Optimization of asymmetric bioreduction conditions of 1-indanone by Leuconostoc mesenteroides N6 using a face-centered design-based multi-objective optimization model.

There has been an increasing interest in biocatalysts over the past few decades in order to obtain high efficiency, high yield, and environmentally benign procedures aiming at the manufacture of pharmacologically relevant chemicals. Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB), a microbial group, can be employed as biocatalysts while performing asymmetric reduction of prochiral ketones. In this study, Leuconostoc mesenteroides N6 was used for the asymmetric bioreduction 1-indanone. And then, a novel and innovative face-centered design-based multi-objective optimization model was used to optimize experimental conditions. Also, the experimental design factors were defined as agitation speed, incubation period, pH, and temperature for optimization to acquire the maximum enantiomeric excess (ee) and conversion rate (cr) values. When using the face-centered design-based multi-objective optimization model, the optimum culture conditions corresponded to 96.34 and 99.42%, ee and cr responses, respectively, were pH = 5.87, incubation temperature = 35 °C, incubation period = 50.88 h, and agitation speed = 152.60 rpm. Notably, the validation experiment under the optimum model conditions confirmed the model results. This study demonstrated the importance of the optimization and the efficiency of the face-centered design-based multi-objective model.

Developing a Personal Leadership Competency Model for Safety Managers: A Systems Thinking Approach.

The roles of all levels of management in influencing safety, particularly in a complex work environment, are crucial. Therefore, safety managers need to develop leadership competencies (i.e., effectiveness in terms of person-oriented behaviours) to reinforce their influencing capabilities through their safety responsibilities. However, practising leadership behaviours without considering how and when these behaviours should be executed is not enough. Therefore, this paper develops a personal leadership competency model by adopting the Systems Thinking approach. The model was developed by conducting exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis of three behavioural leadership competencies (emotional, social and cognitive) selected to fulfil the holistic view of Systems Thinking. Data were collected via self-administered questionnaire surveys. A total of 180 valid responses were received from construction managers responsible for overseeing site safety. The statistical results revealed three factors belonging to emotional competency-achievement orientation and adaptability, positive outlook, and emotional self-control. Regarding social competency, four factors represented it-teamwork, organisational awareness, coach and mentor, and conflict management. Finally, cognitive competency was found to be formed by two factors-interaction recognition and pattern recognition. All nine identified factors should, in combination, help safety managers to achieve a better understanding of themselves, of others and of their worksite environments.