On a positivity property of the Riemann \(\xi\)-function (Q1873245)

Let \(\xi(s)={1\over 2}s(s-1)\pi^{-s/2}\Gamma(s/2)\zeta(s)\), and define \[ h(\sigma)=\inf\Biggl\{\Re\biggl({\xi'\over\xi}(\sigma+it)\bigg): -\infty<t<\infty \Biggr\}. \] \textit{J. C. Lagarias} [Acta Arith. 89, 217-234 (1999; Zbl 0928.11035)] proved that \(h(\sigma)={\xi'\over\xi}(\sigma)\) for \(\sigma>10\) and also, under the assumption of the Riemann Hypothesis, for \(\sigma>{1\over 2}\). Using the same method, the author proves that if \(\zeta(s)\) has no zeros in \(\sigma>a\) then \(h(\sigma)={\xi'\over\xi}(\sigma)\) for \(\sigma>a\); in particular, it holds for \(\sigma\geq 1\). Instead of appealing to the Riemann Hypothesis, the author uses the fact that the zeros are symmetrical with respect to the critical line.