Size Reduction Rate Research Articles

Platelet-rich fibrin in the management of oral mucosal lesions: a scoping review

ObjectivesOral mucosal lesions are prevalent and often cause pain, thus impacting patients' quality of life. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has emerged as a promising autologous biomaterial for wound healing, yet comprehensive evidence regarding its efficacy in treating oral mucosal lesions is limited. This study aims to update the current evidence on the effectiveness of PRF in treating various types of oral mucosal lesions.Materials and methodsWe conducted a literature search in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases until April 2024. The search included studies that investigated the use of PRF in treating oral mucosal lesions. Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising three case reports, three randomized controlled trials, two animal studies, three split-mouth trials, and one retrospective study. We performed data extraction according to a predefined form.ResultsPRF was applied in two forms—membranes and injectable gels—to treat a range of oral mucosal lesions, including ulcerative, red and white, pigmented, and potentially malignant or malignant lesions. Compared to control groups or conventional treatments, PRF generally demonstrated superior outcomes regarding faster healing, lesion size reduction, symptom relief, and lower recurrence rates. Histological and molecular analyses from some studies also indicated PRF's regenerative and anti-inflammatory effects.ConclusionPRF shows promise as an effective and safe alternative to current treatments for oral mucosal lesions due to its autologous nature, ease of preparation, and wound-healing capabilities. However, further research is needed to standardize PRF preparation protocols and confirm its long-term efficacy across different lesion types.

Shape memory resin with high temperature resistance for plugging fracture formations drilled with oil-based drilling fluid

Lost circulation usually occurs when drilling fracture formations using oil-based drilling fluids (OBDFs). This study synthesized the shape memory epoxy resins (EHN) with a glass transition temperature range of 94–122 °C. They exhibited good thermal stability and dynamical mechanism performance. The EHN did not swell in oil at different temperatures; however, its shape changed with temperature. Optimized by an orthogonal experiment, the thickness swelling rate prepared under the optimal conditions was more than 74%. The particle size reduction rate did not exceed 5% after aging at 150 °C in oil, which was less than 1/4 of that of the nutshell. The EHN1 with a glass transition temperature of 122 °C, prepared under the optimal conditions (OEHN1), was utilized to control lost circulation in OBDF at high temperatures. At a heating rate of 1–10 °C/min, the shape memory rate of OEHN1 required 14–107 min to reach 100% in the temperature range of 30–150 °C, respectively. The shape memory recovery rate of OEHN1 reached to 10, 28, 57, and 97% at 80, 100, 120, and 125 °C within 60 min, respectively. In addition, it required 4–10 min to recover to 100% at 135–150 °C, respectively. OEHN1 did not recover below 80 °C, partially recovered between 80 and 120 °C, and completely recovered above 125 °C (>glass transition temperature). When plugging the wedge fracture with inlet/outlet fracture widths of 3/1 mm at 80–150 °C, formula 2 (F2) containing OEHN1 exhibited lower fluid loss and stabler pressure-bearing capacity under 15 MPa. When plugging the wedge fracture with inlet/outlet fracture widths of 4/2 mm, F2 withstood a pressure of 5 MPa at 80 °C and 15 MPa at 120 °C and 150 °C. Further, OEHN1 exhibited excellent temperature responsiveness and plugging performance. They transformed from the glassy to rubber state following full activation at 125–150 °C. They became elastic particles, expanded from flakes to cubes, and could adapt to different crack sizes. In addition, they bridged, accumulated, filled, and formed compact cracks with other lost circulation materials. Consequently, they formed a force-chain network that improved the stability of the plugging layer.

Estimation of Fiber Fragility and Digestibility of Corn Silages and Cool Season Pastures

Fiber fragility is defined as the particle size reduction rate during chewing and can help to explain the effects on feed intake and animal performance of different fiber sources. This study aimed to estimate the fiber fragility of corn silage and cool-season pasture based on their chemical composition. Between June and December 2022, 25 samples of corn silage and 25 samples of cool-season pasture were collected from dairy farms in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The samples were analyzed for particle size distribution, chemical composition, and fiber fragility. Contents of dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), and fiber fragility were greater in corn silages compared to cool-season pasture. However, the ADF–NDF ratio was similar in forages. Crude protein (CP) content and the in situ degradation of DM and NDF were greater in cool-season pasture than corn silage. Dry matter and NDF in situ degradation were negatively correlated with increased contents of ADF, NDF, and ADL and the ADF–NDF ratio in forages. Fiber fragility was negatively correlated with DM degradation and positively correlated with contents of ADF, NDF, ADL, and DM. Fiber fragility decreased as CP content increased. Thus, greater fiber fragility may jeopardize nutrient degradation, and levels of fiber fragility are directly associated with fiber content.

