Positive Gradient Research Articles

Post-starburst Galaxies in SDSS-IV MaNGA: Two Broad Categories of Evolutionary Pathways

We study the size–mass relation (SMR) and recent star formation history (SFH) of post-starburst (PSB) galaxies in the local Universe using spatially resolved spectroscopy from the final data release of MaNGA. Our sample includes 489 PSB galaxies: 94 cPSB galaxies with central PSB regions, 85 rPSB galaxies with ringlike PSB regions, and 310 iPSB galaxies with irregular PSB regions. When compared to control galaxies of similar star formation rate, redshift, and mass, a similar SMR is found for all types of PSB samples except the cPSB galaxies, which have smaller sizes at intermediate masses ( 9.5≲log10(M*/M⊙)≲10.5 ). The iPSB galaxies in the star-forming sequence (iPSB-SF) show no/weak gradients in D n (4000), EW(Hδ A ), and EW(Hα), consistent with the global star-forming status of this type of galaxy, while the quiescent iPSB (iPSB-Q) sample shows negative gradients in D n (4000) and positive gradients in EW(Hδ A ), indicating older stellar populations in the inner regions. Both the cPSB and rPSB samples show positive gradients in D n (4000) and negative gradients in EW(Hδ A ), indicating younger stellar populations in the inner regions. These results imply that the four types of PSB galaxies can be broadly divided into two distinct categories in terms of evolutionary pathway: (1) iPSB-SF and iPSB-Q, which have SMRs and SFHs similar to control galaxies, preferring an inside-out quenching process, and (2) rPSB and cPSB, which appear to be different stages of the same event and likely to follow the outside-in quenching process driven by disruption events such as mergers that result in a more compact structure as quenching proceeds.

Origin of reduced dynamical friction by dark matter haloes with net prograde rotation

ABSTRACT We provide an explanation for the reduced dynamical friction on galactic bars in spinning dark matter haloes. Earlier work based on linear theory predicted an increase in dynamical friction when dark haloes have a net forward rotation because prograde orbits couple to bars with greater strength than retrograde orbits. Subsequent numerical studies, however, found the opposite trend: dynamical friction weakens with increasing spin of the halo. We revisit this problem and demonstrate that linear theory in fact correctly predicts a reduced torque in forward-rotating haloes. We show that shifting the halo mass from retrograde to prograde phase space generates a positive gradient in the distribution function near the origin of the z-angular momentum (Lz = 0), which results in a resonant transfer of Lz to the bar, making the net dynamical friction weaker. While this effect is subdominant for the major resonances, including the corotation resonance, it leads to a significant positive torque on the bar for the series of direct radial resonances as these resonances are strongest at Lz = 0. The overall dynamical friction from spinning haloes is shown to decrease with the halo’s spin in agreement with the secular behaviour of N-body simulations. We validate our linear calculation by computing the non-linear torque from individual resonances using the angle-averaged Hamiltonian.

A massive multiphase plume of gas in Abell 2390’s brightest cluster galaxy

ABSTRACT We present new ALMA CO(2-1) observations tracing $2.2 \times 10^{10}\, \textnormal {M}_{\odot }$ of molecular gas in Abell 2390’s brightest cluster galaxy, where half the gas is located in a one-sided plume extending 15 kpc out from the galaxy centre. This molecular gas has a smooth and positive velocity gradient, and is receding 250 km s−1 faster at its farthest point than at the galaxy centre. To constrain the plume’s origin, we analyse our new observations alongside existing X-ray, optical, and radio data. We consider the possibility that the plume is a jet-driven outflow with lifting aided by jet-inflated X-ray bubbles, is a trail of gas stripped from the main galaxy by ram pressure, or is formed of more recently cooled and infalling gas. The galaxy’s star formation and gas cooling rate suggest the lifespan of its molecular gas may be low compared with the plume’s age – which would favour a recently cooled plume. Molecular gas in close proximity to the active galactic nucleus is also indicated by 250 km s−1 wide CO(2-1) absorption against the radio core, as well as previously detected CO(1-0) and H i absorption. This absorption is optically thick and has a line-of-sight velocity towards the galaxy centre of 200 km s−1. We discuss simple models to explain its origin.

