164 Foundations of Semantic Web Technologies
5.1.2.2 Relationships Between Individuals
Equality of individuals a and b is expressed indirectly as {a} ≡ {b} using
nominals and class equivalence. Inequality of individuals a and b is expressed
likewise by saying that the classes {a} and {b} are d isjoint, i.e. by stating
{a} u {b} v ⊥.
5.1.2.3 Role Constructors, Role Relationships, and Role Charac-
teristics
The statement that R is a subrole of S is written as R v S, and is called
a role inclusion axiom. Equivalence between these roles is written as R ≡ S.
The inverse role to R is denoted by R
−
, i.e. S ≡ R
−
states that S is the
inverse of R. In SHOIN (D), inverse role descriptions may be used in all the
places where roles may occur, basically as in OWL