Time Parameters Research Articles

Mechanically Twisting-Induced Top-Down Chirality Transfer for Tunable Full-Color Circularly Polarized Luminescent Fibers.

Circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) materials with rich optical information are highly attractive for optical display, information storage, and encryption. Although previous investigations have shown that external force fields can induce CPL activity in nonchiral systems, the unique role of macroscopic external forces in inducing CPL has not been demonstrated at the level of molecule or molecular aggregate. Here, a canonical example of CPL generation by mechanical twisting in an achiral system consisting of a polymer matrix with embedded fluorescent molecules is presented. By carefully adjusting the twisting parameters in time and space, in conjunction with circular dichroism (CD), CPL, and 2D wide-angle X-ray scattering (2D WAXS) studies, a twisting-induced top-down chiral transfer mechanism derived from the molecular-level asymmetric rearrangement of fluorescent units is elucidated within polymers under external torsional forces. This top-down chiral transfer provides a simple, scalable, and versatile mechanical twisting strategy for the fabrication of CPL materials, allowing for fabricating full-color and handedness-tunable CPL fibers, where the macroscopic twist direction determines the CPL handedness. Moreover, the weavability of CPL fibers greatly extend their applications in anti-counterfeit encryption, as demonstrated by using embroidery techniques to design multilevel encryption patterns.

The effects of coating type and drying temperature on the physicochemical properties of the mixture of lemongrass and apple powdered drinks

Fresh beverages from fruits and herbal plants that contain antioxidants are able to enhance the immunity of the human body. However, such fresh beverage products generally have a short shelf life. As an alternative, the products must be converted into powdered drinks. Coating materials are thus needed to avoid the loss of antioxidant compounds during the drying process. This study aimed to scrutinize the effects of coating type and drying temperature on the quality of lemongrass and Malang apple powdered drinks. The study employed a completely randomized design (CRD) with two factors and two replications. The first factor was the coating type with 3 levels (maltodextrin, dextrin, gum arabic) and the second factor was the drying temperature with 3 levels (40℃, 45℃, 50℃). The data were analyzed using Analysis of variance one-way (ANOVA) test and Duncan's further test if the treatment was significantly different. The results showed that the type of coating significantly affected the parameters of stability, dissolution time, ash content, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Meanwhile, the drying time significantly affected the parameters of stability, dissolution time, water content, ash content, vitamin C, and antioxidants. There was an interaction between the coating type and drying time that affected the bulk density, stability, dissolution time, ash content, vitamin C, and antioxidants. The best result based on the high content of antioxidants was obtained on the dextrin coating type with a drying temperature of 45℃. Product characteristics included a solubility of 0.96 seconds, a bulk density of 0.58 g/mL, a stability of 89.19%, a water content of 2.38%, an ash content of 1.21%, a vitamin C content of 70.22%, an antioxidant inhibition percentage of 50.97%, an IC50 content of 1.29, and a water activity of 0.50.

Enhancing hospital protection measures reduces frontline medical workers’ stress during the pandemic

Frontline medical workers (FMWs) faced high stress levels in frontline clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to alleviate FMWs’ psychological stress by enhancing protection measures, which includes refining the selection process, improving protective measures for their work in frontline clinics, and determining the appropriate time for evacuation. A Chinese-language-version stress questionnaire, covering stress-related issues and sociodemographic characteristics, was administered to FMWs in Shanghai during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022, yielding 107 valid responses. The questionnaire’s reliability and validity were subsequently confirmed. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was applied to the stress-related questions, with the KMO and Bartlett’s test values of 0.886, 877.8522 (df = 120, p < 0.0001), respectively. Structure equation modeling (SEM) was used to confirm the factors and measure the relationships among the stress-related questions, factors and sociodemographic characteristics. The parameters of SEM named SOFAIDC were significant with SRMSR, RMSEA, AGFI, NFI, and PNFI being 0.0422, 0.0507, 0.9946, 0.9958, and 0.7615, respectively. Paired sample t-tests revealed the significant decrease in FMWs’ stress score of the current week and the previous week, with all t-values being negative and significant (p < 0.01). A latent growth model (LGM) named LGM30 verified the overall decreasing stress trend over the weeks, with high R-squares (> 0.80), significant positive linear and negative quadratic time parameters. Based on the trajectory analysis, a stress scorecard with an AUC of 0.856 was developed. This study found that there are four factors for FMWs’ psychological stress (anxiety about infection, exhaustion, lack of cognition for infection, and hesitant feeling), and improving targeted hospital protection could alleviate FMWs’ psychological stress through SOFAIDC, as all the total effect of factors or items from the feeling of being protected by hospital were negative. Meanwhile, although overall FMWs’ stress trend has decreased, 22.43% of FMWs have maintained or experienced a high stress trend, and the stress might increase over weeks in frontline clinics. To perfect hospital protection to alleviate FMWs’ psychological stress, the scorecard could be used to select FMWs with low-stress trends, LGM30 could be used to determine the withdrawal time (such as week 8), and targeted hospital protections could be designed based on the relationships between feeling of being protected by the hospital and factors in SOFAIDC, such as providing adequate protective equipment, improving the rationality of FMWs’ work schedules, recruiting personnel with higher education levels, and paying adequate monetary compensation.