Comparative study on the dynamic response of an out-of-plane gradient bionic sandwich circular plate under two types of impact loading

Out-of-face gradient sandwich structures have been widely studied for their excellent impact resistance. One uniform and two out-of-plane gradient cores are proposed based on the bionic structure of Royal Water Lily, and the midspan deflection of the back panel and the energy absorption of the out-of-plane gradient sandwich structures under various blast loads are studied. Two frequently adopted methods of explosive loading are applied to the sandwich panels, and the responses are contrasted for the loads applied as a time-dependent pressure history versus imposition of the initial velocity. The effect of the fluid–structure interaction is considered in the blast impulsion, and the dynamic responses of the sandwich structures with different out-of-plane density arrangements are analyzed under two loading approaches. Results show that the energy absorption of the core layer under the prescribed velocity approach is approximately 3–5 times that of the applied pressure approach, while the back panel deflections of different out-of-plane gradient sandwiches are similar. There are significant differences in the deformation mechanisms of structures under these two types of impact loads. Under the same type of impact load, the core compression process of the out-of-plane positive gradient sandwich panel is decoupled from the whole tensile bending deformation process of the structure, whereas the core compression process of the out-of-plane negative gradient sandwich panel is strongly coupled with the whole tensile bending deformation process of the structure. The related research will lay the foundation for an in-depth understanding of the theoretical study of the impact of out-of-face gradient sandwich structures.

The local Universe in the era of large surveys – III. Radial activity profiles of S0 galaxies

ABSTRACT Spatially resolved MaNGA’s optical spectra of 1072 present-day lenticular (S0) galaxies, dimensionally reduced from a principal component analysis (PCA), are used to determine their radial activity structure shaped by any possible nebular ionization source. Activity profiles within $1.5\,$Re are examined in tandem with the mass, age, ellipticity, and kinematics of the stars, as well as environmental density. Among the results of this comparison, we find that the sign of the radial activity gradient of S0s is tightly related to their PCA classification, BPT designation, and star formation status. PCA-passive lenticulars often show low-level, flat activity profiles, although there is also a significant number of systems with positive gradients, while their less common active counterparts generally have negative gradients, usually associated with high SSFRs and, sometimes, moderate Seyfert emission. A fraction of the latter also shows radial activity profiles with positive gradients, which become more abundant with increasing stellar mass regardless of environmental density. Our analysis also reveals that the subset of active S0s with negative gradients experiences at all galactocentric radii a systematic reduction in its median activity level with stellar mass, consistent with expectations for main-sequence galaxies. In contrast, passive S0s with positive gradients show the opposite behaviour. Furthermore, systems whose activity is dominated by star formation are structurally rounder than the rest of S0s, while those classified as Seyfert exhibit higher rotational support. The possibility that negative and positive activity gradients in S0s may result from rejuvenation by two distinct types of minor mergers is raised.

Eleven-year trends in socioeconomic inequalities in the prevalence and incidence of pharmacologically treated type 2 diabetes in France, 2010–2020

AimThis study aimed to describe the association between socioeconomic inequalities and the prevalence and incidence of pharmacologically-treated type 2 diabetes in European France over the 2010–2020 period. MethodsDiabetes cases were identified using a validated algorithm from the French National Health Data System. Analysis was restricted to adults aged 45 years and older to focus on type 2 diabetes. Socioeconomic inequalities were measured for all years in European France using the French deprivation index (FDep, 2015 version), which is an area-based deprivation indicator using population-weighted quintiles (Q1 corresponds to the least deprived municipalities). The relative risks of diabetes prevalence and incidence associated with FDep quintiles (Q1 as the reference) were estimated by sex using a log-linear Poisson model adjusted for year, age and French department. The study population was the French health consumers aged 45 years and over (from 24,228,526 in 2010 to 29,772,928 in 2020). ResultsA positive gradient was observed in the relative risks of type 2 diabetes prevalence and incidence by FDep quintiles over the study period. The strength of the estimated associations increased over the last decade for prevalence among men and women and for incidence among men in the two most deprived quintiles. ConclusionThus, type 2 diabetes prevention should include a proportionate universalism approach, proposing actions of greater intensity in the most deprived areas.

