The Oxford University vaccine is 70 per cent effective. EPA
The Oxford University vaccine is 70 per cent effective. EPA
The Oxford University vaccine is 70 per cent effective. EPA
The Oxford University vaccine is 70 per cent effective. EPA

How does the Oxford Covid vaccine work?


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Tests show the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is be up to 70 per cent effective in fighting coronavirus infection.

In a surprise twist, the much-vaunted vaccine was up to 90 per cent effective when administered at a half dose and then at a full dose.

Here’s a look at the key questions behind how the Oxford vaccine works:

How does it trigger an immune response?

The vaccine uses a weakened version of a virus to prepare the body for an attack.

In this case, scientists used a virus that causes a common cold in chimpanzees but is harmless to humans.

The genetic instructions for the “spike protein” of coronavirus – which it needs to invade cells – are transferred to the vaccine.

It triggers an immune response, effectively training the body to recognise coronavirus and destroy it.

Having been through a practice run, the body is ready to fight the real thing.

Does it work differently to Pfizer and Moderna’s vaccines?

Yes. The Oxford vaccine uses conventional technology, while Pfizer and Moderna’s vaccine is a new approach.

Pfizer and Moderna are messenger RNA vaccines.

RNA vaccines use only the virus’s genetic code, while the Oxford vaccine uses a weakened version of the virus.

Pfizer and Moderna’s vaccines, which each have 95 per cent efficacy, tell the body to create antigens to fight infected cells.

No actual virus is needed to create RNA vaccines.

How is it administered and why does the dose matter?

Curiously, the Oxford vaccine was less effective when given as two full doses.

In clinical trials, the vaccine was 90 per cent effective when administered as one half dose followed by a full dose a month later.

The result was 62 per cent when given as two full doses over the same time period.

Together, the results calculate to an average efficacy of 70 per cent.

Prof Andrew Pollard, head of the Oxford Vaccine Group, said on Monday more data was needed to explain why there was a difference.

“We think by giving a smaller first dose we’re priming the immune system differently, we’re setting it up to respond better," he said.

“But we don’t know whether it is in the quality or the quantity of the immune response.”

Prof Sarah Gilbert, who worked on the vaccine, theorised that the smaller dosage better mimicked how coronavirus infects the body.

“It could be that it is a better way of kicking the immune system into a reaction,” she said.

When will it be rolled out?

AstraZeneca said it hopes to have four million doses of the vaccine manufactured by the end of the year.

It is hoped that number will rise sharply to 40 million by the end of March.

At times of peak distribution, 200 million doses will be manufactured each month.

Pam Cheng, AstraZeneca's vice president of operations, said the company was planning for half-dose and full-dose scenarios.

“There are not many implications for distribution (under both scenarios),” she said.

Are Pfizer and Moderna’s vaccines better than Oxford’s?

Scientists are cautioning against judging one vaccine as better than another.

Prof Pollard said comparisons were difficult because the data behind Pfizer and Moderna’s vaccines had not yet been released.

“Press releases don’t give all the information,” he said. The Oxford data is expected to be released in coming days.

While the Oxford vaccine may have a lower efficacy, it is cheaper and can be distributed easily.

The Pfizer shot needs to be kept at minus 75°C while Oxford’s can be stored at refrigerator temperature.

Is it safe?

No one who was on the Oxford trial needed to be admitted to hospital for coronavirus, scientists said.

The team reported that minor side effects included tiredness, headaches and fever.

The safety data has been submitted to regulators on a “rolling basis” and the team believes they can apply for emergency approval shortly.

Can this vaccine help the elderly?

The University of Oxford said its vaccine could induce a strong immune response in all age groups.

The immune responses among younger and older adults were similar, it said.

