Sur l'invariant de Kervaire des noeuds classiques (Q1061387)

Let A be the set of knot-diagrams with a given projection in the plane. The author gives an algebraic characterization of the function that assigns to each element of A the Kervaire (or ''Arf'') invariant of the corresponding knot, and deduces from it a simple formula for calculating the Kervaire invariant of a knot from one of its diagrams. [Incidentally, the formula can also be deduced from the relationship between the Arf invariants and linking numbers, cf. Theorem 10.7 of \textit{L. H. Kauffman}, Formal knot theory (1983; Zbl 0537.57002).]