Deep Neural Networks for Estimating Regularization Parameter in Sparse Time–Frequency Reconstruction

Time–frequency distributions (TFDs) are crucial for analyzing non-stationary signals. Compressive sensing (CS) in the ambiguity domain offers an approach for TFD reconstruction with high performance, but selecting the optimal regularization parameter for various signals remains challenging. Traditional methods for parameter selection, including manual and experimental approaches, as well as existing optimization procedures, can be imprecise and time-consuming. This study introduces a novel approach using deep neural networks (DNNs) to predict regularization parameters based on Wigner–Ville distributions (WVDs). The proposed DNN is trained on a comprehensive dataset of synthetic signals featuring multiple linear and quadratic frequency-modulated components, with variations in component amplitudes and random positions, ensuring wide applicability and robustness. By utilizing DNNs, end-users need only provide the signal’s WVD, eliminating the need for manual parameter selection and lengthy optimization procedures. Comparisons between the reconstructed TFDs using the proposed DNN-based approach and existing optimization methods highlight significant improvements in both reconstruction performance and execution time. The effectiveness of this methodology is validated on noisy synthetic and real-world signals, emphasizing the potential of DNNs to automate regularization parameter determination for CS-based TFD reconstruction in diverse signal environments.

Network intrusion detection in big datasets using Spark environment and incremental learning

&lt;p class="Abstract"&gt;Internet of things (IoT) systems have experienced significant growth in data traffic, resulting in security and real-time processing issues. Intrusion detection systems (IDS) are currently an indispensable tool for self-protection against various attacks. However, IoT systems face serious challenges due to the functional diversity of attacks, resulting in detection methods with machine learning (ML) and limited static models generated by the linear discriminant analysis (LDA) algorithm. The process entails adjusting the model parameters in real time as new data arrives. This paper proposes a new method of an IDS based on the LDA algorithm with the incremental model. The model framework is trained and tested on the IoT intrusion dataset (UNSW-NB15) using the streaming linear discriminant analysis (SLDA) ML algorithm. Our approach increased model accuracy after each training, resulting in continuous model improvement. The comparison reveals that our dynamic model becomes more accurate after each batch and can detect new types of attacks.&lt;/p&gt;

Adaptive fault-tolerant depth control for a bionic robotic dolphin with stuck oscillating joints

The bionic robotic dolphin often employs a multi-joint dorsoventral mechanism to achieve dolphin-like undulatory propulsion, ensuring excellent maneuverability. However, the motors of the oscillating joints in this mechanism are susceptible to sticking faults, posing a challenge for the robotic dolphin to maintain its intended swimming depth, leading to undesired ascent or descent. To address this issue, we propose an adaptive fault-tolerant depth control method for a bionic robotic dolphin experiencing oscillating joint faults. First, the mechatronic design and dynamic model of a four-joint robotic dolphin are introduced. Thereafter, the swimming behaviors of the robotic dolphin with struck oscillating joints are analyzed. Based on this, an adaptive fault-tolerant depth controller is designed to minimize the reference tracking errors by updating dynamic model parameters in real time. Extension experiments are conducted to validate the effectiveness of the proposed fault-tolerant control method. The results demonstrate that this controller enables the robotic dolphin to successfully achieve and maintain the target depth, even in the presence of stuck oscillating joints. These findings confirm the robustness and practicality of the fault-tolerant depth control approach for the bionic robotic dolphins, thereby ensuring their safety in complex ocean conditions.

