The Application of Mixed Method in Developing a Cyber Terrorism Framework

Mixed method research has becoming an increasingly popular approach in the discipline of sociology, psychology, education, health science and social science. The purpose of this paper is to describe the application of mixed method in developing a cyber terrorism framework. This project has two primary goals: firstly is to discover the theory and then develop a conceptual framework that describes the phenomena, and secondly is to verify the conceptual framework that describes the phenomena. In order to achieve conclusive findings of the study, a mixed method research is recommended: qualitative data and quantitative data are collected and analyzed respectively in a separate phase. The mixed method approach improves the rigor and explanation of the research results, thus bring conclusive findings to the study outcome. By utilizing qualitative and quantitative techniques within the same study, we are able to incorporate the strength of both methodologies and fit together the insights into a workable solution.

Perception on Cyber Terrorism: A Focus Group Discussion Approach

Focus group discussion is an exploratory research technique used to collect data through group interaction. This technique provides the opportunity to observe interaction among participants on a topic under this study. This paper contributes to an understanding on the cyber terrorism conceptual framework through the analysis of focus group discussion. The proposed cyber terrorism conceptual framework which was obtained during the qualitative study by the authors has been used as a basis for discussion in the focus group discussion. Thirty (30) participants took part in the focus group discussion. The overall results suggest that the proposed cyber terrorism framework is acceptable by the participants. The present study supports our initial research that the cyber terrorism conceptual framework constitutes the following components: target, motivation, tools of attack, domain, methods of attack and impact.

The role and clinical implications of microRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is common and one of the most aggressive of all human cancers. Recent studies have indicated that miRNAs, a class of small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally, directly contribute to HCC by targeting many critical regulatory genes. Several miRNAs are involved in hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus replication and virus-induced changes, whereas others participate in multiple intracellular signaling pathways that modulate apoptosis, cell cycle checkpoints, and growth-factor-stimulated responses. When disturbed, these pathways appear to result in malignant transformation and ultimately HCC development. Recently, miRNAs circulating in the blood have acted as possible early diagnostic markers for HCC. These miRNA also could serve as indicators with respect to drug efficacy and be prognostic in HCC patients. Such biomarkers would assist stratification of HCC patients and help direct personalized therapy. Here, we summarize recent advances regarding the role of miRNAs in HCC development and progression. Our expectation is that these and ongoing studies will contribute to the understanding of the multiple roles of these small noncoding RNAs in liver tumorigenesis.