bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring households experiencing and at risk of homelessness: Linking homelessness case level data to Census 2021
Authors: Stephenson Dilly , Hampton Jen 
Published: September 2023

This paper describes linkage of Homelessness Case Level Collection (H-CLIC) data to Census 2021, allowing researchers to better understand households experiencing and at risk of homelessness. This fits within a wider portfolio of Better Outcomes Through Linked Data (BOLD) pilot projects, developing research possibilities and partnerships within the homelessness research sphere.
To mitigate impact from limited and lower quality variables, linkage was performed in two phases: individual-level linkage and associative matching. Individual-level linkage combined deterministic and probabilistic linkage methods, supported using Splink, with two stages of probabilistic linkage with differing extents of geographical blocking. Clerical-focused associative matching was employed following individual linkage, using UPRN and household make-up.
The project took a pipeline approach, with consideration to future-proofing the pipeline to facilitate annual updates to the H-CLIC spine. Also considered in detail are the quality implications of differing temporal data in linking dynamic H-CLIC data to static Census data.
The linkage resulted in construction of a research-ready dataset, which enables H-CLIC applicants to be joined to their Census records. To compensate for limited address information and support best use of processing resources, blocking was used to limit search spaces in the probabilistic linkage. Households with missing links between individual members were successfully identified and passed through associative matching methods. Though matching was successful, the remaining residuals were challenging to deal with.
Error introduced by the linkage methodology is presented via linkage quality metrics and bias analysis. Bias introduced by the linkage processing may be of particular concern, particularly considering coverage of these sample data. Within the fifty-three current Local Authorities included, a skew was observed toward smaller, southernly areas with lower homelessness rates.
The linked dataset enables research into households vulnerable to homelessness, their movements across England, and their exposure to repeated homelessness. The data facilitates research into this important topic, supporting evidence-based policymaking. Furthermore, such use is anticipated to encourage further local authorities to provide their data, broadening its reach and our understanding.
Data First: Family courts data - An exploratory analysis of the nature and extent of repeat use of the family courts from 2011 to 2020 in England and Wales
Authors: Eaton Georgina , Bont Eke 
Published: September 2023

ObjectivesAs people move through the courts and other justice services a wealth of administrative data is created which can provide critical new insights on justice system users, their pathways, and outcomes. Data linkage and widening access can maximise its value for research in the public good and to inform policy.
MethodData linkage has, for the first time, matched parties involved in family and civil law to criminal justice, enabling cross-cutting research opportunities. This data is available to researchers via Trusted Research Environments and these partnerships can build our capacity to derive policy-relevant findings. The administrative data from the family courts in England and Wales provides a joined-up picture of people involved in family law cases such as public law, private law, adoption, Family Law Act, and divorce. The team have published research showcasing the potential of this data and the presentation will primarily focus on this work.
ResultsThe family court dataset has enabled, for the first time, the extent and nature of repeat users to be explored at scale for research. This analysis provides better understanding of the stability of outcomes for children where courts make decisions about their care. We have conducted exploratory analysis of which parties in family law cases in 2011 returned over the following decade. The research investigates the frequency of return to court following involvement in different case types and roles, and transitions between case types. Locality-based analysis highlights important insights into varied patterns across England and Wales, which highlights an over-representation of family court users in some case types and roles residing in the most deprived areas in England and Wales compared to the general population.
ConclusionLinked administrative data can drive new insights into justice system use. Initial exploration has delivered new evidence on family justice that advances our understanding of real-world patterns, but also raises more questions. Collaboration across sectors can ensure this rich resource informs the evidence base for government policy and practice.
Pathways between probation and addiction treatment in England
Authors: Eastwood Brian , Horgan Patrick , Kettle Michael , Henderson Grant , Corr Simon , Maddalena Nino , March Guy , Bazely Mariana , Osmond James , Katz Matthew , Lam Vincent , Morris Thomas , Chalam-Judge Rosie , Martin Eleanor , Robinson Lisa 
Published: September 2023

