Comprehensive Overview of Named Entity Recognition: Models, Domain-Specific Applications and Challenges

In the domain of Natural Language Processing (NLP), Named Entity Recognition (NER) stands out as a pivotal mechanism for extracting structured insights from unstructured text. This manuscript offers an exhaustive exploration into the evolving landscape of NER methodologies, blending foundational principles with contemporary AI advancements. Beginning with the rudimentary concepts of NER, the study spans a spectrum of techniques from traditional rule-based strategies to the contemporary marvels of transformer architectures, particularly highlighting integrations such as BERT with LSTM and CNN. The narrative accentuates domain-specific NER models, tailored for intricate areas like finance, legal, and healthcare, emphasizing their specialized adaptability. Additionally, the research delves into cutting-edge paradigms including reinforcement learning, innovative constructs like E-NER, and the interplay of Optical Character Recognition (OCR) in augmenting NER capabilities. Grounding its insights in practical realms, the paper sheds light on the indispensable role of NER in sectors like finance and biomedicine, addressing the unique challenges they present. The conclusion outlines open challenges and avenues, marking this work as a comprehensive guide for those delving into NER research and applications

Acceleration of bridge construction with prolonged service life

A large number of bridges in the US are close to their lifespan or are really old. These bridges either need a replacement or some kind of rehabilitation. This has led to increase in the bridge construction projects and with a simultaneous increase in traffic demand, there is a need to accelerate the bridge construction and prolong the bridge life while lowering the construction cost. To achieve the objective of faster construction with prolonged life and reduced cost an approach known as the “get in, get out, stay out” was applied in one of the projects in this thesis. For this approach, three innovative concepts were included in the replacement of a bridge in Buchanan County of Iowa. The innovative concepts included Geo-synthetic Reinforced Soil (GRS) for the foundation, using prefabricated beams for superstructure and use of internal curing concrete for the beams. The constructed bridge was then monitored over three years through load testing and visual inspection. The bridge beams were found to be structurally sound over the three years of testing. In addition to the construction of the new bridge with the innovative concepts, it is also important to improve the bridge service life. Bridge deck overlays significantly increase the service life of bridges. Current processes and practices are time-consuming and multiple opportunities may exist to reduce overall construction time by modifying construction requirements and/or materials utilized. This work included three major tasks with literature review, field investigation, and laboratory testing. Through the results and observations of these tasks, several conclusions were made, which could reduce bridge deck overlay construction time

Guillain-Barre syndrome in pregnancy- a rare entity

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a rare, autoimmune disorder. Estimated incidence is 0.62 to 2.66 cases per 100000 people annually. We report a case of GBS in 29 years old primigravida with pre-gestational diabetes mellitus controlled on insulin, who presented at 7 weeks of the period of gestation with complaints of numbness in both hands and fingers. After 3 days of hospital admission, she had progressive weakness in both limbs and difficulty in walking. MRI of the brain and spinal cord done to exclude other possible causes and was normal. All the other blood investigations including electrolytes were normal. Nerve conduction velocity test was suggestive of acute inflammatory demyelinating axonal motor polyneuropathy and diagnosis of GBS was made. She was managed by multidisciplinary approach in intensive care unit. The patient improved after plasmapheresis and supportive measures as thromboembolism prophylaxis and physiotherapy. Patient was discharged after 2 weeks of hospital stay and had no residual symptoms after 1 month. She was readmitted at 32 weeks of gestation with severe preeclampsia and underwent emergency cesarean section delivering 1.9 kg male baby. She was discharged on day 4 of cesarean section and followed in postpartum period for complications. To summarize, GBS can appear at any stage of pregnancy & postpartum. Diagnosis can be delayed, so needs high index of clinical suspicion. Early diagnosis along with prompt intensive multidisciplinary supportive care improves outcomes for the mother and foetus.

Investigation of Techniques for Accelerating the Construction of Bridge Deck Overlays

Use of bridge deck overlays is important in maximizing bridge service life. Overlays can replace the deteriorated part of the deck, thus extending the bridge life. Even though overlay construction avoids the construction of a whole new bridge deck, construction still takes significant time in re-opening the bridge to traffic. Current processes and practices are time-consuming and multiple opportunities may exist to reduce overall construction time by modifying construction requirements and/or materials utilized. Reducing the construction time could have an effect on reducing the socioeconomic costs associated with bridge deck rehabilitation and the inconvenience caused to travelers. This work included three major tasks with literature review, field investigation, and laboratory testing. Overlay concrete mix used for present construction takes long curing hours and therefore an investigation was carried out to find fast-curing concrete mixes that could reduce construction time. Several fast-cuing concrete mixes were found and suggested for further evaluation. An on-going overlay construction project was observed and documented. Through these observations, several opportunities were suggested where small modifications in the process could lead to significant time savings. With current standards of the removal depth of substrate concrete in Iowa, it takes long hours for the removal process. Four different laboratory tests were performed with different loading conditions to determine the necessary substrate concrete removal depth for a proper bond between the substrate concrete and the new overlay concrete. Several parameters, such as failure load, bond stress, and stiffness, were compared for four different concrete removal depths. Through the results and observations of this investigation several conclusions were made which could reduce bridge deck overlay construction time

A rare case of recurrent paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia in pregnancy managed with adenosine, a wonder drug

Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) is the most common sustained arrhythmia during pregnancy and a challenging situation due to lack of evidence based guidelines. About 50% of PSVT, who fail to respond to vagal maneuvres, responds to therapies as pharmacologic agents as adenosine and electrocardioversion. We reported a case of 29 years old primigravida women with no organic heart disease who presented at 21 weeks of period of gestation with complaints of palpitations and shortness of breath. Her ECG revealed PSVT for which she received adenosine as anti-arrhythmic for conversion to sinus rhythm. She was started prophylactically on tablet metoprolol 25 mg twice daily, as advised by cardiologist. In third trimester, she had recurrent episodes of PSVT for which she received adenosine in emergency department. She delivered a healthy female baby by an elective caesarean section done under spinal anesthesia. Fortunately, her intraoperative and postpartum was uneventful with no recurrence of PSVT during hospital stay. She was discharged on day 4 of caesarean section on tablet metoprolol 12.5 mg twice daily and followed in postpartum period for complications. To summarize, PSVT occurring during pregnancy, labour or at caesarean section is not uncommon. Treatment remains a challenge though, as clinical decision must be tackled with appropriate consideration of both maternal and fetal factors. So, multi-disciplinary approach is needed for treatment including obstetrician, cardiologists, physician and neonatologists. Our case highlighted the necessity of keeping anti-arrhythmic drugs such as adenosine readily available on the labour ward

Melanosis secondary to Addison disease: a case report

Addison disease is a rare but potentially fatal disorder of the adrenal glands. Its manifestations are often confused with many common disorders, and a high index of suspicion is required for the diagnosis. In this case we observed that initially the manifestation were confused with melanosis secondary to consumption of Ayurvedic medication and pangastritis, but a high level of suspicion helped to reach the diagnosis of Addison disease

Formulation Development and Evalua Tion of Fluoxetine Effervescent Floating Tablet

The objective of the present study was to formulate and evaluate Effervescent Floating Tablet of Fluoxetine for the treatment of antidepressant agent. Tablets were prepared by direct compression using directly compressible polymers such as HPMC K4M, and Carbopol 934 were evaluated for drug-excipient compatibility, density, buoyancy test, swelling study, drug content and In-Vitro release profile. Sodium bicarbonate and citric acid were used producing effervescent base for buoyancy of tablets. Analysis of drug release from tablet indicates drug release by zero order, first order rate kinetics. No significant change was observed in physical appearance, drug content, floatability or in-vitro dissolution pattern after storage at 450C/750C RH for three months. Keywords: Floating effervescent tablet, GIT, Fluoxetine , HPMC K4M, Carbopol 934.                                                                                             &nbsp

Effervescent Floating Drug Delivery System: A review

Effervescent floating drug delivery systems release gas CO2, thus reduce the density of the system and remain buoyant in the stomach 2 for a prolonged period of time and released the drug slowly at a desired rate so it can be used to prolong the gastric residence time in order to improve the bioavailability of drug. In the present article we will discuss in detail about effervescent agent and mechanism of effervescent floating drug delivery system. Oral sustained release gastro-retentive dosage forms offer many advantages for drugs with the absorption from upper parts of the gastro intestinal tract. Gastric emptying is a complex process and it is highly variable. The floating drug delivery systems are useful methods to avoid this variability which increases the retention time of the drug delivery systems for more than 12 hours.  This review article is in pursuit of giving detailed information on the pharmaceutical basis of their design, classification, advantages, in vitro and in vivo evaluation parameters, and application of floating systems, and applications of these systems. These systems are useful to several problems encountered during the development of a pharmaceutical dosage form and the future potential of FDDS. At attempt has been made in this review article to introduce the readers to current development in floating drug delivery system, Keywords: Effervescent system, Floating drug delivery system, Effervescent agent, floating lag time, Gastric residence time

Ethosomes: Transdermal Drug Delivery System

The skin is one of the most extensive and readily accessible organs of the human Body. One of the greatest disadvantages to transdermal drug delivery is the skin's low permeability that limits the number of drugs that can be delivered in this manner. Ethosomes as novel vesicles in transdermal drug delivery show significant effects on drug penetration through the biological membrane. Now-a-days we better know vesicles have importance in cellular communication. Ethosomes, Although ethosomes are conceptually sophisticated, they are simple inpreparation and safe for use. Transdermal route is promising alternative to drug delivery for systemic effect. An attempt was made to formulate the highly efficient ethosomal drug delivery system and enalapril meleate is used as model drug. Ethosomes have higher penetration rate through the skin as compared to liposomes hence these can be used widely in place of liposomes. Ethosomes enhanced skin permeation, improved drug delivery, increased drug entrapment efficiency etc Ethosomes have become an area of research interest, because of its enhanced skin permeation, improved drug delivery, increased drug entrapment efficiency etc. The purpose of writing this review on ethosomes drug delivery was to compile the focus on the various aspects of ethosomes including their mechanism of penetration, preparation, advantages, composition, characterization, application and marketed product of ethosomes. Characterizations of ethosomes include Particle size, Zeta potential, Differential Scanning Calorimertry, Entrapment efficiency, Surface tension activity measurement, Vesicle stability and Penetration Studies etc. Keywords: Transdermal Drug Delivery System, Ethosomes, Drug absorption&nbsp