Efficacy of Foot Orthoses With Sensorimotor Bars on Gait, Postural Control, and Muscle Activity in Healthy Individuals and Those With Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Systematic Review

Objectives: The foot and ankle complex is crucial in stability, propulsion, and musculoskeletal interactions. Optimizing orthotic interventions in this anatomical region is essential to improve motor outcomes. This systematic review investigates the impact of foot orthoses (FOs) with sensorimotor bars on gait, postural control, and muscle activity in healthy individuals and those with musculoskeletal disorders. Methods: We conducted an electronic search in January 2024 using the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. The article identification, screening, and selection followed the PISMA (the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis) guidelines. We conducted the quality assessment using the PEDro (the physiotherapy evidence database) checklist. Data extraction and synthesis were performed using the Cochrane handbook for systematic review of interventions. Results: FOs with sensorimotor bars can increase foot external rotation, dorsiflexion, and abduction while decreasing foot eversion. Additionally, they can reduce anteroposterior displacement of the hip, shoulder, and head. Furthermore, significant improvements have been observed in spatiotemporal parameters such as walking speed, stride length, stance time, swing time, and kinetic parameters such as plantar pressure. These orthoses can also impact clinical tasks and decrease center-of-pressure movements. Discussion: Sensorimotor bars have demonstrated beneficial effects on gait (kinematic, kinetic, and spatial-temporal measures), balance control (clinical performance and center of pressure displacement measures), and muscle activity recording.

A Physical Approach to Lagrangian Equations with Bundle Structure for Minkowski 3-Space

Minkowski 3-space is important because it is the spatial structure in which physical events occur. Therefore, in this study, we examined the time-dependent Lagrangian energy equations in Minkowski 3-space. To facilitate the examination of the necessary mechanical structure and solutions with respect to time, we employed the jet bundle structure. This approach has made the creation of the necessary geometric structures more comprehensible in terms of coordinate basis. To interpret the obtained Lagrangian energy equations and to understand the significance of the time parameter, an example is also provided in our study.

Fixed/preassigned-time non-chattering synchronization of nonlinear coupled Cohen-Grossberg neural networks via event-triggered control

In this paper, the studies on fixed-time and preassigned-time synchronization for a kind of nonlinear coupled Cohen-Grossberg neural networks (CGNNs) are researched by event-triggered non-chattering control. Firstly, differing from some existed fixed-time synchronization control strategies, a power-law feedback controller without sign function is adopted to achieve non-chattering control effect. To save communication and computational resources, an event-triggered mechanism (ETM) is introduced, which can naturally avoid Zeno behavior. By designing preassigned time parameters as controller parameters, the preassigned-time synchronization of dynamic networks is studied. Then, based on the designed control mechanism, sufficient conditions for fixed-time and preassigned-time synchronization of the nonlinear coupled CGNNs are given. Finally, the validity and generality of the obtained results are verified by numerical simulation.

Efficient and green separation of phenolics by halogen free deep eutectic solvents

To deeply investigate the mechanism of deep eutectic solvents (DES) separation of phenolics from coal tar, three halogen free DESs were synthesized by using L-carnitine as the hydrogen bonding acceptor (HBA) combined with triethanolamine, ethylene glycol and formic acid as the hydrogen bonding donor (HBD). The effects of the mass ratio of these three DESs to phenol, extraction temperature, extraction time and other parameters on the extraction efficiency were investigated. Among them, DES3 synthesized by L-carnitine and formic acid exhibits a high extraction efficiency of 97.1 % and a low neutral oil entrained efficiency of 14 %. The microscopic interaction mechanism between DESs and phenol/toluene was investigated through quantum chemical calculations based on density functional theory. The results demonstrated that DES3 interacts with phenol through strong hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces, as evidenced by an interaction energy of −62.24 kJ/mol, substantially higher than that with toluene (−37.61 kJ/mol). A variety of methods, including electrostatic potential (ESP) analysis, independent gradient model based on Hirshfeld partition (IGMH) analysis, and quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) analysis, were used to further confirmed that DES3 has a stronger affinity and selectivity for phenol, laying a solid theoretical foundation for its application as an efficient and recyclable industrial extractant.

