code: private int getPrecedenceNumber(char semanticRelation) {
  
          //initializes the precedence number to the least precedent
          int precedence = Integer.MAX_VALUE;
  
          if (semanticRelation == IMappingElement.EQUIVALENCE) {
              precedence = 1;
          } else if (semanticRelation == IMappingElement.MORE_GENERAL) {
              precedence = 2;
          } else if (semanticRelation == IMappingElement.LESS_GENERAL) {
              precedence = 3;
          } else if (semanticRelation == IMappingElement.DISJOINT) {
              precedence = 4;
          } else if (semanticRelation == IMappingElement.IDK) {
              precedence = 5;
          }
  
          return precedence;
      }
docs: Gives the precedence order for the given semanticRelation defined in IMappingElement.
  EQUIVALENT_TO = 1
  MORE_GENERAL = 2
  LESS_GENERAL = 3
  DISJOINT_FROM = 4
  IDK = 5
  
  @param semanticRelation the semantic relation as defined in IMappingElement.
  @return the order of precedence for the given relation, Integer.MAX_VALUE if the relation
  is not recognized.