I'm extremely grateful to my supervisor A/Prof. Tan Ooi Kiang for suggesting me this interesting area, and his invaluable guidance, efficient planning, constructive criticism during the whole period of my research work. His foresight and methodology have given me a very rewarding and lasting experience in the whole course of the work. I'm greatly indebted to my co-supervisor Dr. Pan Jisheng for his inspiration and guidance. I would also thank Prof. Zhu Weiguang for his useful suggestions and encouragements. I express my sincere gratitude to Prof. Yao Xi for his guidance and comments. I also would like to express my thanks to A/Prof. Chen Tupei, A/Prof. Sun Chang Qing and A/Prof. Timothy John White for their guidance and discussion.