  • A pedestrian wearing a face mask walks past Cstreet art, advising to "Stay Alert" and "Save Lives" in central London. AFP
    A pedestrian wearing a face mask walks past Cstreet art, advising to "Stay Alert" and "Save Lives" in central London. AFP
  • Pedestrians cross a near-deserted George Street in central Glasgow. AFP
    Pedestrians cross a near-deserted George Street in central Glasgow. AFP
  • A testing staff member completes a lateral flow test swab, mandatory before opening to the public, at Rhydycar leisure centre in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales. AP Photo
    A testing staff member completes a lateral flow test swab, mandatory before opening to the public, at Rhydycar leisure centre in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales. AP Photo
  • Pensioners walk through woodland during lockdown in London. Reuters
    Pensioners walk through woodland during lockdown in London. Reuters
  • Cyclists ride along a quiet Oxford Street in London. AP Photo
    Cyclists ride along a quiet Oxford Street in London. AP Photo
  • Volunteers working for the Tooting Community Kitchen prepare food to be donated to those in need in London. Reuters
    Volunteers working for the Tooting Community Kitchen prepare food to be donated to those in need in London. Reuters
  • People shop for Christmas trees in the Balham area of London. Reuters
    People shop for Christmas trees in the Balham area of London. Reuters
  • Pedestrians wearing a protective face covering walk past a Christmas tree in Covent Garden in central London. AFP
    Pedestrians wearing a protective face covering walk past a Christmas tree in Covent Garden in central London. AFP
  • A sign on a pavement advises pedestrians to "Maintain Social Distancing" in central London. AFP
    A sign on a pavement advises pedestrians to "Maintain Social Distancing" in central London. AFP
  • Workers hang lights on to a Christmas tree within the grounds of The Houses of Parliament in London. Reuters
    Workers hang lights on to a Christmas tree within the grounds of The Houses of Parliament in London. Reuters
Al Jazira's foreign quartet for 2017/18

Romarinho, Brazil

Lassana Diarra, France

Sardor Rashidov, Uzbekistan

Mbark Boussoufa, Morocco

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SHAITTAN
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EVikas%20Bahl%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAjay%20Devgn%2C%20R.%20Madhavan%2C%20Jyothika%2C%20Janaki%20Bodiwala%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Dubai Bling season three

Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed 

Rating: 1/5

Our legal columnist

Name: Yousef Al Bahar

Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994

Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers

The Energy Research Centre

Founded 50 years ago as a nuclear research institute, scientists at the centre believed nuclear would be the “solution for everything”.
Although they still do, they discovered in 1955 that the Netherlands had a lot of natural gas. “We still had the idea that, by 2000, it would all be nuclear,” said Harm Jeeninga, director of business and programme development at the centre.
"In the 1990s, we found out about global warming so we focused on energy savings and tackling the greenhouse gas effect.”
The energy centre’s research focuses on biomass, energy efficiency, the environment, wind and solar, as well as energy engineering and socio-economic research.

'The worst thing you can eat'

Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.

Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines: 

Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.

Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.

Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.

Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.

Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.

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%3Cp%3E%0D%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E6-cylinder%2C%204.8-litre%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E5-speed%20automatic%20and%20manual%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E280%20brake%20horsepower%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E451Nm%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Efrom%20Dh153%2C00%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Enow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Indoor cricket World Cup:
Insportz, Dubai, September 16-23

UAE fixtures:
Men

Saturday, September 16 – 1.45pm, v New Zealand
Sunday, September 17 – 10.30am, v Australia; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Monday, September 18 – 2pm, v England; 7.15pm, v India
Tuesday, September 19 – 12.15pm, v Singapore; 5.30pm, v Sri Lanka
Thursday, September 21 – 2pm v Malaysia
Friday, September 22 – 3.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 3pm, grand final

Women
Saturday, September 16 – 5.15pm, v Australia
Sunday, September 17 – 2pm, v South Africa; 7.15pm, v New Zealand
Monday, September 18 – 5.30pm, v England
Tuesday, September 19 – 10.30am, v New Zealand; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Thursday, September 21 – 12.15pm, v Australia
Friday, September 22 – 1.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 1pm, grand final

Dust and sand storms compared

Sand storm

  • Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
  • Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
  • Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
  • Travel distance: Limited 
  • Source: Open desert areas with strong winds

Dust storm

  • Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
  • Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
  • Duration: Can linger for days
  • Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
  • Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Temple numbers

