The Sixth Framework Programme of the European Union: A Layperson's Guide to Funding

This guide aims to help NGOs and companies in the new EU member states to better understand and have easier access to the EU Sixth Framework Programme (FP6) funding. The information gathered consists of several guidelines for the application process and a collection of specific up-to-date information and (web) addresses. In addition to the original version of this guide, updates should be available every six months from the same source

Cost-effectiveness of interventions to control cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus in South Asia: protocol for a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: While a number of strategies are being implemented to control cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the cost-effectiveness of these in the South Asian context has not been systematically evaluated. We aim to systematically review the economic (cost-effectiveness) evidence available on the individual-, group- and population-level interventions for control of CVD and T2DM in South Asia. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This review will consider all relevant economic evaluations, either conducted alongside randomised controlled trials or based on decision modelling estimates. These studies must include participants at risk of developing CVD/T2DM or with established disease in one or more of the South Asian countries (India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, Bhutan and Afghanistan). We will identify relevant papers by systematically searching all major databases and registries. Selected articles will be screened by two independent researchers. Methodological quality of the studies will be assessed using a modified Drummond and a Phillips checklist. Cochrane guidelines will be followed for bias assessment in the effectiveness studies. RESULTS: Results will be presented in line with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-analysis) checklist, and overall quality of evidence will be presented as per the GRADE (Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study has received ethics approval from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. The results of this review will provide policy-relevant recommendations for the uptake of cost-effectiveness evidence in prioritising decisions on essential chronic disease care packages for South Asia. STUDY REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42013006479

Statistical Model Checking meets GDPR

Software systems are incorporated into various aspects of human society. However, their integration brings a set of challenges, especially when software operates on personal data. The systems must be correct and provide the desired functionality while maintaining privacy and security of personal data. Verification techniques can support software system development and provide mathematical evidence of their correctness and security. This work considers two recent applied and collaborative national/EU projects from different domains. Both projects involve processing personal data and sharing it among multiple individuals and organizations. Therefore, ensuring security and data privacy guarantees, as mandated by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), is crucial. We explore the applicability of formal methods and demonstrate the utility of Statistical Model Checking to ensure security and privacy in real-world projects. The goal is to validate specific aspects of GDPR compliance for both projects