Design of parameters for running-in cylinder liner piston rings based on running-in attractor

Purpose The purpose of this study aims to shorten the running-in time and improve the running-in quality of cylinder liner piston rings (CLPRs), the running-in tests were carried out and running-in parameters of CLPRs were designed based on running-in attractor theory, which can guide the choice of optimal working conditions for other friction pairs. Design/methodology/approach The running-in state and time under different working conditions are identified by the evolution law of the running-in attractor phase trajectory and fractal and chaotic characteristic quantities. The CLPRs running-in tests under different conditions were conducted and the friction signals were collected. The constructed phase trajectories and calculated chaotic parameters of the running-in attractor are obtained and the running-in state and time are identified by the evolution law of phase trajectories and chaotic characteristic quantities. The running-in quality is obtained by the surface morphology fractal dimension and characteristic roughness parameters. Findings The running-in parameters for short running-in time and good running-in quality are designed based on the fractal and chaotic theory and the optimal solution method are used to verify the results through the single objective or multi-objective optimization, and the corresponding optimal running-in parameters are obtained. Originality/value The optimal working condition parameters obtained from the design have guiding significance for the selection of CLPR running-in parameters, and this work can provide ideas for the other friction pairs. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-05-2024-0179/

Comparing the coagulation and platelet parameters of womenwith premature ovarian insufficiency with those of age-matched controls: A case-control study.

This study aimed to compare the coagulation and platelet parameters in women with spontaneous premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) with those in age-matched controls. This case-control study recruited 202 women with POI and 202 age-matched women with benign gynecological diseases as controls. Coagulation parameters, including prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and thrombin time (TT), fibrinogen, and platelet parameters, including platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), plateletcrit (PCT), and platelet distribution width (PDW), were compared between women with POI and controls. Factors associated with coagulation and platelet parameters were also analyzed in women with POI. In women with POI, higher fibrinogen levels and PDW, lower PLT, MPV, and PCT levels, and shorter TT were observed (p < 0.001). Linear regression analysis further revealed that women with POI were more likely to exhibit increased serum fibrinogen levels (β = 0.465, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.366-0.564) and PDW (β = 0.340, 95% CI 0.300-0.379), decreased TT (β = -1.101, 95% CI -1.233--0.969), PLT (β = -50.985, 95% CI -65.087--36.882), MPV (β = -1.498, 95% CI -1.875 to -1.120), PCT levels (β = -0.084, 95% CI -0.095--0.973). Additionally, follicle-stimulating hormone levels were positively associated with fibrinogen levels in women with POI. There were no statistically significant differences in PT, INR, and APTT between women with POI and controls. Women with POI exhibited decreased platelet numbers, abnormal platelet morphology, and elevated fibrinogen concentrations, potentially implicating POI's etiopathogenesis or contributing to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in women with POI. No coagulation abnormalities were observed in women with POI.

Load adaptive multi-threshold scheduling to concurrently improvise transmission time and wait time performance of C-RAN

Low-latency requirements of 5G networks are one of the fundamental needs to support delay-sensitive applications. Uplink scheduling mechanism at wired midhaul of Centralized Radio Access Network (C-RAN) architecture significantly affects the transmission speed and delay performance of the network. Inadequate performance of conventional scheduling algorithms necessitates improvements to attain these requirements. In this paper, load adaptive scheduling with single threshold (LAS-ST) and load adaptive scheduling with multi-threshold (LAS-MT) algorithms on C-RAN architecture are proposed to reduce transmission time and wait time parameters concurrently. The proposed algorithms have been compared with two conventional scheduling algorithms, multi-scheduling domain (MSD) & single scheduling domain (SSD) and applied at fronthaul and midhaul of C-RAN for its comprehensive analysis. MSD and SSD are widely used in Ethernet Passive Optical Network (EPON) architectures. The results confirm that the proposed multi-threshold scheduling algorithm performs best in meeting the objectives of the studycompared to the existing scheduling algorithms in terms of transmission time and wait time by adapting to conditions. Further, resource utilization and resource availability are observed for several transmission cycles (TCs). In addition, data load variation and variation in number of available resources is analysed and its effect on transmission time and wait time is studied.

