The main aim of this study was to characterize cooked bagasse fibers from Agave angustifolia Haw. The fibers were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray Diffraction and chemical analysis. The tensile strength was also tested using fibers with a uniform length (30 mm). The fibers were light brown in color, with a mean diameter and length of 501 ?m and 144 mm, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed elliptically shaped cells with varying lumen size. Holocellulose content was approximately 82.12 %, and total lignin content was approximately 20.69 %. Due to the crystallinity and lignin content, the fibers proved to be thermo-stable until 220 °C. The mean values of tensile strength, Young’s modulus, % strain (?), and ultimate tensile strength were determined via mechanical tests. The results are comparable to those of other common lignocellulosic fibers, confirming their potential use as a reinforcing element in a polymer matrix to form a new biodegradable composite.

To determine the species of agaves most used for the elaboration of artisanal mescal, as well as their productive attributes and availability, interviews with producers were conducted and a ranking matrix was obtained. The agaves with greater scores were: “arroqueño” (Agave americana L. var. oaxacensis Gentry); the “espadín” and the “coyote” (A. angustifolia Haw and A. americana L.) all with high yields, demand in the market, rooting among the producers, but scarce in the region. In a second group there was located the maguey “tobalá” (Agave potatorum Zucc) the most emblematic culturally speaking, with high demand in the region, but with a low yield; besides it is only found in the wild, so it is already scarce. In the last block the agaves found: were “mexicano” (Agave aff. rodacantha), “barril” (Agave rhodacantha Trel), “jabalí” and tobasiche (Agave karwinskii Zucc.). The maguey coyote (Agave americana L.) had the highest yield of mescal with 17.78 ml / kg / year, the maguey jabalí (Agave kerchovei Lem) had the lowest yield with 6.16 ml / kg / year, while the espadín (Agave angustifolia Haw) was in an intermediate position. The agaves that had a low yield, small boll size and medium local rooting were generally used by non-certified producers as fillings to complete production lots.

A neural network and a genetic algorithm were used in a hybrid method to get the optimal design parameters of an Agave angustifolia Haw. green leaf shredder. First, a prototype of an experimental machine was built using the design parameters recommended by the literature and calculated using linear equations. Then, the shredder prototype was subjected to experiments. The defibration data with different blade adjustments were obtained with experimental values. The data was configured and trained with an artificial neural network to establish a correlation between the defibration quality and the design parameters. The multi-objective optimization method based on genetic algorithms determined the optimal design parameters of the shredder’s functional mechanical elements. The best point was obtained from the least number of broken fibers (2.83%) and the most waste (73.15%). The method used proved suitable to optimize the design parameters; this was based on actual data obtained by experiments performed with the prototype and then modeled through artificial intelligence methods such as neural networks to determine an optimal solution using evolutionary genetic algorithm methods.

The global threat of climate change has become increasingly severe, with the efficiency of buildings and the environment being significantly impacted. It is necessary to develop bioclimatic architectural systems that can effectively reduce energy consumption while bringing thermal comfort, reducing the impact of external temperatures. This study presents the results of a real-scale experimental house prototype, MHTITCA, using a unique design composed of novel eco-friendly prefabricated channel walls filled with a blend of soil, sawdust, and cement for walls and roofs. The experimental analysis performed in this study was based on dynamic climatology. A solar orientation chart of the place was constructed to identify the solar radiation intensity acting on the house. Measurements of roof surface temperatures were conducted to determine temperature damping and temperature wave lag. Monthly average temperature and direct solar radiation data of the site were considered. Compared to other alternative house prototypes, the system maximizes thermal comfort in high-oscillation temperate climates. Temperature measurements were taken inside and outside to evaluate the thermal performance. A thermal insulating layer was added outside the wall and the envelope to improve the prototype’s thermal comfort and reduce the decrement factor even more. This MHTITCA house prototype had 85% thermal comfort, 0% overheating, and 15% low heating. This eco-friendly prototype design had the best thermal performance, achieving a thermal lag of twelve hours, a reduced decrement factor of 0.109, and preventing overheating in areas with high thermal fluctuations. Comparatively, the other prototypes examined provided inferior thermal comfort. The suggested MHTITCA system can be an energy-saving and passive cooling option for thermal comfort in low-cost houses in temperate climates with high thermal oscillations in urban or rural settings.