diff --git a/src/research_index_backend/doi.py b/src/research_index_backend/doi.py
index 2812265..82259ae 100644
--- a/src/research_index_backend/doi.py
+++ b/src/research_index_backend/doi.py
@@ -190,11 +190,10 @@ def search_dois(self, db: Driver) -> None:
             + "{self.num_new_dois} new DOIs"
         )
 
-    @connect_to_db
-    def validate_dois(self, db: Driver) -> Dict[str, DOI]:
+    def validate_dois(self) -> Dict[str, DOI]:
         try:
             self.pattern_check()
-            self.search_dois(db)
+            self.search_dois()
             return self.doi_tracker
         except Exception as e:
             logger.error(f"DOI validation failed: {e}")
diff --git a/src/research_index_backend/parser.py b/src/research_index_backend/parser.py
index e46c9e5..3f9ae71 100644
--- a/src/research_index_backend/parser.py
+++ b/src/research_index_backend/parser.py
@@ -21,8 +21,8 @@ def parse_author(metadata: Dict) -> AnonymousAuthor | None:
         if pid and pid["id"]["scheme"] in ["orcid", "orcid_pending"]:
             orcid = pid["id"]["value"]
 
-    first_name = metadata.get("name", "").title()
-    last_name = metadata.get("surname", "").title()
+    first_name = (metadata.get("name") or "").title()
+    last_name = (metadata.get("surname") or "").title()
     if first_name in last_name:
         last_name = last_name.replace(first_name, "").strip()
     if last_name in first_name: