On sums of deficiencies of derivatives of meromorphic functions (Q1318910)

Applying the idea of modified deficiency of meromorphic functions introduced in Tôhoku Math. J. 22, 635-658 (1970; Zbl 0213.092) by the reviewer to the derivative of meromorphic functions, the author estimates \(\sum_{a \in \mathbb{C}} \delta_ \alpha (a,f^{(k)})\) with \(\delta_ \alpha (\infty,f)\), \(\Delta_ \alpha (\infty,f)\) etc. Two applications which concern \textit{E. Mues}'s conjecture in Manuscripta Math. 5, 275-297 (1971; Zbl 0225.30031) are given.