DISCLAIMER This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored-by an agency of the United States Government. Neither the United States Government nor any agency th,_reof,nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference hereinto any

more »

... ccommercialproduct,process, or serviceby trade name,trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or any agency thereof. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government or any agency thereof. This dissertation is dedicated to my Master, Jesus Christ, of whom I am greatly indebted. It has been by His leading that I have studied at the University of Michigan and performed this work. ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First and foremost, I wish to acknowledge the steady guidance of my advisor, Professor Ronald Gilgenbach. I greatly appreciate his commitment to the development of professional, scientific skills and the graduation of his students.