Multi-messenger observations of a binary neutron star merger

On 2017 August 17 a binary neutron star coalescence candidate (later designated GW170817) with merger time 12:41:04 UTC was observed through gravitational waves by the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo detectors. The Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor independently detected a gamma-ray burst (GRB 170817A) with a time delay of ~1.7 s with respect to the merger time. From the gravitational-wave signal, the source was initially localized to a sky region of 31 deg2 at a luminosity distance of 40+8-8 Mpc and with component masses consistent with neutron stars. The component masses were later measured to be in the range 0.86 to 2.26 Mo. An extensive observing campaign was launched across the electromagnetic spectrum leading to the discovery of a bright optical transient (SSS17a, now with the IAU identification of AT 2017gfo) in NGC 4993 (at ~40 Mpc) less than 11 hours after the merger by the One- Meter, Two Hemisphere (1M2H) team using the 1 m Swope Telescope. The optical transient was independently detected by multiple teams within an hour. Subsequent observations targeted the object and its environment. Early ultraviolet observations revealed a blue transient that faded within 48 hours. Optical and infrared observations showed a redward evolution over ~10 days. Following early non-detections, X-ray and radio emission were discovered at the transient’s position ~9 and ~16 days, respectively, after the merger. Both the X-ray and radio emission likely arise from a physical process that is distinct from the one that generates the UV/optical/near-infrared emission. No ultra-high-energy gamma-rays and no neutrino candidates consistent with the source were found in follow-up searches. These observations support the hypothesis that GW170817 was produced by the merger of two neutron stars in NGC4993 followed by a short gamma-ray burst (GRB 170817A) and a kilonova/macronova powered by the radioactive decay of r-process nuclei synthesized in the ejecta

Meat quality characteristics in local population of rabbit reared with organic system

Aim of the research was to test the effect of different housing systems, organic and intensive, on meat quality of a rabbit local breed/population, characterized by low growing and choosen for organic production. 60 rabbits of the local breed/populations rabbits were housed in colony cages, at open air (Group A) with organic system, according to an official organism of certification (states the esclusive use of breeds or local strains). 60 rabbits of the local breed/populations (Group B) and 60 of hybrids (Group C) were housed in colony cages with conventional system. The rabbits were ad libitum fed with the organic diet (alfa-alfa hay and pellet). 90 animals were slaughtered at the same weight (2400 g) but at different ages (local rabbits: 102 days; hybrids: 90 days). On 75 samples of Longissimus Dorsi (LD) were measured pH, colour and WHC and on 12 samples of LD were analyzed nutritional value, fatty acids and lipid oxidation. The genotype, reared with organic system, showed different physical meat properties from the other groups, in relationship with the lower muscular acidification and higher value of WHC than Group B and C (pHu: 5.79 vs 5.59 and 5,63, WHC: 52.3 vs 47.8 and 47.9, P<0.05). The muscles of Group A showed the lower reflectance than the others (L*:54.4 vs 59.1 vs 63.4, P<0.05). The rabbit population reared with organic and conventional system showed more red meat in relationship with the higher redness than hybrids (a*: 3.9 and 3.3 vs 1.9, respectively, P<0.05). Colour surface measurement led to differences in Chroma and Hue (C:5.51 and 5.09 vs 3.4 and H:38.3 vs 48.6 vs 57.7 for Group A, B and C respectively, P<0.05). In Group A the higher pH value, in relationship with a higher oxidative metabolism and myoglobin level, probably due to the genotype and physical activity for a greater reactivity to stimuli of environment, produced a higher redness and degree of saturation (C) and meat appeared more dark (H). The same genotype, reared with conventional system, showed more dark meat (H) than that of hybrids, probably in relationship the concentration of myoglobin and type of fibres which could characterize the population

Meat quality characteristics in local population of rabbit reared with organic system

Aim of the research was to test the effect of different housing systems, organic and intensive, on meat quality of a rabbit local breed/population, characterized by low growing and choosen for organic production. 60 rabbits of the local breed/populations rabbits were housed in colony cages, at open air (Group A) with organic system, according to an official organism of certification (states the esclusive use of breeds or local strains). 60 rabbits of the local breed/populations (Group B) and 60 of hybrids (Group C) were housed in colony cages with conventional system. The rabbits were ad libitum fed with the organic diet (alfa-alfa hay and pellet). 90 animals were slaughtered at the same weight (2400 g) but at different ages (local rabbits: 102 days; hybrids: 90 days). On 75 samples of Longissimus Dorsi (LD) were measured pH, colour and WHC and on 12 samples of LD were analyzed nutritional value, fatty acids and lipid oxidation. The genotype, reared with organic system, showed different physical meat properties from the other groups, in relationship with the lower muscular acidification and higher value of WHC than Group B and C (pHu: 5.79 vs 5.59 and 5,63, WHC: 52.3 vs 47.8 and 47.9, P<0.05). The muscles of Group A showed the lower reflectance than the others (L*:54.4 vs 59.1 vs 63.4, P<0.05). The rabbit population reared with organic and conventional system showed more red meat in relationship with the higher redness than hybrids (a*: 3.9 and 3.3 vs 1.9, respectively, P<0.05). Colour surface measurement led to differences in Chroma and Hue (C:5.51 and 5.09 vs 3.4 and H:38.3 vs 48.6 vs 57.7 for Group A, B and C respectively, P<0.05). In Group A the higher pH value, in relationship with a higher oxidative metabolism and myoglobin level, probably due to the genotype and physical activity for a greater reactivity to stimuli of environment, produced a higher redness and degree of saturation (C) and meat appeared more dark (H). The same genotype, reared with conventional system, showed more dark meat (H) than that of hybrids, probably in relationship the concentration of myoglobin and type of fibres which could characterize the population