McIlvaine Coronavirus Market Ale

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Efficient tight fitting(ETF) masks are capable of removing 95% of the virus whereas loose fitting cloth masks will remove only 20%. It is therefore important that three billion people wear these higher performing masks. The problem is that their initial cost could be 50 or 100 times that of a surgical mask. However, since many ETF masks do not rely on electrostatic charging the efficiency is not negatively impacted by washing. This means that ETF masks can be cost effective.

The general public will wear masks only a few hours per day. The masks will be subjected to air pollutants. The average viral load when even in a crowded subway would be 0.01% of that of a surgical nurse in a COVID ward. In the grocery store with social distancing the potential viral load could be 0.001%. This is important in determining how often some sort of cleaning might be necessary. A surgical nurse in a COVID ward needs a mask discarded or cleaned for every hour of use. A person just traveling to the grocery store could use the mask for 100,000 hours before the same viral load will be collected. If the person uses a mask only 500 hours per year they only need to clean it once every 200 years.

Another aspect is that viruses do not survive for 200 years. They may only survive for 200 hours. The takeaway is that discarding or excessively cleaning EFF masks is not very beneficial as a COVID protection.

The newest breed of ETF masks do not rely on electrostatic charging and can be cleaned repeatedly. If a $30 mask is used 100 times it is less expensive than most single use masks and much more effective (93% vs 20%).

ETF masks will eventually capture sufficient air pollutants that the resistance will increase and make breathing more uncomfortable. Over time they will not have a clean appearance despite hand washing or alcoholic sprays. This means that anyone above the poverty line could dispose of a mask while it is still efficient at removing virus.

At one extreme you will have decisions by the wealthy which do not consider the cost of a $30 mask to be significant. The average individual can easily afford to replace masks every few months. For those below the poverty line an expenditure will need to be limited to a few dollars per year or governments will want to provide a subsidy.

The cost for a specific individual is a function of each of the factors. The following graph shows three scenarios where all the variables are low, medium or high.

The result is a yearly cost of $50 to $500 per person. If 3 billion people wear masks with half spending only $50/year each the cost would be $675 billion.

# in millions	Cost/yr/person $	Cost $ millions
500	500	250,000
1000	200	200,000
1500	50	225,000
Total		675,000

Considering that the Cost of COVID is 50 times higher this is a very worthwhile investment.

Vogmask has succeeded in combining comfort along with efficiency and a tight fit with their latest mask design. Inhalation resistance is a small fraction of the 30 ml maximum for workplace respirators as established by NIOSH. Here are test results just compiled by Nelson Labs.

Table Top UV Air Sanitizer Being Used in Schools

Boski Corporation, manufacturer of a new airborne sanitation device, today announced the deployment of their flagship product, the tabletop UV-C Rapid Air Sanitizer, throughout schools and businesses across the US. With the COVID-19 pandemic raging on and influenza season officially starting this fall, the availability of Boski's product couldn't come at a more appropriate time for schools such as Susquehanna University and the University of Colorado Denver.

Unlike other methods of UV-C light sanitation which can be harmful to human eyes and skin, and require a totally vacant space, the Boski UV-C Rapid Air Sanitizer is safe for people, as the UV-C light sanitation process is contained within the enclosed device.

Because the device can provide added layers of protection against airborne virus transmission at an affordable cost, numerous organizations have already adopted Boski's technology, some on a larger scale. Susquehanna University is a prime example, having placed nearly 1,000 Boski devices across their Selinsgrove, PA campus as part of their pandemic risk mitigation strategy.

"UV-C light is a proven technology we are already using for various applications across campus," explains Chris Bailey, Susquehanna's Director of Facilities Management. "For air treatment, we weren't going to be able to quickly implement UV-C into all of our large air handlers due to expense and availability. Boski delivered a great price point, the device is very simple to use and it's extremely safe, which made it a perfect supplemental fit to our overall program. We've currently placed over 900 units in student dorm rooms and by the time we're done, we'll have deployed almost 1,000 units across campus in residence halls, music rooms and office space. It sends a great message to parents as well – we've received positive feedback and appreciation from parents about the extra measures Susquehanna is taking to keep students safe."

"We purchased Boski UV-C units as a way to increase safety for our students and staff that were in on-campus labs," said James Salmen, M.S. Lab Manager/Director of Facilities Department of Integrative Biology at the University of Colorado Denver. "It was one more thing we could do to make student and staff health our top priority."

Designed by Dr. Hooman Banaei, Boski's co-founder and CTO with a PhD in Electrical Engineering, Boski differs from similar products. Unlike other methods of UV-C light sanitation which can be harmful to human eyes and skin, and require a totally vacant space, the Boski UV-C Rapid Air Sanitizer is safe for people, as the UV-C light sanitation process is contained within the enclosed device. Typical air purifiers focus on removing physical pollutants, like dust dander, ash and other particles from the air, with less of a focus on killing viruses. Boski's exclusive focus is attacking airborne viruses, using the optimal blend of high efficacy UV-C light technology with light/air residence time. The UV-C light within Boski's device is rated at 254 nanometers, which falls within the most lethal range of UV-C to viruses. Studies on UV-C light have shown that UV-C at 254 nanometers can inactivate SARS-CoV-2 as well as harder to kill pathogens.

