A polynomial generalization of the Euler characteristic for algebraic   sets
  We present a method to compute the Euler characteristic of an algebraic subset of $\bc^n$. This method relies on clasical tools such as Gr\"obner basis and primary decomposition. The existence of this method allows us to define a new invariant for such varieties. This invariant is related to the poblem of counting rational points over finite fields. 
Miguel A. Marco-Buzun\'ariz
math.AG