Hydrothermal Dissolution of Reactive Silica Materials in Sodium Hydroxide Lyes

AbstractReactive silica materials like vitreous silica or cristobalite were dissolved at temperatures between 100 and 220 °C for up to 7 days in NaOH lyes. The liquid and solid reaction products were analyzed chemically. Sodium water glasses with silica concentrations of up to 27 wt % and molar SiO2/Na2O ratios of up to 3.7 were obtained. The experimental data were evaluated by an approximation algorithm. The initial size reduction rates ranged between 0.1 and 7 µm h−1, depending on the temperature and the choice of starting materials. Correlations between thermodynamics and kinetics were discussed.

Vascular Blush Size Reduction, Technical Success and Safety of Intra-Arterial Embolization for Glomus Jugular Tumors: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: Glomus jugulare tumors are slow-growing neuroendocrine paragangliomas located in the temporal bone. Surgical excision, the standard treatment option, carries a high risk of intraoperative bleeding due to the vascular nature of these lesions. To mitigate this risk, current practice involves performing intra-arterial embolization prior to surgery. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to assess postintervention safety, technical success, and the rate of vascular blush size reduction in a group of patients with Glomus jugulare tumors who were planned for surgery and underwent pre-surgical intra-arterial embolization of the lesion. Patients and Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, all patients who underwent intravascular embolization for Glomus jugulare tumors from 2017 onwards were included. The study comprised 61 patients scheduled for surgery following embolization. All embolizations were completed in one session and were primarily performed via external carotid artery branches using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The size of the vascular blush was measured before and after embolization in coronal, supero-inferior sagittal, and antero-posterior sagittal planes, and the rate of blush size reduction was calculated. Procedure complications, including post-embolization pain, were recorded. In the statistical analysis, vascular blush size was compared between pre- and post-embolization times. Results: Pain after embolization was reported in 11 patients (18%). There were no other complications among the patients, indicating a high level of safety. All procedures were technically successful. The mean pre-embolization vascular blush diameter in the coronal plane was 29.1 ± 13.3 mm, which decreased to 16.8 ± 7.1 mm after embolization, representing an average diameter reduction of 38.5% (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The findings of this retrospective cohort study suggest that intra-arterial embolization for Glomus jugulare tumors is safe, technically successful, and effective in reducing vascular blush before surgery.

Microstructure and properties of ZrB2-reinforced aluminum matrix composites consolidated by ECAP process

In this research work, the effects of mechanical alloying and subsequent compaction by ECAP on the microstructural, physical, and mechanical properties of Al-ZrB2 metal matrix composites (MMCs) were evaluated. To prepare composite powders, a mixture of Al and ZrB2 particles was mechanically alloyed at various times of 1, 6, 12, 18 and 24 h. SEM micrographs indicate that the size of the obtained particles decreases by increasing the time of mechanical alloying up to 18 h. However, after this time, increasing the time of mechanical alloying has led to an increase in the size of the particles. By means of mechanical alloying for 18 h, the average size of fine particles reached 823 nm, while coarse particles were 8 μm. The calculation via the use of XRD examination implies that the mean crystallite size of powder decreased from about 68 nm to 31 nm and 26.8 nm, for Al and Al-5%ZrB2 samples, respectively, while lattice strain increased from 0.25% to 0.64% and from 0.3% to 0.73% after 1 h to 24 h milling of same samples, respectively. However, the rate of crystallite size reduction after 12 h of mechanical alloying is gradually reduced, and that is reached its lowest level after 18 h. After that, increasing the time of mechanical alloying has led to a saturation in the lattice strain. In continue, the resulting composite powder was heated, consolidated and turned into bulk material by warm equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) at the temperature of 250 °C. The resultant optimum composite has been characterized by EDS elemental mapping. Microhardness measurements and shear punch tests were performed to evaluate the mechanical properties of the unreinforced and composite samples after the ECAP process. The Al-ZrB2 MMC bulk samples subjected to ECAP, with a ZrB2 amount of 5 wt%, had a relative density, hardness, and ultimate shear strength of 99.3%, 170 HV, and 151 MPa, respectively, using powders which have been mechanically alloyed up to 24 h.

