ACKNOWLEDGMENT
This thesis would not have reached successful completion without the help, support and
guidance of many people whom I am sincerely thankful. Deepest gratitude is to my
supervisor Prof. Khalid Al-Begain. It has been an honor to be one of his PhD students. I
appreciate all his contributions of time, ideas, and continuous guidance to make my PhD.
Also I would like to thank my second supervisor of the supervisory committee, Dr. Gaius
Mulley for his assistance in this study.
I am as ever, especially indebted to my parents, for their love and support throughout my
life. Moreover, I also wish to thank my wife and kids, for their support and understanding
during my study. Finally, my sincere thanks go to my friends, who shared their love and
experiences with me.
Firas
iv