Single degree of freedom control based on deep reinforcement learning for underwater unmanned vehicle

This paper proposes a two-stage controller based on deep reinforcement learning for an unmanned underwater vehicle under conditions of parameter uncertainty and external measurement noise. The feedback linearization technique is first applied to linearize the dynamic model, and then this is used to design the control law, the integral term is added to expand the control law into a Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) control method, which is used as the first stage controller. The second stage controller is to realize parameter regulation, the Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG) algorithm is used to train the agent in response to the controller’s need to adjust gain parameters in real time to cope with external interference. Moreover, in order to minimize unnecessary exploration at the beginning of the training process, the previous excellent manual experience is combined with the training process. Compared to the original DDPG algorithm, this algorithm exhibits a faster convergence rate. To verify the performance of Feedback Linearized DDPG PID Control (FLDDPGPIDC), three advanced methods were compared with the method. Results indicate that tracking performance is significantly improved in the presence of external measurement noise and dynamic parameter perturbations.

Automatic Tracking Control Based on Bayesian Optimization

Abstract. This paper discusses the control problem of intelligent tracking vehicle in complex dynamic environment, and puts forward a solution combining Bayesian optimization algorithm and PID control. Traditional PID control faces many challenges when dealing with time-varying and nonlinear systems, but the operating environment of intelligent tracking vehicles is complex and changeable, and it is difficult to adjust parameters in real time to adapt to different operating conditions. Therefore, this paper introduces Bayesian optimization algorithm to predict the optimal parameter combination of PID controller by constructing hyperparameter optimization model, thus effectively improving the control performance and robustness of the system.

Geometrical Quantum Time in the $U(1)^3$ Model of Euclidean Quantum Gravity

Abstract Loop Quantum Gravity faces challenges in constructing a well-defined Hamiltonian constraint and understanding the quantum notion of time. In this paper these issues are studied by quantizing the $U(1)^3$ model, a simplified system exhibiting features similar to general relativity. By isolating a holonomy component within the Hamiltonian constraint, a discrete relative time evolution equation for quantum states is obtained. Then a Shr"{o}dinger-like equation is derived in continuous limit. Thus the physical states solving this Shr"{o}dinger-like equation can be written out. The emergence of the time parameter and its corresponding quantum operator are analyzed. It indicates the notion of a geometrical quantum time for quantum gravity

The time factor and the allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with acute myeloid leukemia

Introduction. The current overall effectiveness of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treatment is largely ensured by the integration of transplantation technologies, but not all patients who are indicated to undergo transplantation of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells (allo-HSCT) can reach this stage.Aim: to analyze the time and volume of the implementation of allo-HSCT in patients with AML in the first complete remission (1CR).Materials and methods. Between January 2020 and December 2023, 477 AML patients from 43 different regions of the Russian Federation were referred to the NMRC for Hematology for the possibility of performing allo-HSCT. In this cohort of patients, the following time parameters were analyzed: days from diagnosis of AML to primary treatment at the transplant center, from primary treatment to search for a donor (related or non-related), from diagnosis of AML to allo-HSCT, from the achievement of 1CR to allo-HSCT.Results. 175 (36.7 %) patients, agreed upon by the Transplant Commission, were selected to undergo allo-HSCT. Of these, only 163 patients, who had allo-HSCT performed before January 2024, were included in further analysis. It was not possible to implement allo-HSCT in the other 236 agreed upon cases due to the following reasons: refusal of the patient — 110 (46.6 %), relapse — 48 (20.3 %) patients, death — 23 (9.7 %) patients. Median time from 1CR to allo-HSCT was 6.8 (0.3– 26) months for all patients: for a related fully compatible donor 5.8 (0.5–26.0) months, for a haploid donor — 6.1 (0.3–23.5) months, in case of non-related — 8.0 (0.6–8.6) months. In 5 years, the NMRC for Hematology managed to reduce the time to the general allo-HSCT in 1CR for patients with AML from 6.5 months in 2018 to 5.8 months in 2023. Also, under the current “AML-21” protocol, the time from 1CR to allo-HSCT in patients included in the multicenter study was minimized to — 4.8 (0.33–11.0) months, and for AML patients from the poor prognosis group — 3.4 (0.33–8.0 months).Conclusion. In addition to achieving full, optimally — MDR-negative remission, the absence of severe concomitant pathology, and the presence of a donor, the time factor must also be considered. In order to cure more AML patients, it is necessary to bring the implementation of allo-HSCT to the earliest possible date after achieving 1CR.