Cohort change in the educational gradient in women’s employment around childbirth in Japan

In contrast to many high-income countries, there is no clear positive relationship between maternal education and employment in Japan. However, recent policy, normative, and labor market changes are expected to have encouraged highly educated women to continue working, especially in regular employment, resulting in an increasing positive educational gradient. Despite this expectation, little is known about the changes in the educational gradient in recent cohorts. This paper examines the changes in the educational gradient in women’s employment around their first and second births using nationally representative panel survey data of women born in the 1960–1989 cohorts in Japan. The results show a significant increase in the positive educational gradient in employment rates around the first and second births in the 1980s cohort. Highly educated women are more likely to be in regular employment and less likely to leave employment, which contributes to their higher employment continuity. Conversely, the employment rates of women with lower levels of education have not increased to the same extent across the cohorts, and they have become more likely to be in nonstandard employment. These findings suggest that the weak relationship between maternal education and employment is changing in Japan, which may contribute to greater inequality in the labor market, household, and offspring outcomes in the future.

Phase Behavior of Biodegradable Poly(L-lactic acid) in Supercritical Solvents and Cosolvents

Poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA), a biodegradable polymer from plant sources, is widely employed in biomedical applications for its biocompatibility and versatile mechanical properties. However, comprehending its phase behavior in various solvents poses a challenge for broader applications. In this study, the phase behavior of the polymer was investigated in various solvent and cosolvent media and combinations at a wide range of temperatures and pressures to gain insight into the polymer properties. PLLA of varying intrinsic viscosity (IV): [0.15dl/g, with an estimated weight average molecular weight (Mw) range of approximately: 1,600 to 2,400g/mol; 1.0dl/g (Mw): 100,000g/mol); and 1.8dl/g (Mw): 80,000 to 100,000g/mol] was employed for this study. The phase behavior of the polymer across different compositions of PLLA and solvent (CH2F2, CHF3, CO2, DME, F-22) in a wide range of temperatures from 333 to 425K and high pressure 1.55 to 172MPa was investigated. Miscibility of PLLA in DME and F-22 is predicted to be higher with increasing in concentration than the other cosolvents. Furthermore, in the case of the supercritical solvent CHF3 and DME the phase transition pressure curve of PLLA was observed to exhibit a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) type with a positive gradient with increasing temperature. However, lower phase transition pressure was noticed for lower molecular weight PLLA in supercritical solvent CHF3 and DME, i.e., of the order IV 0.15dl/g<IV 1.0dl/g<IV 1.8dl/g. The phase transition pressure of PLLA (IV 1.8dl/g) in solvent CO2 with increasing the concentration of co-solvent (F-22, DME) from 0 to ~97wt% shifted from UCST to LCST type. The LCST curve of PLLA (IV 0.15) in DME intersects with the vapor(V)-liquid(L) curve at T: 353K and P below 5MPa, indicating the coexistence of V+L phases.

Direct numerical simulation of turbulence amplification in a strong shock-wave/turbulent boundary layer interaction

In this study, the turbulence amplification mechanism within the strong shock-wave/turbulent boundary layer interaction is investigated using direct numerical simulation (DNS) over a 24° compression ramp with Mach 2.9 flow. A new in-house solver based on the compact finite difference scheme is introduced, and its accuracy is validated by comparing the flow statistics with existing DNS and experimental data. Within the DNS findings, two distinct turbulence kinetic energy (TKE) hotspots are identified. In contrast to previous studies, this study sheds light on shocklets, characterized by mid-frequency features, as a key factor contributing to the second TKE amplification, which occurs near the reattachment point. Streamline coordinate analysis reveals that shear effects dominate TKE production over the flow deceleration effect in the shock-wave/turbulent boundary layer interaction. The shear effect induced by the rolling up of the boundary layer initiates the first TKE amplification near the wall region in proximity to the separation point, followed by flow deceleration due to the main shock wave contributing to TKE generation. The initial detachment of the shear layer enhances the shear contribution. While TKE decreases above the separation bubble due to the positive mean velocity gradient, TKE amplifies again due to the flow deceleration caused by the secondary shock wave. In addition, the intermittently spawning shocklets above the bulge structures enhance the shear effect on the TKE production. Moreover, the generated TKE subsequently transfers to the local pressure minimum line, created by the bulges effect, thereby establishing a spatially converged maximum TKE line.

