Maximal k-independent sets in graphs

A subset of vertices of a graph G is k-independent if it induces in G a subgraph of maximum degree less than k. The minimum and maximum cardinalities of a maximal k-independent set are respectively denoted iₖ(G) and βₖ(G). We give some relations between βₖ(G) and ${\displaystyle {\beta }_j\left(G\right)}$ and between iₖ(G) and ${\displaystyle i_j\left(G\right)}$ for j ≠ k. We study two families of extremal graphs for the inequality i₂(G) ≤ i(G) + β(G). Finally we give an upper bound on i₂(G) and a lower bound when G is a cactus.