Team:UESTC-Software/Safety

Description

Safety with BioMaster 2.0

BioMaster 2.0 is a biobrick database centered on iGEM Registry. It focuses on database integration as well as some practical functions such as EC number prediction, SBOL visual design, cross ID search and so on. The data in the BioMaster2.0 comes from databases like UniProt and EPD with security certifications and declarations. Our EC number prediction and Promoter prediction are only meant to provide users with a prediction result as reference. Users are supposed to decide on the usage depending on the actual situation and their own judgement.

Q1: What Are the Functions of BioMaster2.0?

A1: BioMaster2.0 can be used to search for detailed information of biobricks such as its functions, sites, interactions and related references. It keeps the promoter prediction and adds the EC prediction. Based on the chemical reactions enzymes catalyze, the Enzyme Commission number (EC number) is a numerical classification scheme for enzymes. It is a four-digit numerical representation, four elements separated by periods (e.g. EC 3.1.3.16 - Protein-serine/threonine phosphatase). Users just need to provide a protein sequence, then they will receive a feedback with a probabilistic EC number with more information about the enzyme in BRENDA. Additionally, BioMaster2.0 provides some practical functions such as SBOL visual design, web BLAST and cross ID conversion.

Q2: How Does BioMaster2.0 Work?

A2: BioMaster2.0 is maintained by UESTC. Users can use it by visiting our website.

Q3: Who Are the Target Users of BioMaster2.0?

A3: People who desire information about biobricks, make some predictions, or develop synthetic biology softwares.

Q4: Does It Have Any Risks in Laboratory?

A4: BioMaster2.0 runs as a web page. It aims to provide more detailed and comprehensive biobrick information and accurate prediction results to synthetic biologists. We won’t use any plasmid or bacteria. No wet-lab experiments and no pollution to the environment.

Q5: Is It Risky for Users to Use BioMaster2.0?

A5: BioMaster2.0 runs on a computer so it does no harm to the environment or users’ health. By visiting the web page people can use BioMaster2.0. Users can choose to login or not. But the comment’s submission needs users' ID. Users only need the e-mail address to registry. Users' private information is encrypted by hash, so even the maintainers can't see their privacy.

Q6: Does BioMaster2.0 Infringe on the Intellectual Property of Other Databases?

A6: We specifically consulted lawyer Mr. Liang on intellectual property issues. The databases referenced by BioMaster2.0 are all open source, and these databases have no related statements. So, our work is reasonable and legal. We will also provide the original database name. In addition, BioMaster2.0 only provides links to the literature, which is accessible directly on the relevant websites which does not constitute infringement.

Q7: Does BioMaster2.0 Need to Be Responsible For the User's Actions?

A7: BioMaster2.0 is free to use, which means that there is no interest or profit from users. But users should adhere to the principle of voluntariness when using. Therefore, we disclaim the responsibility for any misuse.

Safety with Human Practices

All the interviews and photos we have shown about Human Practices have been posted on the website with the permission of interviewees. Considering the diversity of the users, we only released the online version of the questionnaire. It doesn’t violate the user's privacy, and strictly comply with the network security law.

Safety with BioME

Q1: Where Can It Be Used? Will It Cause Environmental Pollution?

A1: Users only need to download it to their own computer to play the game. BioME can only be ran on a computer so it will not cause environmental pollution.

Q2: Who Will Use the PC Version of BioME?

A2: Our target players are anyone who are interested in synthetic biology. Besides, teachers or parents can utilize it to inspire children's interest in synthetic biology.

Q3: Will It Harm the Privacy of Users?

A3: The game doesn’t require login so it doesn’t collect users’ personal information. It causes no harm to users’ privacy.