Macular pigment profile characteristics and stability over periods of up to 25 years

This study compares the foveal and total retinal macular pigment (MP) amount in healthy subjects and examines the stability of MP spatial distribution profiles, measured almost annually for periods of up to 25 years.Measurements of MP spatial distribution profiles were made by 51 subjects using the psychophysical technique of minimum motion photometry, utilizing a moving bichromatic grating (test 460 nm, comparison 580 nm). Two foveal fields (0.9° and 2.2° diameter) and 11 annular segments (eccentricities from 0.8° to 7.5°) were used. The total amount of MP within the central 15 degrees was estimated by numerical integration and compared with foveal values. Four subjects with widely different MP profiles underwent almost annual testing for periods of 19–25 years. Eleven of the same subjects and 19 others underwent 2‐wavelength autofluorescence (AF) assessment of MP using a scanning laser ophthalmoscope (incident radiation 488 nm and 514 nm), allowing quantification of the peak relative optical density, distribution and total complement of MP over the central 21 degrees.Detailed examinations revealed widely different MP distribution profiles using motion photometry and/or 2‐wavelength fundus autofluorescence. There was a lack of correlation between peak MP optical density at the fovea and assessments of the total complement of MP within the central 15 or 21 degrees. Serial psychophysical assessments over periods of 19–25 years in 4 cases demonstrated a high degree of stability at all macular locations including the fovea; plots of peak MP optical density against time showed minimal positive and negative gradients (&lt;0.0003).The total amount of macular pigment cannot be accurately estimated from foveal or central values. Widely different MP distribution profiles in healthy subjects demonstrate a high degree of long‐term stability, relevant to investigations that aim to monitor MP or fundus autofluorescence in disease or in studies that aim to modify MP through dietary supplementation.

Effects of Impurity, Safety Factor, and Magnetic Shear on Kinetic Ballooning Mode in Tokamak Plasmas With Positive Impurity Density Gradient

Effects of Impurity, Safety Factor, and Magnetic Shear on Kinetic Ballooning Mode in Tokamak Plasmas With Positive Impurity Density Gradient

Tunable Li-ion diffusion properties in MoSSe bilayer anodes by strain gradient.

Layered MoSSe nanostructures have been shown as potential candidates for the anode of lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries. The diffusion properties are generally critical to the performance of ionic batteries. The possible migration paths and associated diffusion energy barriers of Li-ions are systematically explored in MoSSe bilayer anodes with different stacking patterns by means of first-principles simulations. It is found that the diffusion properties strongly depend on interfaces and stacking patterns. Furthermore, the simulation results show that the diffusion energy barrier (and thus the diffusion coefficient) can be significantly reduced (enlarged) by applying a positive strain gradient, while increased (reduced) by applying a negative one. For example, the diffusion coefficient is increased roughly by 100 times relative to that of the pristine one when subjected to a strain gradient of 0.02 Å-1. In particular, it is found that less maximum strain is required in the strain-gradient than the uniform strain in order to achieve the same diffusion energy barrier. By careful analysis, the underlying mechanism can be attributed to the flexo-diffusion coupling effect. The coupling strength is characterized by the so-called flexo-diffusion coupling constant which is also calculated for each simulation model. The results of this work may provide valuable insights into the design and optimization of the anodes of ionic batteries.

Crashworthiness analysis of variable thickness CFRP/Al hybrid multi-cell tube

In order to fully utilize the energy absorption potential of hybrid structure composed of multiple materials, a variable thickness Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic/ aluminum (CFRP/Al) hybrid multi-cell tube is proposed, with a focus on the design strategies of variable thickness filament winding and multi-cell layout. First, based on the validated finite element (FE) model, a comparative study of different tube configurations is implemented to clarify the advantages and disadvantages of multi-cell hybrid tube. By analyzing the energy absorption contribution of two component materials and local structures, the bending instability mechanism of multi-cell hybrid tube at large angles is revealed to emphasize the necessity of variable thickness filament winding. It is found that multi-cell Al tube is the key factor to induce structural instability, and CFRP with positive gradient thickness distribution is beneficial to restrain the bending instability of hybrid multi-cell tube. Second, in order to better describe the influence mechanism of the design parameters, two comprehensive crashworthiness performance indicators for multi-angle compression conditions are proposed, namely comprehensive specific energy absorption and energy absorption stability. Then, a detailed parametric study is performed to explore the influence mechanism of the variable thickness winding parameters and multi-cell cross-section parameters on the comprehensive energy absorption capacity of the hybrid tube under multi-angle compression conditions. Finally, an application recommendation for the variable thickness CFRP/Al hybrid multi-cell tube is given to provide a reasonable design strategy. Furthermore, a comparative analysis of crashworthiness between the suggested CFRP/Al hybrid tube and reported typical energy-absorbing structures is carried out to reveal the superiority of the variable thickness CFRP/Al hybrid multi-cell tube in the energy absorption stability. This research provides valuable guidelines and suggestions for the crashworthiness design of multi-material hybrid structures facing complex loading conditions.