Dose-response and efficacy of 904nm photobiomodulation on diabetic foot ulcers healing: a randomized controlled trial.

This study aimed to examine the impact of a 904nm photobiomodulation (PBM) on diabetic ulcers using varying dosages. The study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial that compared treatments using PBM (GaAs 904nm 30w) with three different energy densities (4J/cm2; 8J/cm2; 10J/cm2) in the healing process of non-infected diabetic foot ulcers. Eighty volunteers (48.75% female; 58.5 ± 11.1 years) were randomized into three intervention groups treated with PBM and one control group (PBM placebo). Volunteers performed up 20 interventions with PBM, either placebo or actual, in conjunction with conventional therapy, which involved dressing the wound with Helianthus annuus vegetable oil. The primary variable was the ulcer size reduction rate. GaAs 904nm PBM yielded a clinically and significant ulcer size rate reduction of diabetic foot ulcers, independently of energy density range (p < 0.05). However, 10J/cm² had 60% of completely healed ulcers and the highest proportion of patients reaching 50% of ulcer reduction rate after 5 weeks of treatment. In addition, only 10J/cm² showed a significant difference between control group after a 10-week follow-up (p < 0.05). GaAs 904nm PBM was effective in treating diabetic foot ulcers in this study and a dosage of 10J/cm², after a 10-week follow-up, proved to be the most effective compared to the other groups. NCT04246814.

Debridement for surgical wounds.

Debridement for surgical wounds.

Quasi-steady-state modelling and characterization of diffusion-controlled dissolution from polydisperse spheroidal particles, II: characterization

A quasi-steady-state model for accurately predicting the detailed diffusion-dominated dissolution process of polydisperse spheroidal (prolate, oblate and spherical) particle systems was presented in Part I of this study. In the present paper, the dissolution characteristics of typical polydisperse spheroidal particle systems have been extensively investigated. The effects of the distributions of particle size and shape have been studied by examining the detailed dissolution processes, such as the size reduction rates of individual particles, the increase in bulk concentration and the dissolution time of the polydisperse systems. Some important factors controlling the dissolution process, including initial particle concentration, smallest and largest particle sizes, and the smallest and largest Taylor shape parameters, have been identified.

Differential cell size reduction of two sympatric Epithemia (Bacillariophyta) taxa in Nakaikemi Wetland, Japan

SUMMARYWe observed contrasting temporal changes in cell size between two Epithemia taxa. The life cycle of diatoms is closely linked to their cell size, with a gradual decrease during the vegetative stage and a recovery through sexual reproduction. Sexual reproduction is triggered when cells become smaller than a species‐specific size threshold and receive species‐specific environmental cues. Few studies have documented the life cycles and frequency of sexual reproduction in diatoms, combining field observations and laboratory culture. We collected two Epithemia taxa, Epithemia gibba var. ventricosa and Epithemia sp. from a pond in Nakaikemi Wetland, and measured their valve lengths monthly for almost 3 years. Additionally, we established cultures of both taxa to examine the rates of cell size reduction, which affect the duration of the vegetative stage. In the field, E. gibba var. ventricosa exhibited a wide range of cell sizes and signs of size recovery. Furthermore, the cultures of this taxon showed a clear decrease in cell size through division, suggesting that sexual reproduction is required for size recovery. On the other hand, Epithemia sp. showed no obvious change in cell size both in the field and in the laboratory. This suggests that either sexual reproduction is not necessary for this taxon to maintain its population or their life cycle extends over several years to several decades. Thus, our findings reveal congeneric taxa sharing a common habitat and substratum, yet exhibiting distinct sexual and asexual strategies. Furthermore, we question the validity of taxonomic classifications previously assigned to these diatoms based on the range of morphological characteristics observed in the present study.

