condition after clear colour information sentences, and a matching effect appeared in the 1500ms condition for all sentences. The results indicated that after excluding colour bias, the participants still formed mental simulations of colour during language comprehension. Our results also indicated that ongoing colour simulation with time pressure impacted the participant responses. The participants ignored unclear colour information under time pressure, but without time pressure, they constructed simulations that were as detailed as possible, regardless of whether the implicit colour information in the sentence was clear.

A feedback linearization sliding mode decoupling and fuzzy anti-surge compensation based coordinated control approach for PEMFC air supply system

With the application of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) in the field of transportation and energy, the requirements for air flow and pressure tracking performance, efficiency and stability of PEMFC air supply system become higher and higher. To improve PEMFC cathode air flow and pressure control performance under load variation and avoid surge of air compressor, a novel feedback linearization sliding mode decoupling and fuzzy anti-surge compensation based coordinated control approach is proposed. Firstly, optimal references of oxygen excess ratio (OER) and cathode air pressure under different load are calculated based on net output power of PEMFC system analysis. Then, an extended state observer is designed to estimate the cathode air pressure and flow in real time, a feedback linearization sliding mode based decoupling controller is designed to enhance OER and air pressure tracking control performance and robustness. Considering on the operating trajectory and surge line of air compressor, a fuzzy logic based anti-surge compensator is designed to prevent air compressor from surge by compensating both air flow and pressure simultaneously. The proposed control approach is implemented in PEMFC air supply control experiments and the results demonstrates its effectiveness.

Busy Independent Directors and IPO Company Earnings Management: Evidence from China

This study investigates the effect of busy independent directors on earnings management in Chinese initial public offering (IPO) companies from 2010 to 2020. Using various measures of busy independent directors, the results indicate that directors in IPO companies play a significant role in supervision and governance, thereby significantly mitigating earnings management. Busy independent directors, serving on multiple boards, may face time constraints, but, intriguingly, companies with such directors show a lower inclination for earnings manipulation. This suggests that despite potential time pressures, the independent oversight provided by these directors serves as a deterrent to financial reporting manipulation in the context of Chinese IPOs, underscoring the importance of robust corporate governance structures for transparency and reliability. Additionally, this study identifies specific conditions that amplify the constraining effect and finds that the effect of busy independent directors on earnings management in IPO companies is more significant in companies with high compensation for independent directors, independent directors serving off-site, and companies that receive higher media attention. Mechanism testing indicated that busy independent directors mitigate IPO firms’ earnings management by engaging reputable audit firms and enhancing the effectiveness of internal controls. This nuanced analysis offers valuable insights into how busy, independent directors actively contribute to alleviating the risks associated with earnings management during the IPO process. This study enhances our understanding of the governance benefits of active independent directors in multiple roles and offers novel perspectives on how stakeholders can influence and constrain earnings management in IPO companies.

Evidence for interacting but decoupled controls of decisions and movements in nonhuman primates.

Many recent studies indicate that control of decisions and actions is integrated during interactive behavior. Among these, several carried out in humans and monkeys conclude that there is a coregulation of choices and movements. Another perspective, based on human data only, proposes a decoupled control of decision duration and movement speed, allowing, for instance, trading decision duration for movement duration when time pressure increases. Crucially, it is not currently known whether this ability to flexibly dissociate decision duration from movement speed is specific to humans, whether it can vary depending on the context in which a task is performed, and whether it is stable over time. These are important questions to address, especially to rely on monkey electrophysiology to infer the neural mechanisms of decision-action coordination in humans. To do so, we trained two macaque monkeys in a perceptual decision-making task and analyzed data collected over multiple behavioral sessions. Our findings reveal a strong and complex relationship between decision duration and movement vigor. Decision duration and action duration can covary but also "compensate" each other. Such integrated but decoupled control of decisions and actions aligns with recent studies in humans, validating the monkey model in electrophysiology as a means of inferring neural mechanisms in humans. Crucially, we demonstrate for the first time that this control can evolve with experience, in an adapted manner. Together, the present findings contribute to deepening our understanding of the integrated control of decisions and actions during interactive behavior.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The mechanism by which the integrated control of decisions and actions occurs, coupled or interactive but decoupled, is debated. In the present study, we show in monkeys that decisions and actions influence each other in a decoupled way. For the first time, we also demonstrate that this control can evolve depending the subject's experience, allowing the trade of movement time for decision time and limiting the temporal discounting of reward value.

Modified CANDU Reactor MCR as an Early-Deployable Nuclear Workhorse

Safe, simple and soon deployable are the imperatives for each SMR concept today. Only this SMR has the potential to become a nuclear workhorse in the fight against climate change if it is available soon, in large numbers and deployable worldwide. Therefore the assessment of the usefulness of an SMR concept must not only relate to the reactor itself. Only a holistic view of the entire nuclear fuel cycle with the given SMR as the central part between the front-end and back-end can lead to viable decisions. The IAEA lists more than 120 SMR concepts in its Handbook 2022. Time pressure is forcing us to critical selection of a promising reactor concept and to combine innovative solutions with tried and established technical and administrative networks. Against this background, the Modified CANDU Reactor (MCR) is proposed as additional SMR design. The MCR has two obvious modifications compared to the well-known and globally proven CANDU design: a) spherical fuel elements (pebbles) with ceramic cladding b) vertical arrangement of the pressure tubes. Intended for the generation of heat and electricity close to the consumer, the construction of a plant with MCR is preferably carried out underground close to the surface. The Herrenknecht VSM-shaft-tunnel technology is planned for the construction of the structures. For the transportation of irradiated fuel elements, (extended) interim storage and final disposal, technologies are proposed (Initial Barrier; TRIPLE C) that have already been published elsewhere. In order to provide a basis for further scientific and technical discussions, an attempt was made to incorporate the MCR concept into the existing CANDU SMR TM design. The resulting combined “overlapping” concept has not yet been discussed with the CANDU developing and operating countries. The authors hope for a fruitful discussion and are looking for future cooperation with the CANDU SMR TM manufacturer (CANDU Energy Inc. Canada), as well as with the countries that traditionally use CANDU reactors (China, India, South Korea) and Norway in future maybe too.