ObjectivesThe Criminal Justice Act (2003) introduced Alcohol Treatment Requirements (ATR) and Drug Rehabilitation Requirements (DRR). The study’s objective was to better understand the pathways between ATRs/DRRs and specialist addiction treatment services.
MethodsThe Ministry of Justice's Splink software was used to probabilistically link individuals present in MoJ's nDelius probation data with those in structured substance misuse treatment in the community from the National Drug Treatment Monitoring System (NDTMS), for individuals in England sentenced between 2018 and 2022. The sociodemographic characteristics and clinical profiles of the group were explored, as well as their treatment outcomes. Mixed-effects logistic regressions were used to investigate what factors influence positive outcomes from ATRs/DRRs.
ResultsOverall, 38.9% of offenders on ATRs/DRRs were either engaged with treatment services on their sentence date or engaged with treatment services after being sentenced. Offenders with an ATR appeared to engage more (45.9%) than those with a DRR (33.1%).
At three weeks after the sentence date, 26% of offenders with an ATR were identified in treatment, compared to 20% of offenders with a DRR. Of the 15,121 offenders engaged in treatment, 27% remained on the same initial treatment journey until the end of the observation period. 37% dropped out of treatment, while 35% successfully completed this treatment journey (i.e., recovered from their substance use). 1.4% died. Results were also produced on factors were associated with making it into treatment, and with successful treatment outcomes.
ConclusionsFor the first time in England, addiction treatment data and probation data have been linked to produce a more accurate picture of the journey of individuals sentenced to ATRs/DRRs. The findings suggest more work is required to optimise the pathways between probation and specialist addiction treatment services.
Neighbourhood active living environment and obesity in adolescents using the Millennium Cohort Study
Authors: Pouliou Theodora , Griffiths Lucy , Bailey Rowena , Brophy Sinead , Davies Jo , Lyons Ronan , Pedrick-Case Rebecca , Stratton Gareth , Fry Richard 
Published: September 2023

ObjectivesYouth obesity has increased substantially in recent decades; however, the potential role of the built environment in mitigating these trends is unclear. This study examines whether more walkable neighbourhoods are associated with lower levels of overweight/obesity for adolescents compared to less walkable neighbourhoods, after considering the potential role of socio-economic and lifestyle characteristics.
MethodsWe examine overweight/obesity levels for all singleton 14 years-old children living in Wales, using the UK Millennium Cohort Study. Children are classified as healthy weight, overweight and obese using international age and sex adjusted cut-offs for body mass index (BMI). The built environment is assessed using the active living environments (ALE) index for 2017-2018 classified into 5 categories (1-low walkability and 5 – high walkability). We apply regression analysis and adjust for children characteristics (e.g., physical activity), parental socio-economic circumstances and lifestyle choices (e.g., maternal education, physical activity).
ResultsWe assess the hypothesis that the built environment is associated with adolescents’ overweight/obesity levels and examine how much of this association could be modified by parental socioeconomic circumstances and lifestyle choices. The ALE index is higher in urban compared to rural areas. To capture variations in Wales’ population, we are conducting a stratified analysis to explore any differences on the association between ALE index and adolescents’ overweight/obesity by urban and rural areas. Accounting for the potential role of lifestyle and socio-economic characteristics is key for future research, as understanding the underlying pathways of this association is necessary to design effective interventions.
ConclusionFindings can help us develop a better understanding of associations between the built environment and overweight/obesity status to inform evidence-based planning policy and practice strategies on how to modify the built environment to promote child health in future generations by increasing better opportunities for diet and activity.
Maximising the potential of administrative data to examine homelessness in Northern Ireland
Authors: Murphy Siobhán , Mitchell Eileen , O'Reilly Dermot 
Published: September 2023

ObjectivesHomelessness is a growing public health concern in Northern Ireland. Our study intends to measure the scale of homelessness in Northern Ireland and identify the potential of using linked administrative data to understand the complex needs of people who experience homelessness (PEH) and contribute to policy and service development.
MethodsAll formal applications for homelessness go to one central body the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE). However, it is possible that a proportion might remain unknown to local housing authorities due to personal circumstances, changes in legislation or eligibility criteria etc, which might mean that formal applications underestimate the true scale of homelessness. In this study of the interplay of homelessness health and exposure to social services, we can identify emergency accommodation centres by using ArcGIS, a geographic information system that allows users to analyse maps and spatial data to identify individuals who have been residing at hostels, addiction centres or women's refuges.
ResultsWe identified 115 emergency accommodation centres. We plan to use this information to quantify the scale of homelessness in NI and compare the demographic profiles of those who may not be registered with local housing authorities. It is likely these individuals may represent a highly vulnerable population with complex needs and need tailored support packages.
ConclusionWe will discuss some of the limitations of housing-administrative data and the methodologies we explored to help identify those people who may not be known to local authorities that are experiencing homelessness. Our findings can be used to inform policy on providing continuity of care and support for all people experiencing homelessness and reduce barriers to timely access of this support.
The role of firms in the economic assimilation of refugees
Authors: Yumoto Hiromi , Cole Matt , Ozgen Ceren , Jabbour Liza 
Published: September 2023

