I suspect its manipulation. I have been surprised they haven't pushed a little harder given the low depth on the buy side. they could have pushed it much lower. I suspect they are working to a relatively tight timescale and don't want to risk giving up too many shares that they might not get back. For example, an offscreen large purchase at, say, 15 cents.
Speculation of course, but its been a pretty regular trading pattern.
AQO Price at posting:
20.5¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held