Statement of parts of the thesis submitted to qualify for the award of another degree No works submitted towards another degree have been included in this thesis. Research Involving Human or Animal Subjects No animal or human subjects were involved in this research. viii Acknowledgements I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who have helped and supported me with my PhD journey this far. My principal advisor Associate Professor Saiied Aminossadati deserves special thanks. I am very grateful for his benevolent support, guidance, and friendship throughout this journey. The patience and attention he has dedicated to me are kindly appreciated.