A generalization of Gu's normality criterion (Q444752)

Let \(k\) be a positive integer, and let \(F\) be a family of meromorphic functions on a domain \(D\) in the complex plane. If \(f\neq 0\) and \(f^{(k)}\neq 1\) on \(D\) for each \(f\) in \(F\), then \textit{Y. Ku} proved that \(F\) is a normal family [Sci. Sin., Special Issue 1, 267--274 (1979; Zbl 1171.30308)]. \textit{L. Yang} [Sci. Sin., Ser. A 29, 1263--1274 (1986; Zbl 0629.30032)] generalized Ku's theorem by replacing the condition \(f^{(k)}\neq 1\) by \(f^{(k)}\neq h\) in \(D\) for some fixed \(h\neq 0\), \(h\) holomorphic in \(D\). \textit{S. Nevo} et al. [Comput. Methods Funct. Theory 8, No. 2, 483--491 (2008; Zbl 1149.30023)] derived a generalization of Ku's theorem whereby for different functions in \(F\), their \(k\)th derivatives omit different holomorphic functions rather than the same function \(h\). In the paper under review the set of holomorphic functions allowed is replaced by a set of meromorphic functions. No new tools are introduced in the proof, and some examples are presented to show the limitations of the result.