ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

the support they have provided me over the years: to Xavier Franch for accepting me as a PhD student and keeping me on the right track, and to Jordi Marco for making the journey easier. I am also grateful to Paul Grünbacher and Norbert Seyff, the first researchers I have collaborated internationally with; from this collaboration came up my PhD subject, and they made my first steps in research really a pleasure. Next, I would like to thank everybody in my research group (GESSI), where I was accepted from the very beginning as a full member. In particular, to my doctorate companions David and Marc: we have shared this journey together. And a special mention to Claudia, who ended when I was starting, but with whom nevertheless I established a bond that still remains. A big thank you also to everyone who helped me to improve my job, reviewing and discussing my proposals. I would also like to acknowledge the Professors of the Escola d’Enginyeria de Terrassa (ETT), who helped me to combine my teaching job with my research. In particular, thanks are due to Pepa, Angela and Pau, who have been there from the beginning. And last, but not least, I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my family, for their love, patience an