A characterization of the mean curvature functions of codimension-one foliations (Q1384463)

Let \(\mathcal F\) be a transversely oriented codimension-one foliation of a closed manifold \(M\). A function \(f:M\to\mathbb R\) is said to be admissible if there exists a Riemannian metric on \(M\) for which \(f(x)\), \(x\in M\), becomes the mean curvature at \(x\) of the leaf of \({\mathcal F}\) passing through \(x\). The author solves affirmatively the following problem proposed by the reviewer [see \textit{R. Langevin}, Contemp. Math. 161, 59-80 (1994; Zbl 0844.57028)]: show that \(f\) is admissible if and only if \(f(x) > 0\) at some points of any maximal Novikov component and \(f(y) < 0\) at some points of any minimal Novikov component of \((M, \mathcal F)\).