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An Institutional Review Board (IRB) primarily focuses on the ethical treatment of research subjects. This includes reviewing research proposals to ensure that the rights, welfare, and well-being of participants are protected. The IRB assesses informed consent processes, evaluates risk versus benefit ratios, and ensures compliance with ethical standards and regulations, such as the Belmont Report principles.

The other aspects mentioned in the choices do not align with the core responsibilities of an IRB. While funding for research may be a necessary component of conducting studies, it is not within the IRB's purview to provide financial support. Similarly, designing research protocols is typically the responsibility of the researchers themselves, although the IRB may review and suggest modifications to protocols to ensure ethical standards are met. Finally, the IRB does not publish research outcomes; that responsibility typically falls to the researchers and the journals where the research is submitted for publication.