Mequinol-Loaded Nano Clay Drug Carriers in a Gelatin Hydrogel for Wound Healing: An Antiinflammatory and Antioxidant Treatment Modality

In the current study, mequinol was loaded into clay nanoparticles and the resulting nanocarriers were dispersed in a gelatin hydrogel to prepare a potential wound dressing material. The developed nanocomposite hydrogels were characterized regarding their biocompatibility, swelling, radical scavenging activity, swelling potential, and release profile. The healing function of the produce wound dressing was investigated in a rat model of diabetic wound healing. In vitro studies showed that our developed hydrogel was not toxic against the skin cells and was conductive for their adhesion and proliferation. In vivo study showed that mequinol-loaded nanocomposite hydrogels augmented the rate of wound size reduction in diabetic rats by improving wounds’ epithelialization and deposition of collagen fibers.

Preparation of glyburide nanocrystals with improved dissolution properties by dry-ball- and wet-bead- milling: Systematic comparison by experimental design of the performance of the two methods

The effectiveness of dry-ball and wet-bead nano-milling methods in producing nanocrystals of glyburide with increased dissolution rate has been compared. A full factorial design was applied to both methods to systematically evaluate the effect of the most critical factors (milling time, milling speed, ball/bead volume, drug amount) on the responses to be optimized (particle size and dissolution rate). Different experimental conditions were found to obtain the best results: the dry-method required to increase frequency and milling time and reduce ball volume and drug amount, while the wet-method to increase milling rate and drug amount and reduce bead volume and milling time. The results obtained under the respective optimal conditions evidenced a similar performance in nanocrystal production (120 and 180 nm for dry-ball and wet-bead milling, respectively) while a higher % dissolved at 10 min (28 vs 14 %) was found for the wet-method, principally ascribed to the presence, in this case, of the solubilizing polymer P188, added as stabilizer. Differently from the wet-method, the dry-method showed no direct relationship between particle size reduction and drug dissolution rate increase. Solid-state studies evidenced a role of the drug crystallinity loss, caused by the dry-milling, in affecting dissolution rate and proved the stability of the drug under both the milling processes.

Microstructure evolution law and dissolution time effect of bituminous coal under acetic acid acidification: Based on Micro-CT image analysis

Undeveloped pores and fractures in coal seams constrain coalbed methane mining and dust disaster prevention significantly. The existing hydraulic fracturing technology has achieved some effects in coal seam modification. Still, there are hidden dangers in inducing microseismicity and other aspects. Applying acidification technology for pore and fracture modification improves the efficiency of coalbed methane mining and dust suppression. In this paper, 75% concentration of acetic acid was utilized to treat columnar coal samples, and the experimental method of X-ray computed tomography was applied to study the role of dissolution time on the microcomponents and structure of samples. The experimental results showed that the porosity increased with the dissolution time; the effect of acetic acid on the pore expansion and mineral dissolution showed three periods, i.e., the beginning of the reaction period (0 ∼ 12 h), the full reaction period (12 ∼ 48 h), and the reaction slowing down period (>48 h). The mineral volume fraction showed an overall decreasing trend; before 36 h, the dissolution of acetic acid on the mineral structure within the coal was faster, making it loose, which in turn accelerated the dissolution of coal, and after 36 h, the dissolution effect of acetic acid weakened, and the mineral was gradually stabilized. Acetic acid first reacts with minerals in large quantities. With the increase of products, the solution's ionic complexity increases, so acetic acid accelerates the ionization of more H+ ions, and the solution's acidity increases. After a while of dissolution, the content of acetic acid decreases, the ionized H+ ions are not enough to continue to react with the minerals, and the rate of the mineral's crystal particle size reduction slows down gradually. In conclusion, acetic acid has the potential for pore and fracture modification of coal reservoirs. It can affect the mineral through dissolution, at the same time, improve the porosity. The research results provide an essential reference for using acidification technology to modify the pores and fractures in coal seams.

