Characterization and further applications of the Bar-Natan \(\text{Ж}\)-construction (Q6935870)

This paper concerns a technique, attributed to Bar-Natan, that associates an \((n+1)\)-component semi-welded link to an \(n\)-component virtual link. In a nutshell, the technique adds a new component to a diagram of the argument link to which welded Reidemeister moves may be applied (only virtual Reidemeister moves are permitted between other components). This paper relates the technique to various other invariants and notions, including the generalized Alexander polynomial, almost classical links (links in thickened surfaces that bound a Seifert surface), and quandle colourings.