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HPC-TRES |A national network to support young researchers using supercomputing to address Earth system modelling challenges. In 2015, OGS and Cineca entered into an agreement to implement a training programme in the field of High Performance Computing (HPC) for applications in Earth Sciences, called "HPC Training and Research for Earth Sciences" (HPC-TRES). The programme is co-funded by the Ministry of Universities and Research (MUR) through PRACE-Italy, the special contribution for Italy's participation in the activities related to the international PRACE infrastructure. The main objectives of the programme are capacity building, the enhancement of human capital, and advanced training in the fields of Digital Twin Earth, Earth System modelling (atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere) and numerical methods, the latter being considered a strategic transversal component for modelling. These objectives will be pursued through the use of national and European PRACE HPC infrastructures and services, the optimisation of algorithms and calculation codes, the management of large amounts of data ("Big Data") and graphic visualisation techniques for multidisciplinary applications in the Earth Sciences, also in the context of the "Blue Growth" strategy and, more generally, of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. HPC-TRES envisages the establishment, funding and management of training and research awards (grants for expenditure on training and research activities established in accordance with the regulations in force governing scholarships, research grants, and PhDs) designed to contribute to the thematic research lines of the scientific plan of the HPC-TRES programme. In 2021, OGS, CINECA, CNR, INGV, CMCC, POLITO-DIATI, and ICTP signed the constitution of the Joint Research Unit HPC-TRES (JRU HPC-TRES), to further support the action of the HPC-TRES program. The 5th edition of the HPC-TRES workshop (related to year 2022) was held on 24 January 2023 at the DoveVivo Campus (Trieste). More information:https://www.ogs.it/en/high-performance-computing-laboratory-hpc-tres&nbsp

Objective To examine the effects of vibroacoustic stimulation (VAS) on fetal heart rate (FHR) in term human fetuses by computerized carditocography system. Methods FHR was analyzed 20 min before and 30 min after vibroacoustic stimulation using the Oxford Sonicaid System 8002 for computerized FHR measurement. Recordings were made in 31 uncomplicated pregnancies at 36–42 weeks' gestation. Results Vibroacustic stimulation of the fetus evoked a significant increase in all the parameters evaluated (number of fetal movements, of accelerations above 10 and 15 bpm, in high- and low-variability episodes, and in short-term variations). Concerning the effect of behavioural states on the response to VAS, some changes (FHR, high-variability episodes) occurred independently of behavioural states, while other parameters (accelerations >10 and 15 bpm: short-term variation) underwent statistically significant changes only for behavioural states 1F and 2F. Conclusions Our study supports the hypothesis of a significant fetal response in normal term pregnancy, as clearly shown by computerized cardiotocography. The immediate response occurred independently of behavioural states, although some differences were present (mainly for F1 and F2 states) if the evaluation was extended in time.