ObjectivesTo investigate the extent to which firm sorting effects influence the refugee-native earning gap in the Netherlands, and to examine the role of pay-setting effects in widening or narrowing the gap.
MethodUsing Dutch wage and refugee registration data from 2014 to 2021, we employ a two-way effects model, also called the AKM model, and the Blinder-Oxaca decompose model, in order to decompose the refugee-native pay gap into firm sorting and pay-setting effects.
ResultsOur findings indicate that refugees in the Netherlands earn only a third of the average earnings of native workers and that 17% of the pay gap can be explained by firm sorting effects. Pay-setting effects are found to be negative, indicating that the pay-setting channel works to reduce pay gaps between natives and refugees. Limited access to higher-paying firms may lead to a mismatch between refugees' abilities and earnings, exacerbating the adverse impact of firm sorting.
ConclusionTo promote refugee economic assimilation, higher-paying firms should provide accessible job opportunities based on fair assessments of refugees' skills. Our analysis underscores the importance of understanding and addressing the role of firm sorting in widening refugee-native pay gaps, and highlights the potential of pay-setting effects to reduce such gaps.
A causal analysis of school exclusions and youth custody using administrative data and a bit of luck
Authors: Sutherland Alex , Tagliaferri Giulia 
Published: September 2023

ObjectivesThere is a strong relationship between being excluded from school and experiences of criminality and custody in later life. But we don’t know if this relationship is causal: does being excluded cause more people to commit crime and end up in custody? This study tries to answer this question directly.
MethodsWe linked data from the National Pupil Database and the National Client Caseload Information System for four cohorts of Yr10 pupils attending state-funded schools in England.
We analysed the effect of being permanently excluded or suspended in Year 10 on the probability of custody at age 15-17 (inclusive) for more than a million pupils. We used academisation, when schools move out of local council control to greater self-governance, to understand the impact of exclusions on custody. We treat academisation as a ‘shock’ that increases the likelihood of exclusion then use a statistical approach called instrumental variables that enables us to leverage this change to understand the impact on later custody.
ResultsAttending a school that converts to an academy in Year 10 increases the probability of a pupil receiving a suspension or permanent exclusion by 3 percentage points. A Year 10 pupil attending a school that academised resulted in a statistically significant increase in the probability of custody age 15-17, with impacts varying depending on the type of exclusion:

a permanent exclusion increases the probability of custody by 33 percentage points (statistically significant at 5%);
for suspension, the increase is 1.3 percentage points (statistically significant at 5%)

ConclusionEmploying a novel dataset combined with an approach that allows us to distinguish causal relationships, we can make stronger claims about the impact of exclusion on custody (and thus crime). Our results highlight an onward negative criminal justice outcome of education policy that, to the best of our knowledge, has not previously been quantified. Exclusion presents a small but non-ignorable risk of increases in custody, warranting greater scrutiny.
EUROlinkCAT: A linked European cohort of children with congenital anomalies
Authors: Loane Maria , Morris Joan , Garne Ester , EUROlinkCAT Working Group  
Published: September 2023

ObjectiveTo establish a linked European cohort of children with congenital anomalies (CAs) to evaluate mortality and morbidity outcomes of these children up to the age of 10 years.
MethodEUROlinkCAT supported 22 EUROCAT population-based congenital anomaly registries in 14 countries to link their data on children with CAs to mortality, vital statistics, hospital discharge and prescription databases. All live births with a CA born 1995-2014 recorded in the registries were followed up to age 10 years or to 31st December 2015. Each registry transformed their local mortality and morbidity data to a Common Data Model (CDM) and ran centrally created syntax scripts and produced tables/outputs in a standard form for meta-analysis. Analyses were performed on 100 different congenital anomaly subgroups for children <1 year,1-4 years, and 5-9 years.
ResultsSixteen registries linked their data on children with CAs to mortality databases, eleven to regional/national hospital databases, and six to prescription databases. Data on children without a CA born during the same time-period and from the same population area (reference population) were available for seven registries linking to hospital databases and for all six registries linking to prescription databases. For the mortality studies, linked information on survival was available for 96% of children recorded in the anomaly registries (180,00 live births). For the morbidity studies, 89% of children with a CA (n=99,000) and 95% of reference children (n=2 million) were linked. For the prescription studies, 95% of children with a CA (n=60,000) and 95% of reference children (n= 1,700,000) were linked.
ConclusionThe EUROlinkCAT project was successful in creating a linked cohort of children with and without CAs in Western Europe. More efforts are needed to support data linkage in Eastern European countries. We have developed a set of recommendations for data linkage studies based on our experiences in establishing this cohort.
Generation Scotland: Linking all the records we can
Authors: Campbell Archie , Flaig Robin , Sudlow Cathie 
Published: September 2023

