ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Firstly, I thank God, my good Father, for letting me through all the difficulties. I have

experienced your guidance and fortitude day by day. I will keep on trusting you. Thank you,

Lord.

I would also like to express my gratitude to my family whose love and support, I could

achieve one step more of my goals. To my sons Tomas and Mateo for being my strength and my

stone.

I must express my gratitude to my love, thank you for everything, for supporting me

and encouraging me throughout this life experience. You always cheered me up, despite the

circumstances, I will be thankful forever although you are not here. You will be on my

heart forever.

I would like to express my thanks to my tremendous advisor, Odilia Ramírez for her

guidance and patience in directing me through the conception and the writing of this work. Your

advice on both research as well as on my career have been invaluable.

I would like to say thanks to my friends and research colleagues from cohort XVIII, for your

friendship and commitment.