FACTORS AFFECTING BIRTH AND WEANING WEIGHTS IN LAMBS OF YANKASA, WEST AFRICAN DWARF BREEDS AND THEIR CROSSES

Data on birth weights (BW) and weaning weights (WW) in lambs of Yankasa, West African dwarf (WAD) breeds and their crosses were analyzed.  The effects of breed, parity, sex, type of birth, management system and season were determined. Yankasa lambs had the highest mean BW (2.57kg) which was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of WAD (1.68kg) and their crosses (2.05kg). Breed, parity, sex, type of birth and season had significant (P< 0.05) effect BW and WW.  Male lambs in comparison with female lambs had higher (P < 0.05) BW and WW while single-born lambs in comparison with multiple-born lambs had higher (P < 0.05) WW. A highly significant positive correlation (0.719) was estimated between BW and WW of lambs across breed.  It was concluded that the differences in factors influencing BW and WW at early phases might have risen from the variation among breeds and factors monitored. Therefore, BW and WW could provide useful information for early selection criteria in breeding programmes, serving as an important role in expression of genetic potential in lambs

System Simulation of a Bayesian Network-Based Performance Prediction Model for Data Communication Networks

In this paper, a paradigm of a Bayesian Network–based performance prediction model for computer networks security risk management was emulated. Model simulation was carried out for the prediction model formulated. Java programming language tools were used to simulate, validate and verify the model. The core of simulation program was written in Java programming language. Some jar files were created in the code logic for all the modules in the prediction model. MS-DOS or command prompt was used to compile and run java and jar files. Batch scripts i.e. .bat files were written to compile the jar files. The output of the execution is shown using Java API files. Simulation technology was used in this study to evaluate network performance since it is very costly to deploy a complete test bed containing multiple networked computers, routers and data links to validate and verify the prediction model. The resulting risk impact on network confidentiality, Integrity and availability determine the criticality of the overall network performance which will aid in the effective application of countermeasures to mitigate the effect of network security risks

Multitasking, but for what benefit? The dilemma facing Nigerian university students regarding part-time working.

Students working part-time while studying for a full-time university degree are commonplace in many Western countries. This paper however, examines the historically uncommon part-time working activities and career aspirations among Nigerian university students. In particular, how working is perceived to contribute to developing employability skills, and whether it is influenced by their self-efficacy. Survey data from 324 questionnaires was collected from a federal university, although the data analysis used a mixed-method. The findings indicate that despite low levels of part-time working generally among students, older, more experienced, higher level and female students, place a premium on the skills that part-time work can develop. Moreover, self-efficacy and being female, is a significant predictor in understanding part-time work and career aspirations. This study offers originality by focusing on students’ part-time work, the value working provides, and its link with career aspirations, within a relatively unexplored context of Nigeria