Many similar devices have not undergone third party lab testing for efficacy against killing airborne viruses. In October of 2020, Boski completed third party lab testing with ARE Labs in compliance with the FDA Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) as defined in 21 CFR, Part 58. Results showed a kill rate of 99.99%+ of MS2, a non-enveloped virus which are typically harder to kill than enveloped viruses like COVID-19.

PureAir and Noble Biomaterials Partner on Antimicrobial Filter

PureAir Filtration has partnered with Noble Biomaterials to launch FiberShield™, the first antimicrobial product with silver technology that can be used in any filter.

FiberShield™ is made of a proprietary blend of nonwoven nanofibers that are impregnated with antimicrobial Ionic+™ silver technology. The antimicrobial fabric can be used in any particulate filter and is the only one on the market to offer such flexibility to filter manufacturers. FiberShield™ with Ionic+ technology has been tested and proven effective by independent testing laboratories to inactivate over 99% of specific pathogens.

PureAir also debuted a second product in its antimicrobial line called Microbe-sorb™, an adsorbent media that utilizes a proprietary blend of compounds to activate, enhance and deliver the strong antimicrobial properties of permanganate, a material commonly used in medical practices since the early 1800s. Independent laboratory tests show Microbe-sorb inactivates over 99% of microbes on contact.

Both of PureAir’s new products are aimed at mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic by focusing on improving air quality through gas, odor and pathogen removal.

PureAir Filtration’s systems are custom designed and focus on four key areas: Odor & Emission Control, Protecting Electronics, Indoor Air Quality, and Toxic Gas Protection. PureAir provides a line of products that simplify the regular maintenance of its systems. This includes a line of real-time electronic air quality monitoring, real-time media bed life monitoring, chemical filtration, corrosion classification coupons and media life analysis.

Noble Biomaterials, Inc. is a global leader in antimicrobial and conductivity solutions for soft-surface applications. The company produces advanced material technologies designed for mission-critical applications in the performance apparel, healthcare, industrial and emerging wearable technology markets. Its flagship brands, X-STATIC®, Ionic+™ and CIRCUITEX®, are used by hundreds of licensees to provide odor elimination, infection prevention/management, biometric monitoring and conductive protection benefits.

Wakamono is a Nano Biotechnology company that was established in 2010 in Vietnam. They have been successful in the production of the world’s first anti coronavirus surgical mask. This surgical face mask has shown its effectiveness against 99% of SAR-CoV-2 strains.

Wakamono surgical masks are also effective against influenza A H1N1 (enveloped viruses), poliovirus-I (non-enveloped viruses), and 99% of harmful bacterial pathogens.

The mask’s efficiency was tested and certified by reputable and reliable independent laboratories following the standard ISO 18184:2019. Additionally, Wakamono surgical masks could successfully meet and exceed the US's highest FDA standards, i.e., ASTM F2100 level 3 and European CE EN 14683 Type IIR.

An N95 medical respirator can filter out 95% of particles approximately 0.3-micron size, as stated above. However, the novel coronavirus is approximately 0.05 – 0.2 micron. It is always advised that users should not touch the mask surfaces to avoid contamination on either side. The filtered pathogenic microorganisms adhered to or trapped on the mask's surface do not die but continue their life cycle. For example, coronavirus lives for up to seven days on disposable masks.

While addressing these problems, the scientists at Wakamono developed the surgical mask with dual properties, i.e., filtration of harmful pathogens and destruction of trapped viruses and bacteria.

In the production of the multilayered surgical mask, Wakamono has utilized Gecide fabric. These fabrics provide antibacterial property against harmful bacterial pathogens. The inner layer of the mask comprises Gecide fabric layer. This inner layer is covered with millions of organic nanoparticles. These nanoparticles can form traps to weaken and destroy harmful pathogens (virus and bacteria). All the biocide organic and natural components used in the development of the surgical masks are safe in accordance with the in vitro cytotoxicity ANSI/AAMI/ISO 10993-5:2009 by Pacific Labs (USA). Wakamono masks do not utilize any metal nanoparticles in the masks.

The use of Wakamono surgical masks could significantly decrease the infection rate as it would effectively reduce virus transmission. Therefore, this development can act as a potential tool to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stocks Which will Benefit from the COVID Battle

Three stocks which could benefit from the fight against COVID were reviewed by Edward Vranic, CFA of Long/Short Equity,

Honeywell International Inc. (HON) recognized the COVID opportunity months ago, launching its Healthy Buildings solutions in May. The company is able to combine its air quality, safety and security products with advanced analytics in order to provide building managers with personalized service to monitor for and minimize any potential virus outbreak. The stock has underperformed the market since the virus outbreak despite the launch of this solution and its heavy involvement in distributing PPE. So investors who are looking for an under-the-radar stock that has benefited from the coronavirus economy might have one in HON.

