Evaluating the Protective Role of Intranasally Administered Avian-Derived IgY Against SARS-CoV-2 in Syrian Hamster Models.

Background/objectives: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need for alternative prophylactic measures, particularly for populations for whom vaccines may not be effective or accessible. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of intranasally administered IgY antibodies derived from hen egg yolks as a protective agent against SARS-CoV-2 infection in Syrian golden hamsters, a well-established animal model for COVID-19.

Methods: Hens were immunized with the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 to generate IgY antibodies.

Bottling it? Consumer responses to less environmentally friendly products: A choice experiment for water in plastic packaging in the UK.

Consumers have several options when confronted with less environmentally friendly packaging like water in single use plastic bottles - they can ignore environmental concerns and proceed with a purchase, refuse to buy any such product, seek out a less damaging version like water in biodegradable bottles, and/or engage in offsetting/compensatory behavior such as donating to a charity. Understanding how consumers value these options is an important academic and management challenge. To address this, a stated choice experiment is employed.