Smooth estimation of a reliability function in ranked set sampling

The authors develop a kernel-based estimator of a dynamic reliability measure for use with independent ranked set samples. The estimator is in the form of a ratio, whose numerator and denominator are shown to outperform their rivals based on simple random samples. Some asymptotic properties about the proposed estimator are also established. Simulation studies reveal finite-sample properties of the estimator. The technique is finally applied on an agricultural data set.