Honeywell's opportunity is enormous and varied, as evidenced by a recently announced collaboration with the Carolina Panthers NFL team to manage the safe return of fans back to the team's home stadium. The Healthy Buildings solutions will continuously monitor the air quality within Bank Of America Stadium and Honeywell will provide fans with Panthers-branded hygiene and protective gear such as masks, hand gel and cleaning wipes. Given the resistance of some people in the United States to obeying safety protocols which has led to further spread of the virus, the branded gear might help to encourage proper use.

Once the threat of COVID-19 subsides, the Honeywell solution can morph into an IoT building management service. In addition to monitoring for the virus, it will identify and correct building controls issues such as carbon dioxide levels, temperature and humidity. The Healthy Buildings dashboard can manage aspects of building management like fan capacity and cleaning tracking. This can lead to cost savings and service improvements as resources and employees such as janitors can be more timely and efficiently deployed. The virus acts like a door-opener for Honeywell's building management solutions that could lead to permanent new business that might otherwise have been a harder sell without the immediate urgency.

Kontrol Energy Corp. (OTCQB:KNRLF) (KNR.C) recently created what it calls BioCloud technology in order to manage the pandemic. This wall-mounted unit detects the presence of COVID-19 in the air and triggers an alert system to warn building managers so moves can be made to control an outbreak before it occurs.

Last month, the company was featured in an article by the CBC (Canada's government-owned national news media outlet), causing the stock to more than double in price after it already had a good run. It currently has a market cap of approximately $110 million. The immediate target market will be schools, hospitals, long-term care homes and mass transit. The company estimates a $12,000 price tag for each unit and says it has secured the manufacturing capacity to produce up to 20,000 units per month. The technology was independently tested so the next step would be securing contracts.

In addition to BioCloud, the company recently procured a new order for its SmartSuite® smart building technology across four apartment buildings located in Ontario, Canada. So much like how Honeywell is able to leverage its virus management solutions into an IoT building management contract, Kontrol may be able to do the same thing on a smaller scale.

While Kontrol has developed a virus tracker and early warning system, Manganese X Energy Corp. (OTCPK:MNXXF) (MN.V) is looking to go one step further and outright kill the virus once detected in a building. Earlier this month, its subsidiary Disruptive Battery Corp. signed an MOU with PureBiotics to acquire a significant equity share of up to 50% in a PureBiotics Environmental Air Quality Control Company. Even though it's still in the MOU phase, PureBiotics' CEO Lino Morris recently joined the company's Advisory Board.

The two companies are combining forces to develop a product that will circulate air disinfection agents through a building's HVAC distribution system. It leverages Manganese X's patented disinfection apparatus system with PureBiotics' existing product lines and technologies in order to cleanse buildings of COVID-19 and any other pathogens. Lino Morris has over 40 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry. That experience will come in handy as he will be the one spearheading additional testing and validation of the product. He is reaching out to universities to test the air quality control delivery system. Just like Kontrol, Manganese X wants that third party validation of its product.

Manganese X sits at around a $25 million market cap, a fraction of Kontrol's valuation as the additional hurdle of validation needs to take place. If validation is successful, Kontrol represents a demonstrated upside for Manganese X shareholders. The stock has already moved up healthily over summer prices and has experienced volatility recently. Hype over Tesla's (TSLA) recent inclusion of Manganese in its battery and desire to source battery materials is the primary reason for the increase. Manganese X owns the Battery Hill Manganese project situated just north of the U.S. border in New Brunswick. I briefly outlined it and the company's familial connection to Tesla in a previous article. Manganese X shareholders have a reduced risk from diversification built in due to these two disparate lines of business. Should one not pan out, that has absolutely no impact on the probability of success for the other.

Without getting too heavily into speculation, assuming that both solutions from Kontrol and Manganese X progress as hoped, it would make a lot of sense for a building manager to have both products on hand. BioCloud to detect COVID-19 and the Manganese X solution to cleanse the virus through the HVAC system.

While Honeywell offers a virus building management play for conservative investors, these type of small cap companies are more attractive to risk-tolerant small cap investors such as myself. Both Kontrol and Manganese X have moved up a lot in the past few months, so speculative investors are no longer "buying low" and have to be prepared for volatility. Early stage investors who are in at lower prices might choose to take their profits along the way. But based on Kontrol's market cap of approximately $110 million and Manganese X's market cap of approximately $25 million, they leave a lot of room for upside. I will continue to monitor the small cap sector for indoor virus management opportunities such as Kontrol Energy and Manganese X.