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AbstractThroughout our history, we, Homo sapiens, have used technologies to better satisfy ourneeds. The relation betweenneedsandtechnologyis so fundamental that the US National Research Council defines the distinguishing characteristic of technology as its goal "to make modifications in the world [in order] to meet human needs" [1]. Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most promising emerging technologies of our time. Similar to other technologies, AI is expected by many "to meet [human] needs". In this article, we reflect on the relationship betweenneedsand AI, and call for the realization ofneeds-awareAI systems. We argue that re-thinkingneedsfor,through,by, andwithAI can be a very useful means towards the development of realistic approaches for sustainableHuman-aware,Accountable,Lawful, andEthical (HALE) AI systems. We discuss some of the most critical gaps, barriers, enablers, and drivers of co-creating future AI-based sociotechnical systems in which [human]needsare well considered and met. Finally, we provide an overview of potential challenges and considerations that should be carefully taken into account; and call for joint, immediate, and interdisciplinary efforts and collaborations to start on the path toneeds-awareAI.

AbstractBy definition your needs assessment should assess needs, but how do you define them? Further, how do you operationalize that definition to measure needs? Do your partners and stakeholders also hold the same conceptual, and operational, definitions? Is there agreement that the project is only going to assess needs and not wants, assets, capacity, or solutions? Or are you really expected to assess all five? Each of these is an important consideration that can substantially influence the success of any needs assessment. In this chapter, the authors examine how definitions and use of the word need influence the design and implementation of an assessment, suggesting that the definition can shape the results of what is found.

AbstractThis chapter consists of an overview of needs assessment's rich history, definitions, models, tools, and techniques. These closely align its theory, research, and practice to several associated fields—most notably strategic planning and evaluation. The highlights of the content include a comparison to—and differentiation from—evaluation, a brief timeline of the recent history of the field, the notable emergence of hybrid assessment and asset/capacity building approaches, some discussion of opposition to needs assessment, and a description of two prominent models that guide what assessors do. The summary captures the dynamic nature of the enterprise and how it is evolving.

AbstractAs with any field of inquiry and application, needs assessment is an evolving topic of research and practice. The theories, models, tools, and approaches are not idle targets. In this chapter, the authors explore the emerging trends and issues of the field, suggesting elements of an exciting future and the continuing call for more research that can improve practice. They include an examination of how technologies are expanding the methods employed in assessments and a discussion of how many of the challenges that have nagged at assessors for decades continue to limit our results. The future for needs assessments remains bright, but much work remains to be done in order for needs assessment to mature as a field.

The earliest decisions that lead to development projects are among the most critical in determining long-term success. This phase of project development transforms exciting ideas into project proposals, setting the stage for a variety of actions that will eventually lead (if all goes well) to desirable results. From deciding to propose a sanitation project in South Asia to selecting approaches that strengthen school management in South America, these decisions are the starting place of development. This book is your guide to having assessing needs and then making essential decisions about what to do next. Needs assessments support this early phase of project development with proven approaches for gathering information and making justifiable decisions. Filled with practical strategies, tools, and guides, you will find that this book covers both large-scale formal needs assessments, as well as less-formal assessments that guide daily decisions. Included in the book is a blend of rigorous methods and realistic tools that can help you make informed and reasoned decisions. Use the tools featured in the book to conduct focus groups, develop surveys, prioritize needs, and lead group decision-making; developing a comprehensive, yet realistic, approach to identifying needs and selecting among alternative ways forward.

AbstractNeeds are not uniquely American. From Johannesburg and Helsinki to Cairo and Santiago, they are assessed around the world in a variety of contexts and conditions. Needs assessments often cross borders and cultural boundaries, attempting to systematically assist communities, organizations, and people in making better informed decisions. This complexity can improve the results of an assessment, while at the same time presenting the assessor and the methods used with many practical challenges. In response, the focus of this chapter has to do with successfully conducting needs assessments in diverse international contexts. Offering practical tips, the foundation of the chapter provides real‐world guidance for handling many of the obstacles faced in needs assessments.

Abstract
Dysfunctional liver regeneration following surgical resection remains a major cause of postoperative mortality and has no therapeutic options. Without targeted therapies, the current treatment paradigm relies on supportive therapy until homeostasis can be achieved. Pharmacologic acceleration of regeneration represents an alternative therapeutic avenue. Therefore, we aimed to generate a small molecule inhibitor that could accelerate liver regeneration with an emphasis on diseased models, which represent a significant portion of patients who require surgical resection and are often not studied. Utilizing a clinically approved small molecule inhibitor as a parent compound, standard medicinal chemistry approaches were utilized to generate a small molecule inhibitor targeting serine/threonine kinase 4/3 (MST1/2) with reduced off-target effects. This compound, mCLC846, was then applied to preclinical models of murine partial hepatectomy, which included models of diet-induced metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). mCLC846 demonstrated on target inhibition of MST1/2 and reduced epidermal growth factor receptor inhibition. The inhibitory effects resulted in restored pancreatic beta-cell function and survival under diabetogenic conditions. Liver-specific cell-line exposure resulted in Yes-associated protein activation. Oral delivery of mCLC846 perioperatively resulted in accelerated murine liver regeneration and improved survival in diet-induced MASH models. Bulk transcriptional analysis of regenerating liver remnants suggested that mCLC846 enhanced the normal regenerative pathways and induced them following liver resection. Overall, pharmacological acceleration of liver regeneration with mCLC846 was feasible, had an acceptable therapeutic index, and provided a survival benefit in models of diet-induced MASH.