First of all, I would like to acknowledge the contributions of all the people that have provided invaluable help and support for the completion of this thesis.My supervisors, Professor Fakhri Karray and Professor Otman Basir, deserve thanks for not only guiding me with a steady hand, but also leaving me the freedom to pursue my own research interests. They have generously given me invaluable suggestions on my research. They guided me to conduct scientific research as well as theoretical studies. Without their directing and support, I would not have finished my thesis research. I thank you for your patience and encouragement. You opened up a whole new world for me.I Have to express my appreciation to Professor Mohamed A. Zohdy of Oakland University for serving as my external examiner. Many thanks to Professor Kumaraswamy Ponnambalam, Professor Hamid Tizhoosh, Professor Magdy Salama for serving in the exam committee. Your comments and suggestions have greatly improved my work.The stimulating discussions in late night sessions with my lab mates have provided an energy boost when things seemed going nowhere. I greatly appreciate their friendship that has made my work more enjoyable. The amazing faculty and staff at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Department of Systems Design Engineering at the University of Waterloo are appreciated for all the document submission reminders, seminar notices, and ready hands to help me. I also thank you for being great friends after work. It seems that there are get-together events all year around, and I never feel bored here.I really enjoy the friendly and supporting environment here at the University of Waterloo. The University of Waterloo has provided a supportive and enjoyable environment in which students can study and work. I thank all the faculty, staff and students here sincerely.My thanks must also go to the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of Canada for awarding me the PGS-B scholarship and providing the funding for this research through research grants to my supervisors.On a personal front, I am forever indebted to my family for my continued study. Special thanks to my parents, my brother and my sister-in-law who have provided both moral and financial support over the period of my education. Without all your love and support, I iv wouldn't have been able to finish this thesis.There have been many people who have actively contributed to this project, all their help and support are appreciated.
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