Structural rearrangement of elastin under oxidative stress

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are key elements in several physiological processes. A high level of ROS leads to oxidative stress that damages biomolecules and is linked to many diseases like type-2 diabetes, cancer, inflammation, and many more. Here, our in-vitro study aimed to gauge the effect of ROS on the structural rearrangement of elastin through metal-catalyzed oxidation (MCO) at physiological temperature through laser light scattering, UV–vis, FTIR, and FESEM imaging. Light scattering data show a decrease in the hydrodynamic radius of elastin upon oxidation for the first hour. The rate of size reduction of ROS-treated elastin and the rate for self-assembly of bare elastin in the first two hours is found to be almost the same. However, the rate of association of ROS-treated is one order slower than the bare elastin after one hour. UV–vis absorption shows a blue shift accompanied by increased absorption, followed by a redshift and broadening of peak. FTIR data reveal changes in the secondary structures for both bare and oxidized elastin with time. While bare elastin coacervation increases unordered structure, the corresponding case of oxidized elastin saw a rise in β-sheet. FESEM images show the morphological changes occurring with time. Thus, we conclude that oxidative stress leads to structural rearrangement of the protein through interaction with the polar and hydrophobic domains, followed by aggregation. This study might be helpful for therapeutics focusing on preventing elastin degradation against aging.

Electrospun Morinda citrifolia Extract-Loaded Wound Dressings Promote Diabetic Wound Healing Through Antiinflammatory and Antioxidative Activities

In the current study, Morinda citrifolia extract was loaded into gelatin-based electrospun scaffolds to treat diabetic wounds. The produced scaffolds were characterized in vitro using electron microscopy, cell culture studies, antimicrobial assessment, tensile strength assay, and water uptake capacity measurements. Wound healing function of these dressings was evaluated in a rat model of diabetic wound. Study showed that Morinda citrifolia extract-loaded wound dressings promoted diabetic wound healing by increasing wound size reduction rate and collagen deposition.

Globalized Knowledge-Based, Simulation-Driven Antenna Miniaturization Using Domain-Confined Surrogates and Dimensionality Reduction

The design of contemporary antenna systems encounters multifold challenges, one of which is a limited size. Compact antennas are indispensable for new fields of application such as the Internet of Things or 5G/6G mobile communication. Still, miniaturization generally undermines electrical and field performance. When attempted using numerical optimization, it turns into a constrained problem with costly constraints requiring electromagnetic (EM) simulations. At the same time, due to the parameter redundancy of compact antennas, size reduction poses a multimodal task. In particular, the achievable miniaturization rate heavily depends on the starting point, while identifying a suitable starting point is a challenge on its own. These issues indicate that miniaturization should be addressed using global optimization methods. Unfortunately, the most popular nature-inspired algorithms cannot be applied for solving size reduction tasks because of their inferior computational efficacy and difficulties in handling constraints. This work proposes a novel methodology for the globalized size reduction of antenna structures. Our methodology is a multi-stage knowledge-based procedure, initialized with the detection of the approximate location of the feasible region boundary, followed by the construction of a dimensionality-reduced metamodel and global optimization thereof; the last stage is the miniaturization-oriented local refinement of geometry parameters. For cost reduction, the first stages of the procedure are realized with the use of a low-fidelity EM antenna model. Our approach is verified using four broadband microstrip antennas and benchmarked against multi-start local search as well as nature-inspired methods. Superior size reduction rates are demonstrated for all considered cases while maintaining reasonably low computational costs.

Grafting Low-Temperature Micronized Adipose Tissue Niche to Treat Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Pilot Study

Background: In a previous study, we suggested that micronized adipose tissue (MAT) niche could be an effective and safe treatment for diabetic foot ulcers. Fibrin glue was used to solidify the MAT niches. However, it took 40 to 50 minutes for the MAT niche to be ready for application. We have devised an alternate method in which the MAT niche is created at a low temperature to reduce the solidification time. This pilot study aimed to investigate the possibility and safety of grafting a low-temperature MAT niche for treating diabetic foot ulcers.Methods: Patients with diabetic foot ulcers who were treated with low-temperature MAT or conventional methods between March 2020 and December 2021 were included in this study. We evaluated the efficacy of the treatment by measuring the wound size reduction rate. All adverse events were recorded.Results: The MAT niche treatment group showed a statistically significant wound reduction rate during the entire study period of 4 weeks (P&lt;0.005). The wound reduction rates in the 4th week after the treatment were 75.7%±16.9% in the treatment group and 33.5%±19.0% in the control group (P=0.001). No serious adverse events related to low-temperature MAT niche treatment were observed.Conclusion: This pilot study demonstrated the potential of low-temperature MAT niche as an effective and safe method for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers.

