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ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Writing this dissertation has been a long journey with numerous hurdles. The completion of the project was possible because these hurdles have been cleared by the guidance, confidence and love of some people. First of all, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Leonard Ray, who guided me through the proceeding of the project. He always had confidence in me and provided feedbacks that made life much easier for me. I would also like to thank the members of my dissertation committee, who provided their most invaluable comments at the proposal defense and final exam stages. With feedbacks from them, this project has broader aims. In completing the project, the biggest contribution came from the most special person in my life, my beloved wife Bahar Ulupinar. She gave to me the hope, spirit, strength and inspiration that proved the most vital in completing a project of this magnitude. My love, with you by my side, there is no mountain that I cannot climb, n