Accepted

There are many people who have contributed, in one way or another, to the success of this dissertation. I am grateful to them all. I specifically want to thank my committee chairperson, mentor, and friend, Dr. Mario Beruvides for giving me a chance when not many others would have, and for generously and relentlessly providing me with direction, motivation, and knowledge. I want to thank Dr. James Smith and Dr. Milton Smith for their continued support and guidance throughout my time in graduate school, and Dr. Keith Jones for his invaluable assistance. I also want to thank Dr. Jerry Ramsey, to whom I owe every day I spent at Texas Tech, and all my consequent accomplishments. I am humbled by his generosity, brilliance, and wisdom. I want to thank my fiancée and backbone, Angela Sandoval for supporting and tolerating me in my most difficult hours, and for sharing with me my happiest days. Without the moral support, encouragement, and expertise she provided, and without her belief in me, I would not have completed this dissertation. I am eternally grateful to my father for giving me the opportunity to fulfill my lifelong dream of pursuing graduate studies in the United States. His sacrifices and kindness are immeasurable. I am also enormously indebted to my brother, Mostafa, my sister-in-law, Mona, and my grandfather for their unconditional support