On a problem raised by Gabriel and Beurling (Q1591607)

Let \(\Omega\) be a Jordan domain in the complex plane with rectifiable boundary \(\Gamma\) and let \(\gamma\) be another rectifiable Jordan curve or arc in \(\Omega\). Let \(V_\gamma(z)\) be the total angle subtended by \(\gamma\) at the point \(z\). The author studies in a unifying manner the possibility of inequalities of the form \[ \int_\gamma u(z)^\lambda|dz|\leq K\int_\Gamma u(w)^\lambda V_\gamma(w)|dw|,\tag{1} \] where \(u\) is a subharmonic function (or holomorphic, or conformal), \(\lambda>0\), and \(K\) is a constant that depends on \(\Gamma\) and \(\lambda\) (but not on \(\gamma\) or \(u\)). Essential part of the problem is to find the best possible constant \(K\). Special cases of this problem (\(\Gamma\) convex, \(\gamma\) circle, etc.) have been studied by Gabriel and others. \textit{R. M. Gabriel} [J. Lond. Math. Soc., II. Ser. 24, 313-316 (1949; Zbl 0035.19003)] proved that (1) holds for \(u=|f|\), \(f\) holomorphic in \(\Omega\), \(\Gamma\) convex, and all \(\lambda>0\). He conjectured that the best constant is \(K=2\). The author disproves this conjecture. She also proves that (1) holds for \(u\) positive subharmonic in \(\Omega\), \(\lambda>0\), and identifies the best constant \(K\) in this case. A variety of related results are also presented and their connection with outstanding results and problems of Beurling, Hayman-Hall, and Hayman-Wu is examined. The author proposes some new open problems.