Abstract

is the culmination of many years of hard work and sacrifice as much by me as by those special people in my life who have accompanied me throughout the process. Without you, this would not be possible. First, of course, I thank my family for their continued support in every way to get me this far. After so many years of watching me overcome one selfimposed challenge after another, you can finally stop asking whether I will ever get out of school. As I now embark on an academic career, the answer is obviously never. But I will finally graduate, and before my brother even. So, Dave, just face it: complete and thorough domination yet again! Credit goes out to all my friends with neat toys, hobbies, plans, and ideas who successfully managed to divert my attention away from work and get me hooked on countless other activities. While you all have unquestionably prolonged my student career, you have also made the journey far more

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