Lifetime occupational skill and later-life cognitive function among older adults in the United States, Mexico, India, and South Africa.

We conducted a cross-national comparison of the association between main lifetime occupational skills and later-life cognitive function across four economically and socially distinct countries. Data were from population-based studies of aging and their Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocols (HCAPs) in the US, South Africa, India, and Mexico (N=10,037; Age range: 50 to 105 years; 2016 to 2020). Main lifetime occupational skill was classified according to the International Standard Classification of Occupations. Weighted, adjusted regression models estimated pooled and country-specific associations between main lifetime occupational skill and later-life general cognitive function in men and women. We observed positive gradients between occupational skill and later-life cognitive function for men and women in the US and Mexico, a positive gradient for women but not men in India, and no association for men or women in South Africa. Main lifetime occupations may be a source of later-life cognitive reserve, with cross-national heterogeneity in this association. No studies have examined cross-national differences in the association of occupational skill with cognition. We used data from Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocols in the US, Mexico, India, and South Africa. The association of occupational skill with cognitive function varies by country and gender.

Enhancing solar heater performance: A comprehensive study on hybrid nanofluids and angled-rib turbulators for improved heat transfer and reduced irreversibility

This research investigates the performance of hybrid nanofluids in solar heating systems, focusing on heat transfer effectiveness and thermodynamic irreversibility. Solar energy is widely favored for its eco-friendly nature, but traditional operating fluids in solar heaters lack sufficient thermal conductivity. To address this issue, modified fluids called nanofluids have been developed. This study proposes a novel approach that combines nanofluids and turbulators to evaluate solar system performance. ANSYS FLUENT 18.0 solver is employed, utilizing the iterative time advancement technique for solving the set of equations. Entropy generation analysis is employed as a promising methodology. Aluminum-oxide nanoparticles are examined for their impact on heat transfer, pressure drop, and entropy generation in a rib channel at Re= 20,000. To enhance heat transfer, the effects of angled-ribs are assessed using the thermal enhancement factor, which considers heat transfer rate and friction factor. Results indicate that triangular-shaped ribs exhibit superior thermal performance. Furthermore, the study investigates the influence of nanofluid volume fraction and heat flux distribution on Nusselt number, pressure drop, thermal performance factor, and entropy generation. Increasing the nanofluid fraction enhances the Nusselt number, pressure drop, and performance evaluation criterion (PEC). Based on the results of a quantitative analysis, it can be concluded that 4% nanoparticle volume fraction results in an increase of 4.6%, 11.63%, and 18.5% in Nusselt number in triangular and rectangular channels without teeth and with teeth, respectively. Additionally, a positive heat flux gradient improves heat transfer and reduces entropy generation, suggesting that adjusting the boundary condition can enhance energy and exergy efficiency. Overall, this study demonstrates the benefits of entropy generation analysis for assessing thermal systems and implementing hybrid nanofluids with turbulators in solar heating, contributing valuable insights to sustainable energy technologies.

Mechanical characteristics of graded origami bellows under axial tension

In this study, the mechanical characteristics of the graded origami bellows were numerically investigated and experimentally validated. Two graded geometric parameters were considered: pre-folding angle (θ) and layer height (Le). The sensitivities of the deployment process and energy absorption efficiency of origami bellows to variations in θ and Le under quasi-static loading and dynamic loading were numerically investigated. Results show that the origami bellows with positive gradients exhibited progressive deployment process. More than one deformation mechanism was triggered during deployment, indicating a mixed non-rigid deployment mode. A large gradient of θ had a notable effect on the energy absorption efficiency. Both specific energy absorption (SEA) and mean tensile force (Pm) decreased as the gradient of θ increased. Although the gradient of Le was insensitive to the force response, the SEA decreased as the gradient of Le increased. The dynamic behavior of the graded models indicated that both the initial peak force and SEA were affected by the graded parameters. In general, the proposed graded origami bellows show a controllable deployment process and a stable force response under axial tension.