Liquid embolic agents for middle meningeal artery embolization in chronic subdural hematoma: Institutional experience with systematic review and meta-analysis.

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is associated with high recurrence rates. Middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) has emerged as a promising treatment option. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of MMAE for CSDH using liquid embolic agents and compare them with particles. We systematically reviewed all studies describing MMAE for CSDH with liquid embolic agents, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Additionally, we included a cohort of patients from our institution using liquid and particle embolic agents. Data were analyzed using random-effects proportions and comparisons meta-analysis, and statistical heterogeneity was assessed. A total of 18 studies with 507 cases of MMAE with liquid embolic agents (including our institutional experience) were included in the analysis. The success rate was 99% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 98-⁠100%), all complications rate was 1% (95% CI: 0-⁠5%), major complications rate was 0% (95% CI: 0-⁠0%), and mortality rate was 1% (95% CI: 0-⁠6%). The rate of hematoma size reduction was 97% (95% CI: 73-⁠100%), complete resolution 64% (95% CI: 33-⁠87%), radiographic recurrence 3% (95% CI: 1-⁠7%), and reoperation 3% (95% CI: 1-⁠7%). No significant differences in outcomes were found between liquid and particle embolic agents. Sensitivity analyses revealed that liquid embolic agents were associated with lower reoperation rates in upfront MMAE (risk ratio 0.13, 95% CI: 0.02-⁠0.95). MMAE with liquid embolic agents is safe and effective for the treatment of CSDH. Outcomes are comparable to particles, but liquids were associated with a decreased risk of reoperation in upfront MMAE. However, further studies are needed to support our findings.

Face Recognition Using Convolution Neural Network Method with Discrete Cosine Transform Image for Login System

These days, the application of image processing in computer vision is becoming more crucial. Some situations necessitate a solution based on computer vision and growing deep learning. One method continuously developed in deep learning is the Convolutional Neural Network, with MobileNet, EfficientNet, VGG16, and others being widely used architectures. Using the CNN architecture, the dataset consists primarily of images; the more datasets there are, the more image storage space will be required. Compression via the discrete cosine transform technique is a method to address this issue. We implement the DCT compression method in the present research to get around the system's limited storage space. Using DCT, we also compare compressed and uncompressed images. All users who had been trained with each test 5 times for a total of 150 tests were given the test. Based on testing findings, the size reduction rate for compressed and uncompressed images is measured at 25%. The case study presented is face recognition, and the training results indicate that the accuracy of compressed images using the DCT approach ranges from 91.33% to 100%. Still, the accuracy of uncompressed facial images ranges from 98.17% to 100%. In addition, the accuracy of the proposed CNN architecture has increased to 87.43%, while the accuracy of MobileNet has increased by 16.75%. The accuracy of EfficientNetB1 with noisy-student weights is measured at 74.91%, and the accuracy of EfficientNetB1 with imageNet weights can reach 100%. Facial biometric authentication using a deep learning algorithm and DCT-compressed images was successfully accomplished with an accuracy value of 95.33% and an error value of 4.67%.

Parametric study on four station ball mill for synthesis of ultrafine powders

One of the most common approaches to creating ultrafine materials is ball milling. Among the various types of ball mills, planetary ball mills are widely used by the research community. A planetary type ball mill is economical, simple to operate, and ideally suited for small-quantity batch type synthesis of powders and alloys and for reactive processing of powders. The size of the jar and balls, rotational speed, milling duration, ball-to-powder ratio, jar material, milled material, and temperature are the most important process factors in ball milling. Temperature was determined with the help of non-contact temperature measuring device. The rate of grain size reduction and the minimum grain size that can be achieved for a given powder material depend on the above parameters. A huge number of tests would be needed to find the optimal values for the approximately ten process parameters with interaction effects. As part of this research effort, a Taguchi Design of Experiments (DOE) approach was adopted to determine the optimum process parameters to obtain the fine grain sizes for iron, cobalt, and nickel powders. Although the ball-to-powder ratio and ball milling time each have around a 20–25% impact on the grain size reduction rate, ball milling speed has almost a 48% impact. The powders were characterised for grain size using an x-ray diffraction technique, and the powder morphology was studied using a scanning electron microscope.