This paper is NOT THE PUBLISHED VERSION; but the author's final, peer-reviewed manuscript. The published version may be accessed by following the link in th citation below.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt to all those who helped me to make my dissertation work a success. I express my sincere and wholehearted thanks, to my adviser, Prof. Majeed M. Hayat, for his suggestion, guidance, encouragement and support throughout this dissertation work. His enthusiasm in research and teaching has been a perennial source of inspiration to me. Working with him provided me an excellent learning opportunity. I thank Prof. Nasir Ghani and Prof. Khaled B. Shaban for their support in conducting this research project and participation in my dissertation work. I would also like to thank Prof. Wei Shu, Prof. Patrick Bridges, Prof. Maria Cristina Pereyra and Prof. Balu Santhanam for agreeing to serve on my committee, reading my dissertation and providing useful suggestions during and after the defense exam.
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