'is called'/in this way

When we express this Middle Kalpa with twenty spans, the first span is called the first decreasing kalpa, the second span is called the second increasing and decreasing, and the third span is called the third increasing and decreasing. We call these spans in this way and the last one is called the twentieth increasing kalpa.

1. The phrase 'is called' is repeated twice.
Can I write as follows to avoid repeating is called? "...the first span is called the first decreasing kalpa, the second span, the second increasing and decreasing, and the third span, the third increasing and decreasing.

2. Can I replace 'in this way' with 'thus'?

Thanks.