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Objective: Biosimilar (BSM) drugs are currently being manufactured and dispensed in several pharmaceutical markets worldwide, including Jordan. They are clinically similar to biological drugs in terms of safety, purity, and potency, but with lower cost, hence they are of great interest. Pharmacists play a fundamental role as health care providers, due to their direct contact with patients, in terms of providing information and guidance about BSM drugs and their use for patients. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, familiarity, and attitude with BSM drugs among practicing Jordanian pharmacists. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire which was composed of 25 close-ended questions, was distributed via email and various social media applications to Jordanian pharmacists working in different fields. Results: A total of 400 pharmacists responded to the questionnaire. Overall, the level of knowledge and familiarity about BSM drugs among Jordanian pharmacists was low, as 75% of the respondents had a knowledge score of 66.7%. Poor knowledge was noticed in terms of variability of biological drug formulation lots and the BSM drug, the approval process of BSM drugs, and their cost, with correct answers of the respondents being 30.8%, 16%, and 7.5%, respectively. Nevertheless, the attitude of respondents towards BSM drug dispensing, and increasing patients’ access to a variety of treatment options (73.8% and 82.3%, respectively) was rather favorable. Conclusions: The results of our study recognized three knowledge gaps: the variability between the biological drug formulation lots and the BSM drug, the cost of biological and BSM drugs, and understanding the approval process of biological and BSM drugs. So, these findings highlight a significant need for evidence-based education about BSM drugs among Jordanian pharmacists.

Jordan imports 94% of its oil and gas (fossil fuels) to meet its energy needs, leaving it vulnerable to variations in fuel price. Jordan's demand for energy is growing at a rate of 3% annually. In response, the government set a target of obtaining 10% of its energy needs from renewable energy resources by increasing electricity generation share from the present 1.13 GW–1.8 GW by 2020. The sources of generation include abundant solar, wind, and biomass resources, which also enhance economic growth and reduce pollution. This article analyzed the current energy situation in Jordan and assessed the available renewable energy resources potential for direct investments. The actual contribution of clean energy is still moderate at roughly 7% of total energy demand, despite the efforts placed on the development of alternative energy resources. The national electricity supply and demand are presented, and the government initiatives, financial incentives, and tax exemptions to encourage investments in clean energy are also discussed. The renewable energy policy generates future opportunities for investors with an ambitious $20 billion energy plans as does its strategy to improve energy efficiency. This article will benefit interested clean energy investors and developers and plans for 2,000 MW investments in wind and solar energy are ready for bidders. Such an endeavor and model will also benefit neighboring countries in the region.

Olive mill wastewaters (OMWWs) are a significant source of environmental pollution, especially in important olive oil producing countries such as Spain, Greece, Syria, Jordan and other countries in the Mediterranean. Due to cost issue no treatments plants are currently available at the mills; therefore, OMWW is normally discharged into the environment causing serious environmental problems such as: coloring and pollution of surface and ground waters, soil surface, and foul odors problems. Approximately 209,000 tons of olives have been processed in Jordan in 2017, which generated 175,000 m3 of OMWWs. They generated rougly 3,069 tons of BOD5, 7,956 tons of COD, 149 tons of residual olive oil, 2.07 tons of phenols, 3,753 ton total suspended solids and 4.2 ton of phosphorous. The OMWW is rich in organic matter expressed as BOD5 and COD with COD/BOD5 of 2.6 indicated that OMWWs is not suitable for biological treatment and therefore must be treated before discharge to the environment or sewer system. Cleaner production options and proper environmental waste management systems at the mills are needed to reduce their environmental impact. This may include the adoption of the two-phase mills to reduce water use to less than half the quantities used in traditional and three phases mills.

Soil amendment with olive cake produced from olive mills waste (olive pomace/cake) is an ordinary practice in olive producing countries in the Middle East. It is used to improve soil physical and chemical properties as well as cheep waste management approach. But, the olive cake contains small percentage of residual oil which may affect water holding capacity of soil and penetration rate in agricultural lands. The data provided in this article shows the influence of adding olive pomace to clay and sand clay soils in terms of water holding capacity (WHC), penetration depth and accumulate intake.