ObjectivesWe started a family-based genetic epidemiology study in 2006-11 which recruited ~24,000 adult volunteers from ~7000 families across Scotland with consent for follow-up through medical record linkage and re-contact. In 2022-23 we are recruiting another 20,000, with consent extended to administrative records, with age range now 12+.
MethodsOriginal volunteers completed a demographic, health and lifestyle questionnaire, provided biological samples, and underwent detailed clinical assessment. The samples, phenotype and genotype data form a resource for research on the genetics of conditions of public health importance. This has become a longitudinal dataset by linkage to routine NHS hospital, maternity, lab test, prescriptions, dentistry, mortality, imaging, cancer screening, GP data records, Covid-19 testing and vaccinations, as well as follow-up questionnaires. The new wave of recruitment is all online and can be done on a smartphone, with DNA from saliva collected by post. Teenagers aged 12-15 can join with parental consent.
Results GWAS has been done on quantitative traits and biomarkers, with DNA methylation data and proteomics available for most of the cohort. Our “CovidLife” surveys collected data on effects of the pandemic.
Researchers can find prevalent and incident disease cases and controls, to test research hypotheses on a stratified population. They can also do targeted recruitment of participants to new studies, including recall by genotype. We have established and validated E-HR linkage with the NHS Scotland CHI Register,,overcoming technical and governance issues in the process. We contribute to major international consortia, with collaborators from institutions worldwide, both academic and commercial. Recruits are asked to give consent to linkage to other administrative data, and reuse of samples from routine NHS tests for medical research.
Conclusion We plan to extend the linkage process to include other administrative data from national datasets as and when approvals are obtained. New types of data can also be collected by online questionnaires. The Research Tissue Bank resources are available to academic and commercial researchers through a managed access process.
Using probabilistic linkage to improve estimates of access to services among the migrant population: The case of access to immunisation programs in Chile
Authors: Libuy Nicolas , Pacheco Jorge , Vargas Jorge 
Published: September 2023

ObjectivesGovernments often struggle to accurately estimate the number of migrants using public services due to the lack of a unique national ID. We aim to study this in the context of migrant access to immunization programs in Chile and estimate vaccine coverage in school-age children.
MethodsTo estimate vaccine coverage for migrant school-age children, we combined data from two databases: the Chilean National Immunization Register (which contained 77.9 million records) and the School Enrollment database (which contained around 68 million records, representing about 3.6 pupils per year). Using Splink, a Python package developed by the UK Ministry of Justice, we created a probability linkage model to link and deduplicate records of migrants who lack a unique national ID. The following linkage keys were considered in the model: first and second name, first and last name and date of birth. Linkage quality was evaluated using ‘gold standard data.
ResultsIn 2022, we find that out of 3,644,467 students enrolled in school, 140,317 of them were migrants who didn't have a Chilean national ID. Additionally, in the NIR database, 5.2 out of 77.9 million records belonged to migrants without a national ID. After removing duplicates from both databases, our linkage model determined that 52,524 of the 140,317 students without a national ID in SE were linked to NIR (37.4%). We find that excluding migrants without national IDs when estimating national vaccine coverage for school-aged children leads to an underestimation of 2%, from 86% to 88%.
ConclusionOur findings emphasize the significance of utilizing linkage techniques in order to accurately estimate access to public services for migrant populations who typically lack a national ID. By linking their records across public institutions, more reliable data can be obtained.
Data at your fingertips: How the Integrated Data Service is helping to promote collaboration and efficient decision-making in the UK
Authors: Hartley-Binns James 
Published: September 2023

The Integrated Data Service (IDS) is a cross-government initiative, designed to transform the way de-identified data is made available for vital research and decision-making about our society and economy.
It will improve the capability for researchers, allowing them to link data effectively through state-of-the-art systems and technologies.
The IDS will enable more collaborative data research and analysis to take place.
The service will enable access to data sets from a range of sources, across government departments and Devolved Administrations, presented alongside analytical and visualisation tools. Linking data to help answer complex policy questions is essential for addressing the cross-cutting and complex issues required to improve today’s society. The Reference Data Management Framework (RDMF) makes it possible to link data on a consistent and convenient basis.
The IDS will link data to provide otherwise untapped insight and to allow rapid analysis on a growing range of integrated data assets. This cross-government service will provide policy makers with robust and collaborative evidence, informing the decisions made across UK society.
This session will introduce IDS to our academic audience, highlighting the benefits for data suppliers, analysts and the wider public that will be available through standardised data, streamlined data linkage, outputs, and the state-of-the-art dissemination technology.
Building on the IDS showcase in April 2023, the presenter will outline the timeline for the continued development of the IDS, and how researchers and existing SRS users can get involved. They will also discuss the ongoing SRS to IDS transition.
The service is open to analysts within the UK government, devolved administrations, and external accredited researchers, such as scientists, academics, and researchers, allowing them to carry out analysis that addresses major societal challenges.
You will learn the advantages of IDS, and the progression the service has made in the last year. The audience will have an increased awareness of the IDS, how to get involved and what the potential impact will be for analysts, users, contributors, and the public.