title: Quality of cellulose and biostimulant extracts from Oedogonium calcareum cultivated during primary wastewater treatment

authors: Jayasooriya, Nethmie

subjects: Biomass utilization

abstract: A practical two-product cascading biorefinery was developed to extract a biostimulant and cellulose from the freshwater filamentous macroalga Oedogonium calcareum grown while treating primary wastewater. Biostimulant production provides a valuable extract with production of disinfected residual biomass for further product development. Both Escherichia coli and F-specific RNA bacteriophage, indicators of human pathogens contamination, were absent from the residual biomass. The chemical composition of the biostimulant was complex, consisting of growth-promoting substances, free amino acids, and minerals. The O. calcareum cellulose fractions yielded between 9.5% and 10.1% (w/w) with purities from 84% to 90% and closely resembled microcrystalline cellulose. Biostimulant extraction improved cellulose quality by increasing crystallinity from 59% to 62%. Biomass condition, drying process, and biostimulant production influenced the crystallinity index. This study demonstrates a two-step process of biostimulant and cellulose extraction from wastewater-grown Oedogonium, simultaneously disinfecting biomass and isolating high-quality cellulose as a sustainable alternative to conventional extraction methods.

text: Quality of cellulose and biostimulant extracts from Oedogonium calcareum cultivated during primary wastewater treatment A practical two-product cascading biorefinery was developed to extract a biostimulant and cellulose from the freshwater filamentous macroalga Oedogonium calcareum grown while treating primary wastewater. Biostimulant production provides a valuable extract with production of disinfected residual biomass for further product development. Both Escherichia coli and F-specific RNA bacteriophage, indicators of human pathogens contamination, were absent from the residual biomass. The chemical composition of the biostimulant was complex, consisting of growth-promoting substances, free amino acids, and minerals. The O. calcareum cellulose fractions yielded between 9.5% and 10.1% (w/w) with purities from 84% to 90% and closely resembled microcrystalline cellulose. Biostimulant extraction improved cellulose quality by increasing crystallinity from 59% to 62%. Biomass condition, drying process, and biostimulant production influenced the crystallinity index. This study demonstrates a two-step process of biostimulant and cellulose extraction from wastewater-grown Oedogonium, simultaneously disinfecting biomass and isolating high-quality cellulose as a sustainable alternative to conventional extraction methods.

year: 2024-07-01

title: A multi-phase assessment for selecting an augmentative and alternative communication modality

authors: Carnett, Amarie

abstract: Children with autism, who have limited speech, are often candidates for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) modalities to learn basic mands. However, few studies have evaluated the assessment of AAC modalities. We report on the results of an evidenced-based multi-phase assessment, with a focus on choice as a foundational element, to evaluate modality selection, comparison, and acquisition for six children with autism. Assessment procedures involved using an indirect assessment that evaluated environments and the caregiver’s preference as a listener. The results of the indirect assessment informed the experimental evaluation of learner acquisition and preference for a modality. Findings indicate that the assessment process is relatively quick, the child participants did demonstrate a preference for a mand modality, and the child participants were able to meet mastery criteria for the use of the initial mand. Results point to a potentially useful approach for assessing AAC modalities for young children with autism.

text: A multi-phase assessment for selecting an augmentative and alternative communication modality Children with autism, who have limited speech, are often candidates for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) modalities to learn basic mands. However, few studies have evaluated the assessment of AAC modalities. We report on the results of an evidenced-based multi-phase assessment, with a focus on choice as a foundational element, to evaluate modality selection, comparison, and acquisition for six children with autism. Assessment procedures involved using an indirect assessment that evaluated environments and the caregiver’s preference as a listener. The results of the indirect assessment informed the experimental evaluation of learner acquisition and preference for a modality. Findings indicate that the assessment process is relatively quick, the child participants did demonstrate a preference for a mand modality, and the child participants were able to meet mastery criteria for the use of the initial mand. Results point to a potentially useful approach for assessing AAC modalities for young children with autism.

year: 2025

title: Ōpōtiki Mai Tawhiti Kapa Haka

authors: Maxwell, Te Kahautu

abstract: Ōpōtiki Mai Tawhiti competed in Te Matatini World Championship Kapa Haka Competition and placed second overall out of 45 kapa haka. Placed 1st Male Leader, 1st Waiata a Ringa Composition, 1st, Poi Composition, 2nd Haka Composition, 1st overall composition, 1st Waiata Tira, 1st Waiata a Ringa, 3rd Whakakeke, 2nd Poi.

text: Ōpōtiki Mai Tawhiti Kapa Haka Ōpōtiki Mai Tawhiti competed in Te Matatini World Championship Kapa Haka Competition and placed second overall out of 45 kapa haka. Placed 1st Male Leader, 1st Waiata a Ringa Composition, 1st, Poi Composition, 2nd Haka Composition, 1st overall composition, 1st Waiata Tira, 1st Waiata a Ringa, 3rd Whakakeke, 2nd Poi.

year: 2015