2026-07-072026-07-07http://salesiana.dossiersoluciones.com/handle/123456789/221184We introduce a new polynomial invariant of virtual knots and links and use this invariant to compute a lower bound on the virtual crossing number and the minimal surface genus.28 pages, 35 figures v2: Updated bibliography and Soulie knot v3: Updated bibliography and bound on genusGeometric Topology57M27text