Awake versus asleep deep brain stimulation targeting the caudal zona incerta for essential tremor

To compare awake and asleep deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery for Essential Tremor (ET), we conducted this retrospective cohort study of patients consecutively operated with DBS targeting the caudal Zona incerta (cZi). 37 underwent surgery awake and 55 asleep. Tremor before surgery and on/off stimulation one year after surgery were evaluated using the Essential Tremor Rating Scale (ETRS). Procedural time, electrode localization, stimulation parameters and adverse events were noted and compared. ETRS scores were similar at baseline between the groups except for contralateral arm tremor, which was slightly worse in the awake group. Total ETRS, contralateral arm tremor and activities of daily living scores showed no significant difference between the groups on-stimulation at one-year follow-up. Compared to the awake group, the asleep group had shorter procedural time and lower stimulation parameters. There were no intracranial haemorrhages nor surgery site-infections. Both groups showed a good improvement of tremor at one-year follow-up. Image-guided DBS surgery targeting the cZi enables safe and efficient asleep surgery for ET.

Ultrafast carrier dynamics in InGaN quantum well channel based high electron mobility transistor structure

Ultrafast pump probe measurements on InGaN quantum well (QW) channel based high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) structure enable a direct measurement of the transit/capture time of electrons from GaN buffer layer to InGaN channel layer. Carrier capture time of 75 ± 10 fs is measured and the same is found to be independent of excitation wavelength. However, the capture process is delayed by 160 ± 5 fs when carriers are excited in GaN buffer layer. This happens due to the inclusion of transit time of carriers in GaN layer. It is confirmed by varying the wavelength of excitation where a delay in carrier transit is seen at longer wavelength. It is also seen that the strength of a feature associated with the carriers excited in GaN layer and captured by InGaN QW channel layer mimics the absorption spectrum of GaN, which also confirms that the delay in capture process is caused by the carriers excited in GaN layer. It is found that the capture process can be delayed even up to 240 ± 5 fs when the pump wavelength is kept at 390 nm. It is explained by considering the absorption in a deeper part of GaN layer and via the shallow defect states. Further, it is found that the localization of carriers in InGaN QW channel layer occurs at the time scales of 85 ± 10 fs. The transit/capture/localization time parameters reported in this work provide a crucial set of information, which is essential for modulating the carrier dynamics in InGaN/GaN based HEMTs and other high speed optoelectronic devices.

Prospective study of the application of a 3D exoscope system (VITOM 3D) in ear surgery compared to conventional surgical microscopes: part I - analysis of objective parameters.

This prospective study compared the application of a 3D exoscope (VITOM 3D) with surgical microscopes (SM) in ear surgery. 62 patients were included (exoscope group (E+) n = 31; SM group (E-) n = 31). Procedures included cochlea implantation (nE + = 10, nE- = 10), reconstructive middle ear surgery due to chronic otitis media with (COMwC; nE + = 11, nE- = 11) and without cholesteatoma (COMsC; nE + = 10, nE- = 10). Objective (e.g. set-up time and wrap-up time, corrected cut-suture-time, pure operating time, adjustment time, time per adjustment procedure, learning curves) and subjective perioperative parameters were evaluated. This paper only addressed the analysis of the objective parameters. The pooled data showed that the mean time delay in the E + group was significantly higher compared to the E- group with regard to set-up time and wrap-up time, corrected cut-suture time, adjustment time and time per adjustment procedure. Time delay tended to be higher for pure operating time. In all subgroups of the E + group, the objective time parameters also showed at least a tendency to be prolonged on average compared to the corresponding subgroups in the E- group. The learning curve analysis showed that the E + group (corrected cut suture time for CI surgery, mean time per adjustment procedure across all subgroups) approached the times of the E- group during the course of the study. Based on the pooled data from the study arms, the exoscope tends to be inferior to the microscope for the objective time parameters evaluated when used in ear surgery. However, due to the small group sizes, no solid conclusions could be drawn regarding the individual surgical procedures. In addition, further studies with a longer observation period are needed to minimize the influence of the learning curve on the results.