We demonstrate the possibility of applying surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) combined with machine learning technology to detect and differentiate influenza type A and B viruses in a buffer environment. The SERS spectra of the influenza viruses do not possess specific peaks that allow for their straight classification and detection. Machine learning technologies (particularly, the support vector machine method) enabled the differentiation of samples containing influenza A and B viruses using SERS with an accuracy of 93% at a concentration of 200 μg/mL. The minimum detectable concentration of the virus in the sample using the proposed approach was ~0.05 μg/mL of protein (according to the Lowry protein assay), and the detection accuracy of a sample with this pathogen concentration was 84%.

Pre-sowing treatment of seeds in a magnetic field can increase crop yields, reduce the incidence of plants and improve product quality.Research purposeTo analyze the mechanism of the magnetic field influence on seeds, determine the most effective mode of pre-sowing treatment of leguminous crop seeds in a magnetic field and design parameters of the equipment.Materials and methodsThe authors have determined that under the influence of a magnetic field, the rate of chemical and biochemical reactions in plant cells increases, the transport of ions and molecules through the cell membrane increases, and the membrane permeability increases, so the sowing qualities of seeds improve and their yield increases. Experimental studies were carried out with seeds of "Adagumsky" peas variety and "Gribovsky" beans variety, using the experiment planning method. Magnetic induction and the velocity of seed movement in a magnetic field were taken as influencing factors.Results and discussionWith a change in the magnetic induction from 0 to 0.065 T, the germination energy, germination, biometric indicators, and the yield of peas and beans increase, while with further increase in magnetic induction they decrease. It has been revealed that the use of four-time magnetization reversal enhances the effect of magnetic seed treatment. The velocity of seeds is a less significant factor than magnetic induction. The most effective treatment mode occurred at an energy dose of 1.90 J·s/kg for peas and 1.86 J·s/kg for beans, which is provided for a pole division of 0.23 metre. The authors have designed a plant for pre-sowing treatment of seeds in a magnetic field, which consists of four pairs of magnets installed in parallel above and below the conveyor belt with variable polarity.ConclusionThe most effective pre-sowing treatment of leguminous crop seeds in a magnetic field is a magnetic induction of 0.065 T with fourfold reversal and a conveyer movement speed of 0.4 metre per seconds, which provides an increase in peas yield by 42 percent, and that of beans – by 23 percent.

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The reclamation of new areas or distant lands, which have limited energy and material resources, requires the use of energy saving technologies, which include presowing processing of seeds in magnetic field. The aim of this chapter is to reveal the effect that magnetic field has on seeds and to detect the most effective condition to process seeds in magnetic field before sowing and constructive parameters of the equipment. Magnetic field accelerates chemical reactions, which occur in plant cells, salts and fertilizers dissolve better, and the permeability of cell membranes increases, which accelerates the diffusion of molecules and ions. Due to this, the concentration of ions and oxygen molecules in a cell increases and seeds absorb water better. Presowing processing of seeds stimulate 25-40% seedling emergence and 30-35% germination. The most effective condition of presowing processing of seeds in magnetic field is 0.065 Тl magnetic induction with four times magnetic reversal and 0.4 m/s seed velocity. As a result, agricultural crop yield increases approximately by 20-25%.

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