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{ \bfseries \large Acknowledgments}
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I would like to first thank my supervisor, Dr. Paul S. Moses for all his contributions during my doctorate. His guidance and encouragement have proven invaluable to me and have made me the researcher I am today. Next, I would like to thank the members of my doctoral committee for serving in this role, as well as, for their many contributions: Dr. Choon Yik Tang for his helpful instruction during the Control Theory course, Dr. John Jiang for giving me helpful feedback about my teaching, and Dr. Jie Cai for his words of encouragement about my research. I would also like to thank Dr. Mohammad A.S. Masoum of Utah Valley University for his helpful guidance and advice during the preparation of my journal papers. 
Next, I would like to thank my dear parents, Mr. Joseph, and Dr. Reenie Devadason for the many sacrifices they have made for my education. Throughout the years, their unwavering love and support have guided me through the most difficult times, especially during my move to the United States. I would also like to thank my brother Mr. Moses Devadason for his care and friendship. 
I am very grateful for the years of instruction and resources I received from the faculty and staff of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department. In particular, I wish to thank Dr. Rodney Keele for all the administrative help and chocolate, Dr. Chad Davis for the opportunity to serve as his teaching assistant during my last three semesters to help me gain experience to start my career as an educator. 
I would like to now thank my chosen family and friends for their love and support including my adopted big sister Dr. Katryn Pasaribu, grandparents Mr. Sam and Ms. Yvonne Satterfield from First Baptist Church Knoxville, big brothers Michael Henderson and Derek Mehl, little sibling Skyler Moomey, little brother Josh Cater, little sister Krista Henderson, Mr. Daniel Glover, Dr. Wanghao Fei, Mr. Jace Huser, Mr. Garrett and Ms. Stephanie Robberson, Mr. Ali Sajadian, Mr. Mojtaba Jalalpour, Mr. Blake Woods, Ms. Melissa Gray and so many others who have loved and encouraged me to persevere.  I would like to acknowledge now, my parents-in-law Mr. Vance and Mrs. Wanda Martin, my brother and sister-in-law - Mr. Nathan and Ms. Kathryn Martin and my grandma-in-law - Ms. Dora Waguespack who have played a significant role in my well-being. Finally, I want to thank my wonderful husband, Benjamin Elliot Martin, M.D who gave me all his love and support towards the completion of my doctorate. 


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\hfill \textit{Jonathan Devadason}
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