Expected completion: 2022

Height: 24 meters

Ground floor banquet hall: 370 square metres to accommodate about 750 people

Ground floor multipurpose hall: 92 square metres for up to 200 people

First floor main Prayer Hall: 465 square metres to hold 1,500 people at a time

First floor terrace areas: 2,30 square metres  

Temple will be spread over 6,900 square metres

Structure includes two basements, ground and first floor 

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%3Cp%3EName%3A%20DarDoc%3Cbr%3EBased%3A%20Abu%20Dhabi%3Cbr%3EFounders%3A%20Samer%20Masri%2C%20Keswin%20Suresh%3Cbr%3ESector%3A%20HealthTech%3Cbr%3ETotal%20funding%3A%20%24800%2C000%3Cbr%3EInvestors%3A%20Flat6Labs%2C%20angel%20investors%20%2B%20Incubated%20by%20Hub71%2C%20Abu%20Dhabi's%20Department%20of%20Health%3Cbr%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%2010%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Wonka
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%C2%A0Paul%20King%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3ETimothee%20Chalamet%2C%20Olivia%20Colman%2C%20Hugh%20Grant%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

What can you do?

Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses

Seek professional advice from a legal expert

You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor

You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline

In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support

 

 

SPECS
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Results

2-15pm: Commercial Bank Of Dubai – Conditions (TB) Dh100,000 (Dirt) 1,400m; Winner: Al Habash, Patrick Cosgrave (jockey), Bhupat Seemar (trainer)

2.45pm: Al Shafar Investment – Handicap (TB) Dh80,000 (D) 1,200m; Winner: Day Approach, Ray Dawson, Ahmad bin Harmash

3.15pm: Dubai Real estate Centre – Handicap (TB) Dh80,000 (D) 1,600m; Winner: Celtic Prince, Richard Mullen, Rashed Bouresly

3.45pm: Jebel Ali Sprint by ARM Holding – Listed (TB) Dh500,000 (D) 1,000m; Winner: Khuzaam, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson

4.15pm: Shadwell – Conditions (TB) Dh100,000 (D) 1,600m; Winner: Tenbury Wells, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer

4.45pm: Jebel Ali Stakes by ARM Holding – Listed (TB) Dh500,000 (D) 1,950m; Winner: Lost Eden, Andrea Atzeni, Doug Watson

5.15pm: Jebel Ali Racecourse – Handicap (TB) Dh76,000 (D) 1,950m; Winner: Rougher, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson

GIANT REVIEW

Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan

Director: Athale

Rating: 4/5

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Avengers: Endgame

Directors: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo

Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Josh Brolin

4/5 stars 

UAE SQUAD

Ahmed Raza (Captain), Rohan Mustafa, Jonathan Figy, CP Rizwan, Junaid Siddique, Mohammad Usman, Basil Hameed, Zawar Farid, Vriitya Aravind (WK), Waheed Ahmed, Karthik Meiyappan, Zahoor Khan, Darius D'Silva, Chirag Suri

What is a robo-adviser?

Robo-advisers use an online sign-up process to gauge an investor’s risk tolerance by feeding information such as their age, income, saving goals and investment history into an algorithm, which then assigns them an investment portfolio, ranging from more conservative to higher risk ones.

These portfolios are made up of exchange traded funds (ETFs) with exposure to indices such as US and global equities, fixed-income products like bonds, though exposure to real estate, commodity ETFs or gold is also possible.

Investing in ETFs allows robo-advisers to offer fees far lower than traditional investments, such as actively managed mutual funds bought through a bank or broker. Investors can buy ETFs directly via a brokerage, but with robo-advisers they benefit from investment portfolios matched to their risk tolerance as well as being user friendly.

Many robo-advisers charge what are called wrap fees, meaning there are no additional fees such as subscription or withdrawal fees, success fees or fees for rebalancing.

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Singham Again

Director: Rohit Shetty

Stars: Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranveer Singh, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, Deepika Padukone

Rating: 3/5

How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less

Profile of MoneyFellows

Founder: Ahmed Wadi

Launched: 2016

Employees: 76

Financing stage: Series A ($4 million)

Investors: Partech, Sawari Ventures, 500 Startups, Dubai Angel Investors, Phoenician Fund