Parameter analysis and rapid design of porosity gradient distribution for open-cell metal foam in the latent thermal energy storage unit

The positive gradient porosity design of metal foam is used to improve the thermal performance of the vertical shell-and-tube latent thermal energy storage (LTES) unit. To optimize the gradient design, quantitative analysis is of vital importance. Therefore, the relative offset number EX is proposed in this study, which indicates the porosity difference between upper/down porosity and the mean porosity. Based on the numerical model of a shell-and-tube LTES unit filled with composite phase change material (CPCM) on the shell side, the effects of parameters, including the inlet HTF temperature and velocity, LTES dimensions, porosity, and thermal conductivity of the metal foam on the optimal gradient design are discussed. The optimal EX exhibits little relation with the inlet temperature but increases with the LTES height and thermal conductivity, while decreases with inlet velocity, porosity, and LTES outer radius. With the correlation between the optimal EX and the relative dimensionless number, the effects of these parameters on the optimal EX are integrated and quantified as experience equations so that the optimal porosity gradient of metal foam and the relative reduction melting time can be rapidly obtained under a wide variety of practical applications.

The convergence rate of p-harmonic to infinity-harmonic functions

The purpose of this paper is to prove a uniform convergence rate of the solutions of the p-Laplace equation with Dirichlet boundary conditions to the solution of the infinity-Laplace equation as . The rate scales like for general solutions of the Dirichlet problem and like for solutions with positive gradient. An explicit example shows that it cannot be better than . The proof of this result solely relies on the comparison principle with the fundamental solutions of the p-Laplace and the infinity-Laplace equation, respectively. Our argument does not use viscosity solutions, is purely metric, and is therefore generalizable to more general settings where a comparison principle with Hölder cones and Hölder regularity is available.

AGN feedback and star formation in the peculiar galaxy NGC 232: insights from VLT-MUSE observations

ABSTRACT We use VLT-MUSE integral field unit data to study the ionized gas physical properties and kinematics as well as the stellar populations of the Seyfert 2 galaxy NGC 232 as an opportunity to understand the role of AGN feedback on star formation. The data cover a field of view of 60 × 60 arcsec2 at a spatial resolution of ∼850 pc. The emission-line profiles have been fitted with two Gaussian components, one associated to the emission of the gas in the disc and the other due to a bi-conical outflow. The spectral synthesis suggests a predominantly old stellar population with ages exceeding 2 Gyr, with the largest contributions seen at the nucleus and decreasing outwards. Meanwhile, the young and intermediate age stellar populations exhibit a positive gradient with increasing radius and a circum-nuclear star-forming ring with radius of ∼0.5 kpc traced by stars younger than 20 Myr, is observed. This, along with the fact that AGN and SF dominated regions present similar gaseous oxygen abundances, suggests a shared reservoir feeding both star formation and the AGN. We have estimated a maximum outflow rate in ionized gas of ∼1.26 M⊙ yr−1 observed at a distance of ∼560 pc from the nucleus. The corresponding maximum kinetic power of the outflow is ∼3.4 × 1041 erg s−1. This released energy could be sufficient to suppress star formation within the ionization cone, as evidenced by the lower star formation rates observed in this region.

Yield and physical-chemical quality of table olives in different hedgerow canopy positions (cv. Manzanilla de Sevilla and Manzanilla Cacereña) as affected by irradiance

Unlike olive orchards intended for olive oil, the production of table olives in narrow hedgerows is very recent and the information available about this cropping system is yet very scarce. In this work, we studied for the first time in table olive hedgerows (3.75m x 1.35m, N-S oriented) of Manzanilla de Sevilla and Manzanilla Cacereña cultivars, the distribution within the canopy of yield components and physical-chemical fruit quality traits in response to the incident irradiance. Hedgerow canopies were divided into four positions on each side (East and West) according to height aboveground: 0.5–1.0m, 1.0–1.5m, 1.5–2.0m, 2.0–2.5m, and an additional top canopy position (> 2.5m) integrated for both sides. Total production, number of fruits and size distribution were recorded for each position and the following fruit traits were assessed: fresh weight, length, equatorial diameter, pulp-to-pit ratio, color index, bruising percentage, oil content, water content, total sugars and total phenols. Individual phenolic compounds were also quantified. The incident irradiance at each position was calculated over the fruit growth period using a model based on hedgerow parameters, resulting in a positive gradient from base to top canopy positions. For both cultivars, yield components and most quality traits were positively affected by incident irradiance as they followed a similar trend showing larger mean values with increasing canopy heights. Conversely, the total contents in sugar and phenols and individual phenolic compounds were not affected by the canopy positions. No remarkable differences between East and West sides of the hedgerow were observed.