Add to ORKGACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I owe a great debt of gratitude to the many people who have helped make this work possible. First, I thank my advisor, Dr. Padmanabhan Seshaiyer, for his guidance and friendship over the past five years. Your positive attitude and encouragement have made this journey a wonderful learning experience. Also, I appreciate all of the assistance and suggestions from my committee members, Dr. Edward J. Allen, Dr. Roger W. Barnard, and Dr. Sandro Manservisi. Your expertise has been invaluable to me and I regard each of you in the highest esteem. Additionally, thank you to Dr. Sivapathasund Parameswaran, who served as the Dean’s Representative at my defense and as an instructor of mine helped me appreciate the problems I have studie...